Walk The Jesus Way: The scriptural stations of the cross By the South Carolina Lutheran Retreat Centers

The Stations of the Cross or the Way of the Cross, also known as the Way of Sorrows is an ancient practice of prayer. These ecumenical stations were patterned after the Via Dolorosa, the traditional walk to Calvary, using scripture from the four gospels. At SCLRC, we are calling the trail, The Jesus Way!

Pay attention to your surroundings. The path may not always be smooth. Notice God’s beautiful creation. Consider thinking about who walked this path before you and who will come after you. Maybe you are walking this route with friends or you are by yourself. However you traverse this journey, consider God’s beautiful creation that surrounds and accompanies you. This walk encourages prayer and reflection on the passion of our Lord Jesus Christ. Pilgrimages are not only an external journey, but internal sojourns as well.

Use this time for contemplation and reflection. After the Thirteenth Station, consider ceasing conversation and remain silent, except for the readings, until the completion of the walk.

Reader: We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you.

ALL: Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

First station: Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-41)

Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, "Sit here while I go over there and pray." He took along Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to feel sorrow and distress. Then he said to them, "My soul is sorrowful even to death. Remain here and keep watch with me." He advanced a little and fell prostrate in prayer, saying, "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet, not as I will, but as you will." When he returned to his disciples he found them asleep. He said to Peter, "So you could not keep watch with me for one hour? Watch and pray that you may not undergo the test. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."

REFLECTION: In his sorrow and distress, Jesus reaches out to his friends to keep watch while he steps away to pray. Yet he returns to find Peter and the others fast asleep. Sometimes our desire is to behave one way, but in reality, we act another way. Think about a time when your actions betrayed your heart’s intention in regards to friendship.

PRAYER: Lord God, we often disappoint our friends, even in times of great need. Your Son, Jesus Christ demonstrated true friendship when, despite betrayal and rejection, he showed love for all from the cross. Help us to become loyal and loving friends, ready and present to stay with those who are suffering and in trouble, looking to you for guidance to do your will. Amen.

Written by: Rev. Mary M. Finklea | SCLRC Community & Congregation Engagement Coordinator

Second station: Jesus is betrayed by Judas and arrested (Mark 14: 43-46)

While Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a crowd with swords and clubs, who had come from the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders. His betrayer had arranged a signal with them, saying, "the man I shall kiss is the one; arrest him and lead him away securely." He came and immediately went over to him and said, "Rabbi." And he kissed him. At this they laid hands on him and arrested him.

REFLECTION: In a quiet cocoon of a secret sanctuary, Judas led a boisterous betraying bunch of blades to bind Jesus. When has your comfort, quiet or calm been upset or shattered by someone close? When have you brought the blade of betrayal to someone you loved?

PRAYER: Oh God, we are weak and see things through our selfish and sinful eyes. We are betrayed. We betray. We are broken. We break. Oh God, bind our broken hearts and brokenness in your balm of blessed love. Draw us back to you so we may not break apart. Amen.

Written by: Rev. David Coffman | Newberry College Campus Pastor

Third station: Jesus is condemned by the Sanhedrin (Luke 22: 66-71)

When day came the council of elders of the people met, both chief priests and scribes, and they brought him before their Sanhedrin. They said, "If you are the Messiah, tell us," but he replied to them, "If I tell you, you will not believe, and if I question, you will not respond. But from this time on the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God." They all asked, "Are you then the Son of God?" He replied to them, "You say that I am." Then they said, "What further need have we for testimony? We have heard it from his own mouth."

REFLECTION: Throughout Jesus' ministry he seemingly always had to 'tell' people who he was, and what he was about. As he faced his trial it was no different. Tell us "Who you are? Who are you?" When do or have you had to tell people 'who you are?' What did you say?

