They sent Jesus out carrying His own instrument of execution, the cross, to a hill known as the Place of the Skull, or Golgotha in Hebrew.
John 19:17 (The Voice)
He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth.
Isaiah 53:7 (ESV)
“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!”
Revelation 5:12 (ESV)
STATION 2 VIDEO | Broken is the Beginning
REFLECTION
A person becomes real when the shine of life wear’s off, and [they] come apart. —Glennon Doyle
Grief is something each of us will go through. It’s just as much a part of life as joy, but because it is not comfortable, we may try to avoid it. To go around it rather than through it.
Melton believes being with people in their pain and grief “is the place to be…that is how we end up feeling connected.” That makes so much more sense of Jesus taking up His cross. He is choosing to be united with us in our suffering. This is an acceptance step; he will walk this road. No longer is he pleading for the cup to be withdrawn; he accepts what is coming.
Take some time to consider the ways you might be avoiding grief and pain. Be okay with the fact that it may take a good amount of time to come to recognize your coping mechanisms. Denial is a strong force; but, acceptance is equally strong.
Have you ever taken the right next step even though you knew it would cost you? Have you ever empathized with someone who has experienced great loss?
RESPONSE
Take a few minutes to think about what acceptance means for you, whether it’s accepting tragedy or accepting grace. Choose one of the focus statements and use that statement as a focused prayer for five minutes: “I choose to follow you,” or “I accept
Invite the Holy Spirit to help you endure the suffering, and to teach you acceptance.
PRAYER
Jesus Christ crucified, you allowed chaos to rule against you, and received your cross— you didn’t fight for your honor, but you died to prove ours. Worthy is the one who lays down his or her life for others. Helps us with the courage to accept our crosses, and give us the strength to walk through our pain. Lord, have mercy.