STATION 1
\nLuke 22:1-6
\nNow the Feast of Unleavened Bread drew near, which is called the Passover. And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to put him to death, for they feared the people. Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was of the number of the twelve. He went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers how he might betray him to them. And they were glad, and agreed to give him money. So he consented and sought an opportunity to betray him to them in the absence of a crowd.<\/p>\n
PREPARATIONS ARE MADE
\nAs we come to the final chapters of the Gospel of Luke, an important Jewish feast celebrating God\u2019s deliverance sets the scene. As people from all over flock to Jerusalem and make preparations for these holy days, the religious leaders are making much more sinister preparations. Their opportunity to seize Jesus has finally come now that one of Jesus\u2019 disciples has accepted a bribe to help them. And they aren\u2019t the only ones who have been waiting for \u201can opportune time\u201d to bring down Jesus (see Luke 4:13)\u2014 Satan is an energizing agent behind this plot also. As you see the dark materials coming down from the right corner of the display in front of you (representing the satanic influence at work here), we get a hint that the story that is about to unfold of Jesus\u2019 death is no ordinary story of human affairs, but one of cosmic significance.<\/p>\n
But even as the forces of evil come together to form their plot, Jesus is making his own preparations. His plan for this Passover meal will make it like none other. Just as Jesus instructs His disciples to follow the man carrying the jar of water, follow the silhouettes you see of the man carrying the jar going up the path in front of you towards the Life Center leading you to Station 2 inside the lobby. <\/p>\n
STATION 2
\nLuke 22:14-38
\nAnd when the hour came, he reclined at table, and the apostles with him. And he said to them, \u201cI have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.\u201d And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he said, \u201cTake this, and divide it among yourselves. For I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.\u201d And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, \u201cThis is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.\u201d And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, \u201cThis cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. But behold, the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table. For the Son of Man goes as it has been determined, but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed!\u201d And they began to question one another, which of them it could be who was going to do this.
\nA dispute also arose among them, as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest. And he said to them, \u201cThe kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves. For who is the greater, one who reclines at table or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am among you as the one who serves. \u201cYou are those who have stayed with me in my trials, and I assign to you, as my Father assigned to me, a kingdom, that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. \u201cSimon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.\u201d Peter said to him, \u201cLord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.\u201d Jesus said, \u201cI tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me.\u201d And he said to them, \u201cWhen I sent you out with no moneybag or knapsack or sandals, did you lack anything?\u201d They said, \u201cNothing.\u201d He said to them, \u201cBut now let the one who has a moneybag take it, and likewise a knapsack. And let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one. For I tell you that this Scripture must be fulfilled in me: \u2018And he was numbered with the transgressors.\u2019 For what is written about me has its fulfillment.\u201d And they said, \u201cLook, Lord, here are two swords.\u201d And he said to them, \u201cIt is enough.\u201d<\/p>\n
THE MEAL OF THE PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE
\nAs Jesus leads his disciples through this important meal together, one thing that becomes clear is that nothing that is about to happen is going to be a surprise to Him. He knows this meal precedes His suffering. He knows that the hand of His betrayer is in fellowship with Him at the table (much to the surprise of the other disciples). He even has foreknowledge about Peter\u2019s three denials of Him later that night. He recognizes the moment and presents this meal as a profound hinge point in salvation history. <\/p>\n
Though the disciples may simply be viewing the moment in light of its immediate significance as a Passover celebration (represented by the backdrop on the left), Jesus is seeking to open their eyes to how He is now stepping into and moving forward God\u2019s plan of salvation (represented by the backdrop on the right). <\/p>\n
He speaks to them about the new covenant He is bringing into the present through the death He is about to die on the cross. He instructs them about the mindset they will need to have in this present age now after His death. And He assures them of a future age when they will feast again and reign together in the fulfilled kingdom of God.<\/p>\n
STATION 3
\nLuke 22:39-46
\nAnd he came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. And when he came to the place, he said to them, \u201cPray that you may not enter into temptation.\u201d And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, saying, \u201cFather, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.\u201d And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. And when he rose from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping for sorrow, and he said to them, \u201cWhy are you sleeping? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation.\u201d<\/p>\n
JESUS SEES THE CUP BEFORE HIM