PRAYER: Lord God, life is filled with moments for us the tell others 'who you are' and 'who we are.' Give us strength that our actions define us and much as our words that you are glorified through us. In Jesus' holy name we pray. Amen

Written by: Rev. Tommy Lineberger | Former Resident Director, Camp Kinard

Fourth station: Jesus is denied by Peter (Matthew 26: 69-75)

Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. One of the maids came over to him and said, "You too were with Jesus the Galilean." But Peter denied in front of everyone, saying, "I do not know what you are talking about!" As he went out to the gate, another girl saw him and said to those who were there, "This man was with Jesus the Nazorean." Again he denied it with an oath, "I do not know the man!" A little later the bystanders came over and said to Peter, "Surely you too are one of them; even your speech gives you away." At that he began to curse and to swear, "I do not know the man." And immediately a cock crowed. Then Peter remembered the word that Jesus had spoken: "Before the cock crows you will deny me three times." He went out and began to weep bitterly.

REFLECTION: The one who is the first to declare that Jesus is “the Messiah, the Son of the living God,” is also the first to deny even knowing him. It is out of fear that Peter denied knowing Jesus. Fear causes us to do things we think we would never do. It is only in hindsight, like Peter, that we feel the full impact of our actions toward those we hurt with our words or deeds. Jesus knows our weakness. Jesus loves and forgives Peter even before he denies him, just as our Savior loves and forgives us.

PRAYER: Loving and Gracious Father, give me your strength when I am fearful. Help me to see past fear’s hold to see your love, grace, and glory. Thank you for your forgiveness. Continue to guide me in your ways. Amen.

Written by: Rev. Angela Jennings | Via de Cristo

Fifth station: Jesus is judged by Pontius Pilate (Mark 15:1-5, 15)

The chief priests with the elders and the scribes, that is, the whole Sanhedrin, held a council. They bound Jesus, led him away, and handed him over to Pontius Pilate. Pilate questioned him, "Are you the king of the Jews?" He said to him in reply, "You say so." The chief priests accused him of many things. Again Pilate questioned him, "Have you no answer? See how many things they accuse you of." Jesus gave him no further answer, so that Pilate was amazed. Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released Barabbas and handed Jesus over to be crucified.

REFLECTION: Jesus was no stranger to being judged, but was now criminally charged and then watched as the one who passed judgment washed their hands of any responsibility. Maybe you have been there too; judged unfairly or unfairly punished. Think about a time when you have unfairly passed judgment on someone and played the role of Pilate. What can you learn from that experience?

PRAYER: God of justice, we know confess that we more often than not have played the role of Pilate and cast judgment on our neighbors. We are quick to wash our hands of our own responsibilities and action and yet make haste to hold others to account for all their wrong doings. May our ways be yours. May our justice be yours. May our actions also be our responsibilities. All the while, striving to see you in the face of all. In your son, Jesus the Christ, we pray. Amen.

Written by: Bishop Kevin Strickland, Southeastern Synod

Sixth station: Jesus is scourged at the pillar and crowned with thorns (John 19:1-3)

Then Pilate took Jesus and had him scourged. And the soldiers wove a crown of thorns and placed it on his head, and clothed him in a purple cloak, and they came to him and said, "Hail, King of the Jews!" And they struck him repeatedly.

REFLECTION: Pilate was the governor of Judea, and as such, was placed in charge of Jesus’ trial. He was conflicted over giving the people what they wanted (crucifixion) or showing mercy to Jesus. Were the guards just following the direction of their governor? Or did they mock Jesus for the same reasons as the crowd? Contemplate the numerous motivations for their behavior. Think about a time when you went along with “the crowd” even though you knew it wasn’t the right thing to do. What will you do differently next time?

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, sometimes our actions go down an unhelpful path and we are too blinded to see the right way. Help us to know your truth and follow it often. Also, Lord, we pray for our leaders that they may lead us in a way that is a blessing to you. Amen.

Written by: Bill Newmyer | SC Synod Lutheran Church Youth (LCY)

Seventh station: Jesus bears the cross (John 19:6, 15-17)

When the chief priests and the guards saw [Jesus] they cried out, "Crucify him, crucify him!" Pilate said to them, "Take him yourselves and crucify him. I find no guilt in him." ... They cried out, "Take him away, take him away! Crucify him!" Pilate said to them, "Shall I crucify your king?" The chief priests answered, "We have no king but Caesar." Then he handed him over to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus, and carrying the cross himself he went out to what is called the Place of the Skull, in Hebrew, Golgotha.

