STATIONS OF THE CROSS
Walking with Jesus through His final hours
April 1-5, 2026
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross.
(Hebrews 12:2)
STATIONS OF THE CROSS
Welcome to Stations of the Cross. Walk through at your own pace, meditating on Jesus’ journey during His final hours. We pray you will fully experience Jesus’ last hours as you see, touch, hear, smell and feel your way through.
Within this guide there are scriptures, prayers and suggestions for your time of reflection. As you reflect, you are invited to write your thoughts and prayers in your personal prayer journals.
THE PATH
Begin in “The Garden” then follow the diagram below.
1. Jesus Prays in the Garden of Sorrow
2. Jesus is Condemned to Death
3. Jesus is Scourged and Mocked
4. Jesus Carries the Cross (graphic may not be suitable for children)
5. Jesus’ Cross is Carried by Simon.
6. Jesus is Nailed to the Cross
7. Jesus’ Promise to the Repentant Thief
8. Jesus Dies on the Cross
9. Jesus is Laid in the Tomb
10. “Sunday’s Coming” video
1.
Read Mark 14:32-42
Jesus told His disciples that “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death.” He cried out in prayer to His Heavenly Father, saying, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Remove this cup from Me. Yet not what I will, but what You will.” Jesus prayed three times as He struggled to surrender and pleaded with His Father to take away the coming horror of crucifixion. But His Father, who loved Jesus immeasurably, could not and would not change the course set before Him. Why? Because it was the only way to bring salvation to us and all of humanity whom the Heavenly Father loves beyond measure.
In the end, Jesus surrendered and prayed for the Father’s will to be done. Is there an area of your life you need to surrender to God? Do you realize how much the Father loves you?
Take time to pray here in the Garden. You may leave your prayers of thanks and/or submission to God’s will on the Prayer Wall.
“On the eve of the cross, Jesus made His decision. He would rather go to hell for you than go to heaven without you.” - Max Lucado
Prayer
Abba, Father, Thank You for Your perfect plan that made a way for my salvation. Lord Jesus, Thank You for willingly dying in my place, so I could be in God’s family. Help me seek the Father’s will and submit to it daily, for His glory, as You did. Amen.
2. JESUS IS CONDEMNED TO DEATH
Read Matthew 27:11-26
Look around at the angry crowd who calls for Jesus’ death as you listen to this scene play out. Feel the hatred of the Jewish religious leaders as they presented their lies and deceit before Pilate. Pilate knew Jesus was not deserving of crucifixion, and yet he could not sway the frenzied mob. In a desperate attempt to release Jesus, Pilate reminds the crowd of the custom of releasing a prisoner during Passover week. To his utter surprise, the people cried out for a notorious insurrectionist and murderer to be released instead of Jesus. The more he questioned their insistence to crucify Jesus, the more determined this crowd became. Barabbas was released, and Jesus was led to His torture and death. When Jesus took up the cross that should have been placed on Barabbas, He took your cross as well. Ponder the depth of God’s love that was displayed through the release of Barabbas. Meditate on the truth that it was also your release as Jesus became the substitute for all people.
“The Christian does not think that God will love us because we are good, but that God will make us good because He loves us.”
- C.S. Lewis
Prayer
Jesus, how could it be that You love me enough to take my place at the cross? Help me to understand the depth of Your love for me which resulted in You willingly taking my deserved punishment. Enable me to live in a way that honors Your suffering and sacrifice. Amen.
3.
JESUS
IS SCOURGED AND MOCKED
Read Mark 15:15-20
Jesus’ suffering including torture was foretold by God through His prophet Isaiah 700 years earlier. Read the verses before you from Isaiah 52. Scourging before crucifixion was done to weaken a person so much that they would not be able to survive on a cross for long. Many died during the scourging, never reaching the cross. As payment for your sins and the sins of the whole world Jesus endured agonizing pain and humiliation. He brought healing to us when we were dead in sin and made us alive in His Spirit. You have the opportunity to truly Hail Him as King, not in mocking as the Roman soldiers did, but as the Lord and King of your life. Is Jesus your King? Look at the crown of thorns before you. Imagine how those thorns felt as they penetrated Jesus’ flesh. He suffered that pain because of His great love for you!