\nEven with the knowledge of Judas\u2019 plot against Him, Jesus does not alter his \u201ccustom\u201d to go and pray on the Mount of Olives. In these intense moments of prayer, He feels the weight of what He is about to undergo\u2013taking upon Himself the judgment and wrath of God (often represented in the Old Testament scriptures as a \u201ccup\u201d). And, as His disciples demonstrate in their failure to pray with Him in this moment, He truly is the only one worthy and able to drink this \u201ccup.\u201d<\/p>\n
STATION 4
\nLuke 22:47-53
\nWhile he was still speaking, there came a crowd, and the man called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He drew near to Jesus to kiss him, but Jesus said to him, \u201cJudas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?\u201d And when those who were around him saw what would follow, they said, \u201cLord, shall we strike with the sword?\u201d And one of them struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear. But Jesus said, \u201cNo more of this!\u201d And he touched his ear and healed him. Then Jesus said to the chief priests and officers of the temple and elders, who had come out against him, \u201cHave you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs? When I was with you day after day in the temple, you did not lay hands on me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness.\u201d<\/p>\n
RECOGNIZING THE HOUR
\nThe plan made by Judas and the religious leaders is set into motion in this opportune setting isolated from crowds and under cover of night. The betrayal of Judas is intensified by his choice of signal to the guards\u2014a friendly kiss of greeting. But the secrecy, weapons, and hostility are unnecessary and Jesus puts a stop to it with a gracious healing. He has no intention of resisting this arrest. He recognizes this to be the \u201chour\u201d that has been given for the powers of evil to operate and that hour has been determined by God Himself.<\/p>\n
STATION 5
\nLuke 22:54-65
\nThen they seized him and led him away, bringing him into the high priest’s house, and Peter was following at a distance. And when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat down among them. Then a servant girl, seeing him as he sat in the light and looking closely at him, said, \u201cThis man also was with him.\u201d But he denied it, saying, \u201cWoman, I do not know him.\u201d And a little later someone else saw him and said, \u201cYou also are one of them.\u201d But Peter said, \u201cMan, I am not.\u201d And after an interval of about an hour still another insisted, saying, \u201cCertainly this man also was with him, for he too is a Galilean.\u201d But Peter said, \u201cMan, I do not know what you are talking about.\u201d And immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the saying of the Lord, how he had said to him, \u201cBefore the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times.\u201d And he went out and wept bitterly. Now the men who were holding Jesus in custody were mocking him as they beat him. hey also blindfolded him and kept asking him, \u201cProphesy! Who is it that struck you?\u201d And they said many other things against him, blaspheming him.<\/p>\n
PETER IS SEEN, JESUS BLINDFOLDED
\nIn this station, you can face the windows for a representation of what is taking place in the courtyard of the high priest where Peter is trying to follow Jesus from a distance. He ironically takes a seat among those who were just involved in Jesus\u2019 arrest hoping not to be noticed, but experiences people \u201clooking closely\u201d at him and easily recognizing his association with Jesus. He is exposed and must respond. Though he swore to Jesus just hours ago, \u201cLord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death,\u201d Jesus\u2019 prophetic words about Peter\u2019s response come true. The sound of a rooster and a look from his Lord bring Peter to the overwhelming realization of what has happened. <\/p>\n
Ironically, inside the house of the high priest Jesus is mocked and accused of being a false prophet (shown by the scene inside the room). Not only is he physically beaten (represented by the hands and fists) but assaulted with mocking and blasphemous words (represented by all the twisting wires coming toward Him). <\/p>\n
STATION 6
\nLuke 22:66-71
\nWhen day came, the assembly of the elders of the people gathered together, both chief priests and scribes. And they led him away to their council, and they said, \u201cIf you are the Christ, tell us.\u201d But he said to them, \u201cIf I tell you, you will not believe, and if I ask you, you will not answer. But from now on the Son of Man shall be seated at the right hand of the power of God.\u201d So they all said, \u201cAre you the Son of God, then?\u201d And he said to them, \u201cYou say that I am.\u201d Then they said, \u201cWhat further testimony do we need? We have heard it ourselves from his own lips.\u201d<\/p>\n
PERCEIVING POWER
\nWhen morning finally comes, Jesus faces the judgment of the powerful Jewish council. Although this is His first formal trial, He has experienced the questioning and opposition of the religious leaders throughout His years of ministry. Jesus responded to this same group of leaders publicly when they questioned the source of His authority just days earlier (recorded in Luke 20:1-8). Jesus knows from experience how they will respond to anything He has to say. But the time for arguing about power is over and \u201cfrom now on\u201d those who stand in His presence will have no question about who He is or the source of His authority (represented by the backdrop on the right). But tragically, as these religious leaders stand face-to-face with their Messiah and hear the truth of His power, all they can hear is a threat to their own earthly power (represented by the backdrop on the left). They decide to move forward with their plan to seek a death sentence from the Roman governor.<\/p>\n
STATION 7
\nLuke 23:1-7