REFLECTION: People who claimed to love and worship Jesus turned their very backs on him the moment that his work did not benefit them. In that moment, people didn’t want to associate with Jesus nor protect him. I think it really reflects how rooted these peoples’ convictions must have been, if they were able to leave it all behind the moment Jesus stopped being convenient for them.

PRAYER: Dear God, may we have patience for the blessings you are preparing for us. May we be firmly rooted in faithfulness, that we do not bend and break away from you when our prayers feel unanswered. May we feel hope and carry faith on life’s journey. In your name we pray, amen..

Written by: Khabo Beresford | Friend of SCLRC

Eighth station: Jesus is helped by Simon the Cyrenian to carry the cross (Mark 15:21)

They pressed into service a passer-by, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross.

REFLECTION: When Jesus was on his way towards Golgotha, there came a point in time when he stumbled under the weight of the cross. It was then that Simon, a simple bystander, was asked to step in and help a neighbor in need. Throughout our daily lives, we are constantly surrounded by individuals in desperate need of physical or emotional help. Or we too find ourselves in need of help from someone else. Think of a time in your personal experience when a helping hand made a difference.

PRAYER: Gracious God, we live in a world all too familiar with physical pain and emotional suffering. We see brokenness all around us and within ourselves despite the abundant love you first show us. When the burdens of this world become far too great, give us the courage to step in and help those in need and the grace to accept help when we need it. Let us share your never-ending love with our neighbors to help bring about your Kingdom here on Earth. Amen.

Written by: Elliott Cox | Coastal Retreat Resident Director

Ninth station: Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem (Luke 23:27-31)

A large crowd of people followed Jesus, including many women who mourned and lamented him. Jesus turned to them and said, "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep instead for yourselves and for your children, for indeed, the days are coming when people will say, ‘Blessed are the barren, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed.' At that time, people will say to the mountains, ‘Fall upon us!' and to the hills, ‘Cover us!' for if these things are done when the wood is green what will happen when it is dry?"

REFLECTION: Jesus shares his last words prior to his crucifixion with unnamed “daughters of Jerusalem.” He tells them not to weep for him but for themselves and their children – greater pain and sorrow would be theirs to endure. Throughout his ministry, there are many examples of faith filled women, true followers of Jesus – treasured and honored by God. May these loyal, courageous, and strong women be a reminder that our heritage is built on known and unknown heroes of faith. Consider the women in your life who have been followers of Jesus. How is God calling you to be strong in your faith and to act courageously in ways that glorify God?

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for women of faith from many ages and for their loyalty, courage, and strength. Blessed are these heroes who played such important roles in your story of Grace, Mercy, and Love. Please guide us to the path we should take to answer your call to act boldly on our faith to serve and love our neighbors. Amen.

Written by: Becky Koch | SC Women of the ELCA

Tenth station: Jesus is crucified (Luke 23:33-34)

When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him and the criminals there, one on his right, the other on his left. [Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, they know not what they do."]

REFLECTION: Crucified! What a harsh word and deed. If a critic speaks out against us we might feel our reputation has been crucified. What other ways might we feel crucified? Jesus endured a life ending crucifixion, yet he prayed that his crucifiers be forgiven. When and how might we offer forgiveness -- even when forgiving is very hard -- to those who would crucify us?

PRAYER: Lord, we mourn over the agony you suffered on a cross. Yet, we know your crucifiers were not triumphant so we rejoice in your victory. We are so very grateful that we, too, receive forgiveness. Help us in our struggle to forgive those who attempt to crucify us. Amen.

Written by: Rev. James Addy | Former Executive Director, SCLRC

Eleventh station: Jesus promises his Kingdom to the repentant thief (Luke 23:39-43)

Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying, "Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us." The other, the "repentant thief", however, rebuking him, said in reply, "Have you no fear of God, for you are subject to the same condemnation? And indeed, we have been condemned justly, for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes, but this man has done nothing criminal." Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." He replied to him, "Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise."

