The Way of the Cross

I have a confession: We’re almost through Holy Week and this is the first time I’ve thought about it. So this afternoon I sat down with my Bible and re-read the journey to the cross. One of the truths of Scripture is that it never changes, which should work in my favor when reading a story as captivating, terrifying, and painful as the cross—I know the ending. But the roller coaster of emotions I experienced reading through these Bible passages once again is overwhelming.

Maybe I’m out of practice, after all, it’s been a year since the last Holy Week. Or maybe it’s the nature of the cross. Is it only right that the death of Messiah for the sake of God’s glory through the redemption of humanity engages every emotion I’ve ever felt? And we’re not even to Sunday yet, which is probably a good thing, because I don’t have any words to describe the emotions of the Resurrection.

Whether you’ve had Holy Week in mind since you made your Lent sacrifice or, like me, have a confession to make, I challenge you to accompany Jesus from His triumphal entry through the gates of Jerusalem to His grace-full place at the top of Skull Hill. My emotional journey to the cross is included here, along with the Scriptures related to each event. But most importantly, engage yourself. We at Threads would love to hear about your experience. Reply to this post if you want to share your cross journey, or email us at threads@lifeway.com.

Entering Jerusalem (Matt. 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:28-38; John 12:12) AWE – Here is the Messiah being publicly praised, supported, and bowed down to because of the miraculous things He has done and the hope He embodies.

The Passover Meal (Matt 26:26-35; Mark 14:22-31; Luke 22:14-38; John 13:1-17:26) RESPECT – In Jesus’ unconditional love for His friends, He spends His last hours of community teaching them, because He knows that very soon they will have the whole story, and it will be their turn to teach it.

In the Garden (Matt. 26:36-46; Mark 14:32-42; Luke 22:39-44; John 18:1) ANXIETY – The Son wrestles with the Father and this disturbs the foundation of my soul. And they wrestle for a long time. Jesus tells His friends that His soul is drowning in sorrow. Sweating blood, a drowning soul, the weight of the Father’s request pressing down on Him, not to mention the temptation to say no to the Father’s request.

The Betrayal and Arrest (Matt 26:47-50; Mark 14:43-46; Luke 22:47-54; John 18:2-12) “See — My betrayer is near.” I’m so ANGRY! Even knowing the ending my anger is overwhelming. I want to scream at Jesus: “Take a sword, Jesus! Fight back! There’s got to be another way. Please, God!” But there’s not another way. And our Lord silences His tempters.

The Trials (Matt. 26:57-27:26; Mark 14:53-15:15; Luke 22:54-23:24; John 18:13-19:16) ANGER with the disciples’ abandonment and all the false accusations. CONFUSION because everyone seems to agree Jesus is innocent and yet no one speaks up. PAIN (and more anger) as Jesus is beaten. DISGUST when the crowd picks a murderer over my Savior. HORROR when Pilate hands Jesus over to be crucified.

The Cross (Matt. 27:35-54; Mark 15:24-46; Luke 23:33-53; John 19:18-42) SORROW.