“Jesus is the ultimate Job, the only truly innocent sufferer.” - Tim Keller
Prayer
Thank You for loving me so much that You were willing to suffer torture and die in my place so that I could be forgiven. I acknowledge You as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Give me strength to live yielded to Your Kingship. Amen.
4. JESUS CARRIES THE CROSS
Read John 19:15-17
Jesus had told His disciples He would suffer and be put to death at the hands of the religious leaders. With the scourging, that prediction began its fulfillment. Then they laid the cross on His bloodied and torn back and led Him out to be crucified. Jesus was not just carrying a beam of wood. He was shouldering the sufferings and sins of the world – all our tears, all our grief, all our pain as well as all the transgressions and iniquities of mankind. The video before you shows the intensity of the struggle as He labored with and yet embraced the heavy cross. Reflect on Jesus’ agony and the truth that He was carrying your sins that day. Look at the sins shown on the crosses before you. Which ones represent the sins and struggles in your life? Spend a few moments giving thanks for Jesus’ willingness to take up that cross for you. Do you have a thankful heart?
“The deep meaning of the cross of Christ is that there is no suffering on Earth that is not mourned by God.”
- Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Prayer
Lord Jesus, because You took up the cross, I can take up life in all its fullness. Because You were led to die, I can be led into eternal life. Because You bore my sin, I can enjoy Your forgiveness. Thank You for making the choice to suffer for my sins. Help me to live each day in ways that honor You and Your sacrifice. Amen.
5. JESUS’ CROSS
IS CARRIED BY SIMON
Read Luke 23:26 and Mark 15:21-22
Simon was forced to experience the burden of Jesus’ heavy cross. Unlike Simon, we are not forced to pick up the cross of Christ. Jesus invites us to take up our cross by following Him, but He does not make us join Him against our will. He once said to His disciples, “If any wants to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23) Taking up the cross is simply being willing to follow Jesus and embrace His will and plan for your life – no matter what that may look like. It may bring ridicule, persecution and for some, even death; but it also comes with a promise of abundant and eternal life. Are you willing to daily carry your cross?
“We must bear our crosses patiently, if we would deserve to wear the crown of heaven.” - St. Teresa of Avila
Prayer
Holy Father, the powerful example of Simon reminds me that I must take up my cross and follow You – wherever You lead. By Your Spirit, help me to be willing to die to self that I might live for You. May I carry my cross, following You in every area of my life, knowing that as I do, You will supply joy and abundant life for me.
6. JESUS IS NAILED TO THE CROSS
Read Luke 23:32-38
Listen to Luke’s account of Jesus being nailed to the cross. Consider the high price He paid for your sins. Imagine looking on as Jesus was pierced with those nails. He is being nailed to the cross as punishment for your sins and the sins of the whole world. On a piece of paper provided write any sins that need to be confessed. Rejoice that forgiveness is guaranteed through the shed blood of Jesus for all who accept Him as Lord and Savior! A Paid-in-Full Stamp is available if you would like to stamp across your sins a reminder of the payment Jesus made for you! Fold the paper for privacy if you choose, then nail it to the cross before you. The sign hanging on the cross says “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews” written in Latin, Greek and Hebrew so that all those who passed by could read it. Pilate failed to grasp that Jesus is indeed a king; not just of the Jews but “The King” of all people for all time. Reflect on what it means that heaven’s KING died for YOU.
“The death of Christ on the cross has the power to forgive our sins and grant us salvation.” - Claude Alexander
Prayer
Holy God, Thank You for Holy Spirit conviction of the sin in my life. I confess my sinful nature and give thanks to You for graciously forgiving all my sin; sins of pride, apathy, hardheartedness, unfaithfulness, unforgiveness, deception, injustice, untruthfulness, and impurity to name a few. Help me to be quick to confess when sin tries to overtake me. Help me to regularly ask the Holy Spirit to examine my heart so that I can live a righteous life before You. Amen.
7. JESUS’ PROMISE TO THE REPENTANT THIEF
Read Luke 23:32-33, 39-43
The two men being crucified alongside Jesus were criminals, deserving punishment. One of them taunts Jesus, sarcastically calling out for salvation. The other, sensing Jesus’ holiness, defends Him as an innocent victim. In desperation, he cried out to Jesus, “remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus assures him of Paradise that very day. The thief never prayed the “sinner’s prayer,” was not baptized or did one act of service yet was promised salvation. Even as Jesus was suffering on the cross, His desire was to offer salvation to this repentant man. Jesus’ desire as He told His disciples in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) is that His followers will also be looking for people we can lead to salvation. Like the thief, all are sinners who need only acknowledge Jesus and His saving grace in order to receive forgiveness. Who do you know today that needs to be saved by Jesus’ grace and mercy? Are you willing to share your faith in Jesus? Ask the Holy Spirit to equip you for sharing the love of Christ with others.
