V

I.

The Fifth Station: Jesus is Judged by Pilate

Sub-Topic: Responsibility
II.

Introduction:
Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you.
Response: Because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.

III.

Personal Reflection: How often do we do this sort of thing ourselves? How often do
we rationalize our sins, blaming them upon others? How often do we fail to take
responsibility for what we have done wrong, preferring to assign credit to our parents
for raising us wrong, our society for mistreating us? I cant tell you how many times,
I have heard people try to evade responsibility for their own sins by pointing to the
sins of others. And, if truth be told, Ive done plenty of this myself. Why is this
wrong? Well, for one thing its dishonest. Yet, beyond this, when we fail to accept
responsibility for our sins, then we lose the opportunity to experience forgiveness for
them. If Im blaming others when I do wrong, then surely I wont confess what Ive
done as sin. And this, in turn, will keep me from experiencing the grace of God with
respect to this particular sin. When were tempted to be like Pilate, wed do well to
remember a portion of the first letter of John in the New Testament:If we say that we
have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he
who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all
unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word
is not in us. (1 John 1:8-10)As you look at your life, dont be like Pilate. Dont try to
wash your hands of that which you have done wrong. God isnt fooled. Rather, tell
God the truth about your sins so that you might experience His forgiveness through
Christ.

IV.

Prayer: Dear Lord, You know how easy it is for me to be like Pilate. I dont like to
take responsibility for my failures. I find rationalization to be so natural. I can fool
myself into thinking I havent really done wrong. So forgive me, Lord, when I follow
the way of Pilate. Help me to acknowledge my sins, both to myself and to You, rather
than wallowing in my pointless excuses and defenses. By Your Spirit, guide me to see
clearly where I have missed Your mark, so that I might confess truly and fully. Help
me to experience the forgiveness You offer in Christ, and to live in the freedom of the
cleansing You alone provide. Amen.

V.

Song: Lead me Lord

II
I.

Jesus Agony at Gethsemani

Sub-Topic:
II.

Introduction:
Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you.
Response: Because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.

III.

Personal Reflection:

IV.

Prayer

V.

Song

III
I.

Jesus before the Sandherin

Sub-Topic:
II.

Introduction:
Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you.
Response: Because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.

III.

Personal Reflection:

IV.

Prayer

V.

Song

IV
I.
Sub-Topic:

The Crowning of Thorns

Persons with disability

II.
Introduction:
Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you.
Response: Because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.
III.

Personal Reflection:

IV.

Prayer

V.

Song

V
I.

The Carrying of the Cross

Sub-Topic:
II.
Introduction:
Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you.
Response: Because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.

III.

Personal Reflection:

IV.

Prayer

V.

Song

VI
I.
Sub-Topic:

The Falling of Jesus

Innocent criminals

II.
Introduction:
Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you.
Response: Because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.
III.

Personal Reflection: What cruel irony! Jesus finally received the words he
deserved: Hail, King of the Jews! For once he wore a crown upon his head.
Because Jesus humbled himself, because he endured the humiliation of the
cross, including the crown of thorns, therefore God exalted him to the highest
place. For Jesus, the path to glory as King of kings included the path of
disgrace. Because e wore the crown of thorns, Jesus would receive the crown
of universal worship.

IV.

Prayer: Lord, how hard it is to read of the abuse you suffered even prior to
your crucifixion. I cant even begin to imagine what you felt, not only
physically, but especially in your soul. What can I say in response but Thank
you for walking the path of suffering and shame for my sake. You took the
abuse that I deserved, and gave me your glory in return. Help me, dear Lord,

to honor you as my King in all that I do. May my words and deeds reflect your
sovereignty and celebrate your glory. Amen.
V.

Song: Crown Him with Many Crowns

VII
I.

Simon of Cyrene

Sub-Topic:
II.

Introduction:
Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you.
Response: Because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.

III.

Personal Reflection:

IV.

Prayer

V.

Song

VIII
I.

The Women of Jerusalem

Sub-Topic:

Housewives

II.

Introduction:
Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you.
Response: Because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.

III.

Personal Reflection:

IV.

Prayer

V.

Song

XI

I.

Jesus is Nailed to the Cross

Sub-Topic:
II.

Introduction:
Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you.
Response: Because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.

III.

Personal Reflection:

IV.

Prayer

V.

Song

I.

The Good Criminal

Sub-Topic:
II.

Repentance

Introduction:
Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you.
Response: Because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.

III.

Personal Reflection:

IV.

Prayer

V.

Song

XI
I.

Mary and John

Sub-Topic:
II.

Women and children

Introduction:
Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you.
Response: Because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.

III.

Personal Reflection:

IV.

Prayer

V.

Song

XII
I.

Jesus Dies on the Cross

Sub-Topic:
II.

Introduction:
Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you.
Response: Because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.

III.

Personal Reflection:

IV.

Prayer

V.

Song

XIII
I.

Jesus is Laid on the Tomb

Sub-Topic:
II.

Introduction:
Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you.
Response: Because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.

III.

Personal Reflection:

IV.

Prayer

V.

Song

XIIII
I.

The Resurrection

Sub-Topic:
II.

Introduction:
Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you.
Response: Because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.

III.

Personal Reflection:

IV.

Prayer

V.

Song