A Journey To The Cross
Station 11: THE CROSS
As you enter these doors, pause to read Mark 15:21-22. Imagine that you are there, with the cross in the distance, witnessing all these things happen to Jesus. Are you feeling overwhelmed? Sadness? Anger? Fear?
Then, read Isaiah 53:4-6. Though the disciples did not fully realize what was happening to Jesus at the time, we know how the story ends. Take the rock that you brought with you from the last station. Hold it in your hands, and imagine that this rock now represents all of the weight of your own brokenness and sin- everything you regret that makes you feel distant from others and from God. Now, take that rock and walk down the center aisle, keeping your eyes on the cross. Imagine that Jesus sees YOU from there and He is not angry or judgmental. He looks on you with LOVE and invites you to leave your sin and shame at the foot of the cross.
When you reach the cross, lay your rock on the floor, symbolizing that you are giving all your burdens and sin to Jesus, because He has died so you don't have to carry them anymore. Jesus died for YOU, and endured the cross for the joy set before Him.
If you need to take an extra moment to pray, worship, or sit quietly thinking about the cross, feel free to linger here; all the seats in the auditorium are available if you need to sit.
When you are finished, head to the right of the cross, and you will find the final station.
Scripture Reading
Bonus For Kids
Read the Bible passage, or have someone read it for you. Imagine that you are watching Jesus on the cross. How are you feeling? Now remember that Jesus has died on the cross for me and you, because He loves us so much. He says that no matter what we have done, if we believe in Him and ask Him to forgive us of our mistakes and sins, He will forgive us. This heavy rock is like all of the bad things we have done that we carry around. But Jesus doesn't want you to carry it around anymore. So when you are ready, take the rock and walk down the aisle towards the cross, imagining that Jesus is smiling at you. When you get to the cross, lay your rock in a pile on the floor. You don't have to hold onto it! Jesus did all this just so He could be with us and let Him walk with us through every moment of our lives.
If you want to draw another picture or write something in your book, you can. Take a sticker to remember this station. If you need to sit for a few minutes and pray or think more about Jesus, feel free to sit quietly in one of the seats.