Stations of the Cross is an ancient way of walking with Jesus from praying in the Garden of Gethsemane to his burial. Through the centuries, it has become one of the most common ways to emphasize the significance of Good Friday.
We encourage you to spend 5-10 minutes at each station. As you read the Scripture, place yourself in the scene. With which person do you most identify? What does this reveal about your relationship with Jesus? With others? Then, take some time to consider the application questions before spending a few moments in silence.
If time allows, watch the video associated with each station. Finish each station by expressing your thoughts and feelings in prayer.
We encourage you to take a brief walk between stations. This tradition is a good way to create movement and increase awareness as you move through this experience.
Jesus Prays In The Garden
Scripture: Matthew 26:36, 39-40
Reflection Questions:
What is it like to be with Jesus when he is clearly troubled?
How can I be present to others when they are troubled?
Jesus Is Betrayed And Arrested
Scripture: Mark 14:43, 45-56
Reflection Questions:
How do I react when I see the crowd come to arrest Jesus?
How might I defend those who are oppressed in our world today?
Jesus Is Condemned
Scripture: Luke 22:66-68, 70
Reflection Questions:
What is it like to see Jesus questioned?
Do I defend him? Do I keep silent?
How do I respond when people question my motives?
Jesus Is Denied By Peter
Scripture: Matthew 26:69-70, 75
Reflection Questions:
Do I fear being judged for living my faith?
Am I sorry for the times I hide my faith?
Jesus Is Judged By Pontius Pilate
Scripture: Mark 15:1-5
Reflection Questions:
How would I answer Pilate’s question?
How would I respond to those who say I’ve done something wrong?
Jesus Is Scourged And Crowned With Thorns
Scripture: John 19:1-3
Reflection Questions:
What is it like to see Jesus beaten and mocked by the soldiers?
How is Jesus able to remain meek and humble?
Jesus Bears The Cross
Scripture: John 19:16-17
Reflection Questions:
What do I think when I see Jesus carry the cross?
Am I amazed by his strength?
Am I afraid and sorry for Him?
Simon The Cyrenian Helps Carry The Cross
Scripture: Mark 15:21
Reflection Questions:
Am I like Simon? Am I willing to help Jesus carry the cross?
Do I carry it out of love or something else?
Jesus Meets The Women Of Jerusalem
Scripture: Luke 23:27-28
Reflection Questions:
How does Jesus console me?
What is it like to have Jesus comfort me?
Jesus Is Crucified
Scripture: Luke 23:33-34
Reflection Questions:
Do I hear Jesus’ words of forgiveness?
How can I accept forgiveness for wrongs I have done?
Can I forgive others who have injured me in some way?
Jesus Promises His Kingdom To The Good Thief
Scripture: Luke 23:39-42
Reflection Questions:
Am I like this good thief who trusts in God’s mercy?
How ready am I to accept Jesus’ promise of salvation?
Jesus Speaks To His Mother
Scripture: John 19:26-27
Reflection Questions:
Will I take Jesus’ mother “into my house” by accepting her grief and sorrow as my own?
Jesus Dies On The Cross
Scripture: Luke 23:46, 48-49
Song: Were You There?
Reflection Questions:
What is it like to witness Jesus breathe his last breath?
How do I console the women?
How do they console me?
Jesus Is Placed In The Tomb
Scripture: Matthew 27:59-60
Reflection Questions:
As I watch Joseph lay Jesus’ lifeless body in the tomb, how might I show compassion for those who mourn?
As you bring your time of prayer to a close, consider one final series of questions: “Who am I? Who am I, before my Lord? Who am I, before Jesus who enters Jerusalem amid the enthusiasm of the crowd? Am I ready to express my joy, to praise Him? Do I stand back? Who am I, before the suffering Jesus?
By using your imagination to walk with Jesus during his Passion, you might be able to better answer these questions.
May you discover that, just as the journey to his Resurrection began with Jesus’ death on Good Friday, the great and hopeful things that God wants to do in our lives often begin with something difficult.
Jesus Christ is alive today; his love is your source of hope amid your challenges. This is the hope that leads us to Easter and will help us connect with the Resurrection throughout the year.