Journey to the Cross
Thank you for joining us for our virtual experience of Journey to the Cross. The 8 stations give participants a chance to reflect on the steps of Jesus from his trial to the crucifixion.
This is an interactive tour, so please make sure to read the text below, watch the video, and take a moment to pray or reflect after each station.
STATION 1
PILATE CONDEMNS JESUS TO DIE | Mark 15:1-15
Music by Robert Watson
Jesus stands before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea. Jesus was condemned by own people as guilty of blasphemy and condemned by the government as guilt of sedition.
Reflection
Imagine yourself tied like Jesus was, facing the people you know you will die to save. Imagine the pain as they choose you to die over Barabbas. Imagine still loving them. Let the rope remind you of God’s pain, His sacrifice, and his even greater love of you.
STATION 2
JESUS ACCEPTS HIS CROSS | MATTHEW 27:27-31
Music by Robert Watson
After being condemned to die and turned over to Roman governor’s soldiers, Jesus was beaten and spit upon, and made to carry the wooden beams of his cross, the method of execution.
STATION 3
SIMON HELPS CARRY THE CROSS | MATTHEW 15:21-23
Music by Robert Watson
Severely injured from his beating, Jesus begins to falter as he carries his cross through the city. Roman soldiers seize Simon, forcing him to carry Jesus’ cross for him.
STATION 4
JESUS SPEAKS TO THE WOMEN | LUKE 23:27-31
Music by Robert Watson
Many women from Jerusalem came to weep for Jesus. Jesus turns to face these mourners, urging them to weep for themselves.
Although it might seem like an odd time for Jesus to be telling these women not to weep for him and to weep for themselves instead, but this is actually significant because it shows Jesus’ love for his people. This is the third time in the Gospel that Jesus weeps for the future of Jerusalem, and since he can see the chaos and destruction that lie ahead, he urges the women to mourn for that instead of mourning his own impending death. Therefore, we see that weeping is not only a theme here, but also a theme throughout the Gospel story.
STATION 5
JESUS IS STRIPPED OF HiS GARMENTS | MATTHEW 27:33-36
Music by Robert Watson
Jesus arrives at the site of his execution, Golgatha, the place of the skull. The soldiers cast lots to divide up his clothing, the only personal possession he has left.
STATION 6
JESUS IS NAILED TO THE CROSS | MATTHEW 27:37-44
Music by Robert Watson
Crucifixion is a brutal and horrible way to die. As Jesus is nailed to the cross and the cross is lifted for all to see, those watching hurl insults and taunts.
STATION 7
JESUS CARES FOR HIS MOTHER | JOHN 19:25-27
Music by Robert Watson
Among those watch Jesus dies were his mother Mary and one of his apostles named John. Jesus entrusts the future care of his mother into the hands of John.
STATION 8
JESUS DIES ON THE CROSS | MATTHEW 27:46-54
Music by Robert Watson
Jesus cried out with the words of Scripture, the 22nd Psalm, as he dies the curtain in the Jewish temple tears from top to bottom, the earth quakes, the dead are raised, and one of the hardened, cruel Roman soldier says, “Surely this was the Son of God.”