\nThen the whole company of them arose and brought him before Pilate. And they began to accuse him, saying, \u201cWe found this man misleading our nation and forbidding us to give tribute to Caesar, and saying that he himself is Christ, a king.\u201d And Pilate asked him, \u201cAre you the King of the Jews?\u201d And he answered him, \u201cYou have said so.\u201d Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, \u201cI find no guilt in this man.\u201d But they were urgent, saying, \u201cHe stirs up the people, teaching throughout all Judea, from Galilee even to this place.\u201d When Pilate heard this, he asked whether the man was a Galilean. And when he learned that he belonged to Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him over to Herod, who was himself in Jerusalem at that time.<\/p>\n
ACCUSATIONS BEFORE PILATE
\nJesus is now brought before the power of Rome, the occupying nation over Israel at this time. As they lodge their accusations against Jesus (represented by the tangled wire) seeking a death sentence, they resort to a complete lie about Jesus\u2019 teaching regarding the payment of taxes\/tribute. Jesus\u2019 actual instruction on that subject just days earlier left the religious leaders speechless with marvel (see the story in Luke 20:21-26). Pilate can\u2019t find any guilt in Jesus but sees an opportunity to appease an urgent and angry Jewish council by giving Herod a chance to weigh in. <\/p>\n
STATION 8
\nLuke 23:8-12
\nWhen Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had long desired to see him, because he had heard about him, and he was hoping to see some sign done by him. So he questioned him at some length, but he made no answer. The chief priests and the scribes stood by, vehemently accusing him. And Herod with his soldiers treated him with contempt and mocked him. Then, arraying him in splendid clothing, he sent him back to Pilate. And Herod and Pilate became friends with each other that very day, for before this they had been at enmity with each other.<\/p>\n
ACCUSATIONS BEFORE HEROD
\nJesus now faces the questioning of Herod, the ruler who recently killed John the Baptist and who was rumored to be after Jesus also (Luke 13:31). But Jesus has already spoken His stern word in response to Herod in Luke 13:32 and has nothing more to say to him now. Even with a death sentence looming (represented by the cross on the building above Him), He chooses simply to endure the mockery and accusations that \u201cvehemently\u201d continue (represented again by the entanglement of wires coming against Jesus). He already endured being mocked as a false prophet hours earlier at the high priest\u2019s house. Now, he is mocked as a false king, dressed up to be made fun of, and sent back to Pilate yet again. <\/p>\n
STATION 9
\nLuke 23:13-25
\nPilate then called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people, and said to them, \u201cYou brought me this man as one who was misleading the people. And after examining him before you, behold, I did not find this man guilty of any of your charges against him. Neither did Herod, for he sent him back to us. Look, nothing deserving death has been done by him. I will therefore punish and release him.\u201d <\/p>\n
But they all cried out together, \u201cAway with this man, and release to us Barabbas\u201d\u2014 a man who had been thrown into prison for an insurrection started in the city and for murder. Pilate addressed them once more, desiring to release Jesus, but they kept shouting, \u201cCrucify, crucify him!\u201d A third time he said to them, \u201cWhy? What evil has he done? I have found in him no guilt deserving death. I will therefore punish and release him.\u201d But they were urgent, demanding with loud cries that he should be crucified. And their voices prevailed. So Pilate decided that their demand should be granted. He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, for whom they asked, but he delivered Jesus over to their will.<\/p>\n
ACCUSING VOICES PREVAIL
\nAs Jesus stands before Pilate again, Pilate persists in trying to declare Jesus innocent and release Him. In fact, he makes three official judgments of Jesus\u2019 innocence but, in the end, the accusing voices \u201cprevail\u201d over the sentence (represented again by the wires and by Pilate\u2019s sign ripped in half). They even prevail in pressuring Pilate to release a criminal named Barabbas instead of Jesus. On the stage in front of you you\u2019ll see a silhouette of Barabbas with his bonds broken and Jesus still bound. This image of the guilty going free in Jesus\u2019 place is a perfect image for what Jesus\u2019 mission actually is and the significance of what He is about to do on the cross.<\/p>\n
STATION 10
\nLuke 23:26-31
\nAnd as they led him away, they seized one Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, and laid on him the cross, to carry it behind Jesus. And there followed him a great multitude of the people and of women who were mourning and lamenting for him. But turning to them Jesus said, \u201cDaughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. For behold, the days are coming when they will say, \u2018Blessed are the barren and the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!\u2019 Then they will begin to say to the mountains, \u2018Fall on us,\u2019 and to the hills, \u2018Cover us.\u2019 For if they do these things when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?\u201d<\/p>\n
SEEING THE REAL TRAGEDY
\nEven in Jesus\u2019 extreme suffering on the road to be crucified, He wants to speak a word of truth and direct the focus of those mourning for Him to the deeper implications of what they are seeing. The women weeping for Jesus are weeping presumably because of the immediate significance of this moment\u2014the sadness of seeing an innocent man being subjected to unjust suffering and murdered (represented by the backdrop on the left). However, Jesus doesn\u2019t want them to miss the even deeper implications of this. They are not simply witnessing a tragic injustice, they are witnessing the rejection of God\u2019s Messiah which will set into motion a new day where judgment is inevitably coming (the backdrop on the right). It was this knowledge and perspective that caused Jesus Himself to weep and mourn as He approached the city of Jerusalem just a few days earlier, pondering the destruction that they now face because they \u201cdid not know the time of [their] visitation\u201d (Luke 19:41-44).<\/p>\n
