Journey To The Cross

Intro: A reflective journey of Jesus’ passion, humility, and service.

STATIONS/ITEMS:

PLANTS

JAIL

JUDGEMENT SEAT

THORNS

CROSS

NAILS

CLOTH

FOOT WASHING

John 13:1 “1 Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.”

1. Jesus Prays in the Garden of Gethsemane

ITEM: PLANTS

Matthew 26:36–39 “36 Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go over there and pray.” 37 And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38 Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.” 39 And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.””

Reflection: Jesus surrendered to the Father’s will. Where is God asking you to trust Him?

Prayer: “Lord, help me surrender my will to Yours, just as You did in Gethsemane.”

Action: Kneel at a designated spot to symbolize surrender.

2. Jesus is Betrayed and Arrested

ITEM: JAIL

Matthew 26:47–50 “47 While he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a great crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people. 48 Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man; seize him.” 49 And he came up to Jesus at once and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” And he kissed him. 50 Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you came to do.” Then they came up and laid hands on Jesus and seized him.”

Reflection: Jesus was betrayed by one of His own. Have you ever felt betrayed or abandoned?

Prayer: “Jesus, give me the strength to forgive as You forgave.”

Action: Pick up a small stone, representing a burden of betrayal, then drop it in a bowl of water as a sign of releasing it to God.

3. Jesus is Condemned by Pilate

ITEM: JUDGEMENT SEAT

Matthew 27:22–26 “22 Pilate said to them, “Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said, “Let him be crucified!” 23 And he said, “Why? What evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Let him be crucified!” 24 So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood; see to it yourselves.” 25 And all the people answered, “His blood be on us and on our children!” 26 Then he released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, delivered him to be crucified.”

Reflection: Jesus was innocent but took the punishment we deserved.

Prayer: “Thank You, Jesus, for taking my place.”

Action: Write the word “Innocent” or “Forgiven” on a card, symbolizing how Jesus took our punishment.

4. Jesus is Mocked and Crowned with Thorns

ITEM: THORNS

Matthew 27:27–31 “27 Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the governor’s headquarters, and they gathered the whole battalion before him. 28 And they stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, 29 and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on his head and put a reed in his right hand. And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” 30 And they spit on him and took the reed and struck him on the head. 31 And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the robe and put his own clothes on him and led him away to crucify him.”

Reflection: Jesus bore humiliation for our sake. Do you struggle with fear of rejection?

Prayer: “Jesus, help me find my identity in You, not in the approval of others.”

Action: Lightly touch thorns or a rough rope as a reminder of His suffering for you.

5. Jesus Carries the Cross

ITEM: CROSS

John 19:16–17 “16 So he delivered him over to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus, 17 and he went out, bearing his own cross, to the place called The Place of a Skull, which in Aramaic is called Golgotha.”

Luke 23:26 “26 And as they led him away, they seized one Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, and laid on him the cross, to carry it behind Jesus.”

Luke 23:26 “26 And as they led him away, they seized one Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, and laid on him the cross, to carry it behind Jesus.”

Reflection: The weight of our sins was on His shoulders. What burdens do you need to lay down?

Prayer: “Lord, I give You my burdens. Help me carry my cross daily.”

Action: Pick up and carry a small wooden cross briefly, reflecting on what Jesus carried for you.

6. Jesus is Nailed to the Cross

ITEM: NAILS

Luke 23:33–34 “33 And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. 34 And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments.”

Reflection: Jesus forgave those who crucified Him. Do you need to forgive someone?

Prayer: “Father, forgive me as I forgive others.”

Action: Hammer a nail into a wooden cross or piece of wood as a sign of Christ bearing your sins.

7. Jesus Dies on the Cross

ITEM: CLOTH

Luke 23:44–46 “44 It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, 45 while the sun’s light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. 46 Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last.”

Reflection: Jesus’ last words were a prayer of surrender. What do you need to surrender?

Prayer: “Into Your hands, Lord, I place my life.”

Action: Hold a small black cloth or piece of sackcloth as a symbol of mourning and reflection.

8. Jesus’ Body is Taken Down and Laid in the Tomb

ITEM: FOOT WASHING

Luke 23:50–54 “50 Now there was a man named Joseph, from the Jewish town of Arimathea. He was a member of the council, a good and righteous man, 51 who had not consented to their decision and action; and he was looking for the kingdom of God. 52 This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. 53 Then he took it down and wrapped it in a linen shroud and laid him in a tomb cut in stone, where no one had ever yet been laid. 54 It was the day of Preparation, and the Sabbath was beginning.”

Reflection: Hope seemed lost, but Sunday was coming. Do you trust God even in the waiting?

Prayer: “Jesus, strengthen my faith when I cannot see the outcome.”

Action: Foot-washing Station – Wash your feet or preferably someone else’s feet as a final act of humility and love, reflecting on Jesus washing His disciples’ feet before His sacrifice.

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SET- UP ITEMS:

MUSIC: Were You There, Jesus Paid It All, et.c

EXIT SIGN: May we go forth in humility, love, and faith, following the example of Christ.”*

Invite: Engage your mind, heart, and body while honoring both Christ’s sacrifice and His call to serve.