Suffer Alongside Jesus on the Via Dolorosa

The "Via Dolorosa" (the "Way of Suffering") is traced by the Catholic tradition. Its "Fourteen Stations of the Cross" are found as follows:

1. Jesus is condemned to die.
2. He is made to carry his cross.
3. He falls for the first time.
4. He meets his mother (not recorded in Scripture).
5. Simon of Cyrene carries his cross. 
6. Veronica wipes his face (not recorded in Scripture).
7. He falls the second time.
8. He speaks to the women of Jerusalem.
9. He falls the third time.
10. His clothes are stripped.
11. He is nailed to the cross.
12. He dies.
13. His body is removed.
14. His body is buried.

While Church tradition holds the Via Dolorosa in high regard, we cannot know with certainty that all of these stations are exactly where Jesus would have experienced what they describe. 

And that's all right. 

So, as we reflect on the path Jesus took to the cross, let's prayerfully ask the Lord to help us understand how Christ felt at each of these stops.

Do you know the “Way of Suffering”? 

Think what it must have been like to hear the crowds you'd helped and taught shout for your crucifixion. 

Imagine the weight of the cross as it rests on your shredded and bleeding shoulders. 

Look around at the crowd that mocks you as you fall three times under its weight. 

Embrace the relief when a stranger is made to carry your cross after its weight proves too much. 

Then feel the fear and horror as your remaining clothes are stripped away and nails are driven through your wrists and feet.

Take in the sights from high above the crowds as you see soldiers gambling for your clothes. 

Battle the pain and exhaustion that come with every breath you draw to speak to the men hanging by your side, your Father in heaven, and your family looking on from below. 

Then see the hurt in your mother's eyes as she watches you take your final breath and you declare, "It is finished."

That's what it means to walk in the "Way of Suffering." 

That's what it means to feel just a small piece of our Lord's sacrifice. 

And, if you'll accept it, that's what it means to never have to doubt again how much he loves you. 

Only one question remains: How much do you love him?

Photo: Station 3 of the Via Dolorosa commemorating where Christ fell for the first time on the way to the cross. © Denison Ministries