STATION 11
\nLuke 23:32-49
\nTwo others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. And Jesus said, \u201cFather, forgive them, for they know not what they do.\u201d And they cast lots to divide his garments. And the people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, \u201cHe saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!\u201d The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine and saying, \u201cIf you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!\u201d There was also an inscription over him, \u201cThis is the King of the Jews.\u201d One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, \u201cAre you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!\u201d But the other rebuked him, saying, \u201cDo you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.\u201d And he said, \u201cJesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.\u201d And he said to him, \u201cTruly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.\u201d<\/p>\n
It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, while the sun’s light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, \u201cFather, into your hands I commit my spirit!\u201d And having said this he breathed his last. Now when the centurion saw what had taken place, he praised God, saying, \u201cCertainly this man was innocent!\u201d And all the crowds that had assembled for this spectacle, when they saw what had taken place, returned home beating their breasts. And all his acquaintances and the women who had followed him from Galilee stood at a distance watching these things.<\/p>\n
LOOKING UPON THE CRUCIFIED CHRIST
\nAs Jesus hangs dying on the cross, He maintains His big-picture perspective and prays for the forgiveness of those not seeing this moment clearly. Amazingly, even as the religious leaders continue to misunderstand despite the miraculous signs and cosmic disturbances going on, one of the condemned criminals being crucified alongside Jesus (the one depicted here as turned towards Him) is able to recognize who Jesus truly is. <\/p>\n
As he explains to the other criminal being crucified (depicted as looking away from Jesus), there is a great difference and significance to Jesus\u2019 death because, unlike them, He is completely innocent. The \u201csentence of condemnation\u201d that He is enduring is not being suffered for His own sins. As you look on the stage in front of you, you will see three figures all experiencing the same sentence of crucifixion and would appear to all be criminals just as these three men would have appeared to those looking on. However, there is something different about the pool of blood dripping down from Jesus than the blood of the other criminals. <\/p>\n
The difference is that Jesus is shedding innocent blood (represented by the gold and white colors). His sacrifice does not need to count for Himself, it is a sacrifice made to count for others and to make them innocent (represented by the stream of Jesus\u2019 gold blood running over into one of the criminal\u2019s pools of blood beginning to transform it). Regardless of that criminal\u2019s past of sin, his ability to see this moment of Jesus\u2019 death clearly is all it takes to be welcomed by Jesus. The scene closes with another unlikely candidate for faith, a gentile centurion, bearing final witness to Jesus\u2019 innocence and praising God.<\/p>\n
STATION 12
\nLuke 23:50-56
\nNow there was a man named Joseph, from the Jewish town of Arimathea. He was a member of the council, a good and righteous man, who had not consented to their decision and action; and he was looking for the kingdom of God. This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then he took it down and wrapped it in a linen shroud and laid him in a tomb cut in stone, where no one had ever yet been laid. It was the day of Preparation, and the Sabbath was beginning. The women who had come with him from Galilee followed and saw the tomb and how his body was laid. Then they returned and prepared spices and ointments. On the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment.<\/p>\n
SEEING A BURIAL, LOOKING FOR THE KINGDOM
\nJust as the criminal next to Jesus expressed a recognition and longing for God\u2019s kingdom (\u201cJesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom\u201d), so we see Joseph of Arimathea described as having a kingdom focus (\u201che was looking for the kingdom of God\u201d). In front of you you\u2019ll see a silhouette representing Joseph of Arimathea preparing Jesus\u2019 body for burial with his gaze fixed on an image of a future kingdom. As he buries Jesus, several women who were followers of Jesus watch closely just as they watched His death on the cross. There is no mistake. They have seen it with their own eyes. Jesus is truly dead and buried in a tomb. How can the promised kingdom ever come now? In the same way these women left and returned again on Sunday, you are invited to return this Sunday to hear the rest of the story and to truly see and know who He is and what He has done for you through His death and resurrection.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
STATION 1 Luke 22:1-6 Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread drew near, which is called the Passover. And the chief […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":0,"featured_media":1149,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1148","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\n\n\n\n\n\t\n