STATIONS OF THE CROSS
The 40 days before the celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus on Easter morning give us the opportunity to reflect in depth about the great work and ministry of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ in accomplishing salvation for the world. This work began in eternity past before the beginning of time in the mind of God. It came to fruition in time though in the incarnation, life, death and resurrection of the Son of God, Jesus of Nazareth.
The four Gospels give us four views of the same event. These descriptions may be collated and compared with the Old Testament prophecy that foretold this great event in the life of the Messiah. To the scripture we can add our own somber reflection on what these events mean to us personally. A verse or two of a hymn may be used at the completion of reflection on each event. The words below can be used to introduce each reflection:
“We adore Thee O Christ and we praise Thee. /
Because by Thy holy cross Thou hast redeemed the world.”
1. The Transfiguration: Jesus discusses
His mission with Elijah and Moses
(and Peter James and John) Luke 9.28-31
2. Agony in the garden Mark 14.26 – 42
3. Betrayal and Arrest Mark 14.43 – 52
4. Sanhedrin condemns Jesus Mark 14.53 – 65; Ps 2
5. Peter denies Jesus Mark 14.66 – 72
6. Jesus first appearance before Pilate Mark 15.1; Luke 23.2-6
7. Jesus sent to Herod Luke 23.7 – 12
8. Jesus second appearance before Pilate Luke 23.13 – 25
9. Jesus is scourged, crowned with
thorns and mocked by Roman soldiers John 19.1, Mark 15.16-20b
10. Jesus appears before the crowd
And Pilate examines Him John 19.4 – 16
11. Jesus is helped by Simon of Cyrene Mark 15.21
12. Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem Luke 23.27 – 31
13. Jesus is stripped naked, nailed to the cross
and crucified at 0900 Mark 15.22 – 32
14. Jesus promises paradise to the penitent
thief and darkness descends at 1200 Luke 23. 33, 39 – 44
15. Jesus speaks to his mother and disciple John 19.25 – 27
16. Jesus dies on the cross at 1500 Mark 15.33 – 36; John 19.28 – 30; 15.38 – 41
17. The burial of Jesus Mark 15.42 – 47; John 19.31 – 42
18. The Resurrection of Jesus Mark 16.1 - 8