REFLECTION: Paradise! Some people think of paradise as a place; perhaps a warm beach, or maybe cool mountains. Paradise can be seen as a place apart from the busyness of everyday life, where one takes in the beauty of creation! Paradise is all this, and more, but in today’s scripture reading, Paradise is being in relationship with Jesus, living in Christ and for one another as brother and sister in Christ. These relationships that are made possible because of the love of God for us, and the treasure of that love is truly, Paradise!

PRAYER: O Lord, we give you thanks for the beauty of your whole creation. Make us mindful of your presence with us in all places and in all things in life. Strengthen us in our relationship with you, and in our relationships with one another. Thank you for the gift of new life in you. Guide our lives to be the reflection of your love for us as we live to love one another, in Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Written by: Bishop Ginny Aebischer | South Carolina Synod - ELCA

Twelfth station: Jesus speaks to his mother and the Beloved Disciple (John 19:25-27)

Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother Mary, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala. When Jesus saw his mother and the Beloved Disciple, he said to his mother, "Woman, behold, your son." Then he said to the disciple, "Behold, your mother." And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.

REFLECTION: Jesus keeps on giving! In his dying moments on the cross, Jesus saw his Mother, Mary, and the Beloved Disciple, John. And he gave John to his mother and his mother to John. Jesus was so eager to care for his mother and John in their hour of need, and how eager is he to care for his disciples who hear the Word of God today and do it. As John continued to spread the Gospel and make new disciples, we are called today to do the same. The South Carolina Lutheran Men In Mission is all about helping men build a relationship with Jesus Christ. With whom can you partner to strengthen your walk in faith?

PRAYER: Gracious God and Loving Father, as we see the tender compassion the Lord Jesus had towards his mother as he died on the cross to save us, we thank you. You care about every aspect of our lives. Help us to look to Jesus as we try to walk in his ways to become more and more like him. May all that we say and do be to glorify you, in Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Written by: Hugh Caldwell | SC Lutheran Men in Mission

Thirteenth station: Jesus dies on the cross (Luke 23:44-46)

It was now about noon and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon because of an eclipse of the sun. Then the veil of the temple was torn down the middle. Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Father, into your hands I commend my spirit"; and when he had said this he breathed his last.

REFLECTION: Darkness is scary; spiritual darkness is utterly terrifying. The crucifixion of Christ on Calvary combines the two, multiplying the horror, as fear and darkness take over body and soul, earth and heaven. Then the curtain of temple is torn. We know this is not the end of the story. Christians are to be bearers of the light, yet we also know what it is like to sit in darkness. “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

PRAYER: Dear God, bring light into the dark places of this world, beginning with my very own heart, mind, soul, and spirit. This we pray through the power of the death and resurrection of Jesus, the Savior, our Light and our Life. Amen.

Written by: Rev. Dr. Jim Kinsler | SCLRC Board Member

Fourteenth station: Jesus is placed in the tomb (Matthew 27:57-60)

When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea named Joseph, who was himself a disciple of Jesus. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus; then Pilate ordered it to be handed over. Taking the body, Joseph wrapped it [in] clean linen and laid it in his new tomb that he had hewn in the rock. Then he rolled a huge stone across the entrance to the tomb and departed.

REFLECTION: Jesus has died, has been taken down from the cross, and placed in a tomb. The stone has been rolled in place, has sealed Jesus in, and has blocked everyone else out. Can you imagine the agony of those closest to Jesus, his family, his friends and his disciples? When have you experienced sadness and despair? Have you ever felt as if a stone had been rolled in place and has blocked you from someone or something that you hold dear?

PRAYER: Jesus, we often feel shut off and left out. We feel as if a huge stone prevents us from feeling hope and joy. Help us to always remember that even in the midst of our sorrow, you are always with us. We can rest in the assurance of your love, a love that will not let us go, a love made known to us in our suffering and death. Amen.

Written by: Deacon Dallas Shealy | SCLRC Executive Director

Optional *fifteenth station*: Easter Sunday (John 20:1-18)

Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” Then Peter and the other disciple set out and went toward the tomb. The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there, and the cloth that had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not understand the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. Then the disciples returned to their homes. But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb; and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni!” (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, “Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”; and she told them that he had said these things to her.