The Stations of the Cross A Visual Journey

The stations of the cross refers to the depiction of the final hours (or passion) of Jesus. The purpose of the stations is to help believers make a spiritual pilgrimage of prayer to the chief scenes of Christ's suffering and death. Traditionally, each image of the stations is arranged along a path allowing the believer to progress through the narrative physically as well as spiritually.

Historically, the stations were instituted in order to recreate the experience of visiting what were believed to be the original sites of the events in Jerusalem. By at least the 15th century the occasional practice of setting up stations in Western Europe was established, although it did not reach the majority of Catholic churches until the 17th century. Today the tradition exists mainly in Roman Catholicism, Anglicanism, and Lutheranism, but more and more Reformed churches are including the practice in their worship. 

The stations themselves are usually a series of 12–14 pictures or sculptures, but several other variations exist. This version of the stations depicts the scenes as laid out in the following chart. It includes Jesus’ three falls which, though not found in scripture, are a part of the traditional stations of the cross and highlight Christ’s humanity. While all four gospel accounts are referenced in this chart, typically only one gospel reading would be chosen for each station. 

 

Image	Station	Scripture
	1.  Jesus  is condemned  to death.	Matthew 27:11–25 Mark 15:1–5, 15 Luke 23:1–25 John 18:29–19:16
	2.  Jesus  is beaten  and crowned  with thorns.	Matthew 27: 27–30 Mark 15:15–19 Luke 22:63–65 John 19:1–3
	3.  Jesus  embraces  the cross.	Matthew 27: 31 Mark 15: 20 Luke 23: 25 John 19: 15–17
	4.  Jesus  falls  the first time.
	5.  Simon of Cyrene carries  the cross.	Matthew 27:32 Mark 15:21 Luke 23:26
	6.  Jesus  falls  the second time.
	7.  The women  of Jerusalem  weep  over Jesus.	Luke 23:27–31
	8.  Jesus  falls  the third time.
	9.  Jesus  is stripped of his garments.	Matthew 27: 33–38 Mark 15:22–26 Luke 23:33–38 John 19:23–24
	10.  Crucifixion:  Jesus  is nailed  to the cross.	Matthew 27: 38–56 Mark 15: 27–41 Luke 23:39–49 John 19:25b–30
	11.  Jesus  is dead  and  is laid  in the tomb.	Matthew 27:57–66 Mark 15:42–47 Luke 23: 50–56 John 19:38–42
	12.  Jesus  is resurrected  to new life.	Matthew 28:1–10 Mark  16:1–8 Luke 24: 1–12 John 20:1–18

 

Meditations upon the stations may be done at any time, but is most commonly used during the Season of Lent, especially on Good Friday or on the Friday evenings during Lent. 

Traditionally the following words are said in conjunction with each station: 

Before each station
Leader:	We adore you, O Christ,  and we bless you.
All:	Because by your holy cross  you have redeemed the world.
After each station
All:	Lord Jesus, help us walk in your steps.