“Good Friday is not about us trying to get right with God, it is about God putting the world right through Christ.”
- Tullian Tchividjian
Prayer
Merciful Father, I am eternally grateful for Your matchless mercy. Thank you that through Your mercies I am not consumed. Thank You that Your compassions never fail and are new every morning. Great is Your faithfulness! Help me, Holy Spirit, to show Your love and grace to all people and always be willing and prepared to share the gospel with those who do not know You. Amen.
8. JESUS DIES ON THE CROSS
Listen to Matthew 27:45-51 & Read Luke 23:44-47
Reflect on the depth of despair as Jesus hung on the cross for hours. He despaired but also had great joy which was motivated by the fact that His suffering would redeem His people. Hear His cry of victory as He takes His last breath: “It is finished!” The grand plan from eternity past is now accomplished.
Bow before God, here at the cross. Jesus cried out to His Father feeling forsaken and abandoned. Ponder how God the Father had to forsake Jesus to purchase salvation for us. Marvel at how precious the gift of access to the Father is in this life, and in eternity with Him in heaven. From the worship song, Amazing Love: “Amazing love, how can it be that You my king would die for me.” Do you stand in awe of God’s amazing love and grace?
“The marvel of heaven and earth, of time and eternity is the atoning death of Jesus Christ. This is the mystery that brings more glory to God than all creation.” Charles H. Spurgeon
Prayer
Gracious Father, how incredible that Your plan from ages past has now been fulfilled. Everything has been accomplished just as You ordained. Give me a greater understanding of the depth of the sacrifice that was made to atone for my sins. I bow before You in praise and thanksgving for Your amazing love. Amen.
9. JESUS IS LAID IN THE TOMB
Read John 19:38-42 & Luke 23:50-54
All four gospels tell of Jesus’ burial. Why is that so important? The burial makes it clear that He really died on the cross. He did not just appear to die as some suggest. Without His burial, there would be no resurrection. Because He was buried, we understand that He truly died and yet His body rose from the grave in glory.
Look into the tomb. See Jesus lying there in His linen burial garment. Smell the spices used in wrapping His body. Imagine how the disciples felt as they wrestled with the finality and hopelessness of Jesus’ death. They thought all was lost, yet we know His death was not the end. His death was not final and neither will yours be, if you know Jesus as Lord and Savior. Do you know Jesus as your Savior? If not, you can today. Pray right now asking God to accept you because of Jesus’ sacrifice.
“Because of the cross you can know that your life is not futile, your failures are not fatal, your death is not final.” - Max Lucado
God, I know that I am a sinner and need Your forgiveness. I turn away from my sin and invite You into my life. I believe that Jesus died for my sins and was raised again, and I am forgiven, cleansed, and made new in Him. From this moment I choose to trust and follow Jesus. I receive Your Holy Spirit, who gives me the power to love You with all my heart and love my neighbor as myself. Thank You, Heavenly Father, for giving me the gift of eternal life in Jesus Christ. Amen.
10. “SUNDAY’S COMING” VIDEO
We invite you to watch a four-minute video recapping what Jesus suffered on Good Friday, yet looking forward to the resurrection on Sunday. A greeter will start the video for you. May this video help you to remain in an attitude of praise and thanksgiving as you go. Praise God that the horror of Friday resulted in the joy and elation of Resurrection Sunday.
“Unless there is a Good Friday in your life, there can be no Easter Sunday.” - Fulton J. Sheen
RESPONSE AND COMMUNION
If you prayed a prayer of repentance, please tell the server at the communion station. We want to rejoice with you!
If you do know Jesus as your Savior, rejoice in His love for you and pray a prayer of thanksgiving.
Holy Communion is available to everyone.
Please drop off this guide as you exit.
Have a blessed Easter!!
“Our old history begins and ends with the cross. Our new history begins with our resurrection.” - Watchman Nee
