Today, thousands of pilgrims are walking the Via Dolorosa. This is the processional route in the Old City of Jerusalem, that Jesus walked on the way to his crucifixion. The path to the cross was difficult and he was weak with suffering. It is marked by nine Stations of the Cross; with the remaining five stations being inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
The week that started with people waving palms and singing as Jesus entered the Eastern Gate of Jerusalem ends in a kangaroo court sending Jesus into Roman hands for crucifixion. Many want to blame the Pharisees for Jesus dying on the cross. Others lay the blame on Pontius Pilate for making the final decision. This perspective forgets Jesus instructing Peter to put his sword away. Jesus reminds Peter that he could call down 12 legions of angels from heaven to stop his capture. Instead, Jesus lays his own life down for us.
In his captivity, Jesus is jailed, beaten, spat upon, tortured, marched to Golgotha, and crucified next to criminals. From the cross, Jesus makes provision for the care of his mother, cries out to God, forgives his killers, and shares with the penitent thief that those who believe in him will have a place in heaven.
When the soldiers confirm that Jesus is dead, his body is taken to a tomb. It is sealed and guarded by Roman soldiers. It seems that all is lost. The disciples are scattered. The promises of Jesus ring in their ears, but seem to fall silent. It will take time for all to see, but this will be the weekend that changes the world.
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8
God Squad 