For Children A half-sheet of questions geared to a child’s level of understanding are available.

Additional Resources • Scan the QR tag below to watch a video version of the station devotional led by our pastor, Rev. Denise Haskins. • The videos—as well as Going Deeper questions for additional reflection—are also available on our virtual Stations of the Cross website located at http://westsideumc.info/stations-of-the-cross

Join us for worship and your continuing discipleship journey… West Side United Methodist Church West Side United Methodist Church 317 Nichols Street; Clearfield, PA 16830

Watch for details about worship and other ministries Welcome! at www.westsideumc.info or on Facebook @ West.Side.United.Methodist We’re so glad you have chosen to set aside some time to reflect on the Stations of the Cross. Contact us at [email protected] OR Use this booklet to read/reflect on each of the 15 stations. call during regular business hours (M-F 9-4) Information about additional resources is found on the back cover 814.765.9813 of this booklet. Station 1: Sorrow

Matthew 26:36-41 36 Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane. He said to the disciples, "Stay here while I go and pray over there." 37 When he took Peter and Zebedee's two sons, he began to feel sad and anxious. 38 Then he said to them, "I'm very sad. It's as if I'm dying. Stay here and keep alert with me." 39 Then he went a short distance farther and fell on his face and prayed, "My Father, if it's possible, take this cup of suffering away from me. However—not what I want but what you want." 40 He came back to the disciples and found them sleeping. He said to Peter, "Couldn't you stay alert one hour with me? 41 Stay alert and pray so that you won't give in to temptation. The spirit is eager, but the flesh is weak."

In the Garden of Gethsemane, we encounter Jesus in his moment of deepest sorrow and pain. But notice he is not alone. The scriptures say, “Jesus went with the disciples…” (Matthew 26:36). He then took his most trusted friends—Peter, James, and John— with him as he began the painful journey that would ultimately lead to new life. Although we tend to give them a bad rap for falling asleep three times, it’s worth noting that, at least they were present with Jesus in these moments in the garden. Thank you!

While most of us will not make history-altering decisions in our Our hope is that by taking part in this ancient devotional practice, lifetimes, we all have moments of deep sorrow when we need to your eyes and your heart will be open to the great love, mercy, be surrounded by the love of our friends, especially those in the and grace God has for you in this season and throughout your life. community of faith. As you begin this journey to the cross with Jesus, remember you are not alone. Remember also “at night we These devotional materials were developed using the Stations of may cry, but when morning comes we will the Cross products available from Illustrated Ministries (author: celebrate” (Psalm 30:5). Geoff Duffy, illustrator: Adam Walker Cleaveland). Station 15: New Life & New Beginnings Station 2: Betrayal

Mark 16:1-6 Mark 14:43-46 1 When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother 43 Suddenly, while Jesus was still of James, and Salome bought spices so that they could go and speaking, Judas, one of the anoint Jesus' dead body. 2 Very early on the first day of the week, Twelve, came with a mob just after sunrise, they came to the tomb. 3 They were saying to carrying swords and clubs. They each other, "Who's going to roll the stone away from the entrance had been sent by the chief for us?" 4 When they looked up, they saw that the stone had been priests, legal experts, and elders. rolled away. (And it was a very large stone!) 5 Going into the 44 His betrayer had given them a tomb, they saw a young man in a white robe seated on the right sign: "Arrest the man I kiss, and side; and they were startled. 6 But he said to them, "Don't be take him away under guard." alarmed! You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. 45 As soon as he got there, Judas He has been raised. He isn't here. Look, here's the place where said to Jesus, "Rabbi!" Then he they laid him. kissed him. 46 Then they came and grabbed Jesus and The resurrection of Jesus is a reminder that eternal life begins right arrested him. here, right now… today! For the women who came to the tomb early that Sunday morning, death was all they were expecting to Someone once said that “the see. Imagine their amazement when, in the place they expected saddest thing about betrayal is to only encounter grief, was an angel of light telling them to turn that it never comes from your back around, spread the good news, carry on the mission, and be enemies.” And so it was with on the lookout for Jesus in the places they least expected to see Jesus and Judas. The scriptures are quick to point out that Judas him. In the words of a contemporary Easter hymn: was “one of the twelve” (Mark 14:43). It could even be argued that he was one of the more influential members of the inner Because you live, O Christ, the spirit bird of hope is freed for flying; circle. After all, he was the treasurer who made sure there was our cages of despair no longer keep us closed and life-denying. enough money to carry on the mission of building the kingdom. The stone has rolled away and death cannot imprison! And yet, it was this “one of the twelve” who betrayed Jesus, O sing this Easter day, for Jesus Christ has risen! setting in motion events that would ultimately lead to Jesus’ crucifixion.

We will never know why Judas betrayed Jesus. Some people believe it was because he had no choice…it was all part of God’s preordained plan. Others think it was because Judas was hungry for power and control of the group. Whatever his motives, his betrayal ultimately cost Jesus his life. Station 3: Condemnation

Luke 22:66-71 66 As morning came, the elders of the people, both chief priests and legal experts, came together, and Jesus was brought before their council. 67 They said, "If you are the Christ, tell us!" He answered, "If I tell you, you won't believe. 68 And if I ask you a question, you won't answer. 69 But from now on, the Human One will be seated on the right side of the power of God." 70 They all said, "Are you God's Son, then?" He replied, "You say that I am." 71 Then they said, "Why do we need further testimony? We've heard it from his own lips."

As we arrive at this third station with Jesus, it is worth remembering that it was not “evil” people who condemned him. The people who passed false judgment were the “good” ones, the religious leaders, the ones who knew the law. Yet, in one of the saddest mockeries of justice in history, they sentenced Jesus to death. But not before they asked him this question: “Are you…the Son of God” (Luke 22:70)? Then, even after Jesus answered in the affirmative, they condemned the Son of God to death.

At some point in our lives, most of us have heard this proverb: when you point a finger at someone, there are three more pointing back at you. Take a look at the picture. Notice all the fingers. Who are they pointing at? Are they your fingers? Station 4: Denial

Matthew 26:69-75 69 Meanwhile, Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. A servant woman came and said to him, "You were also with Jesus the Galilean." 70 But he denied it in front of all of them, saying, "I don't know what you are talking about." 71 When he went over to the gate, another woman saw him and said to those who were there, "This man was with Jesus, the man from Nazareth." 72 With a solemn pledge, he denied it again, saying, "I don't know the man." 73 A short time later those standing there came and said to Peter, "You must be one of them. The way you talk gives you away." 74 Then he cursed and swore, "I don't know the man!" At that very moment the rooster crowed. 75 Peter remembered Jesus' words, "Before the rooster crows you will deny me three times." And Peter went out and cried uncontrollably.

It is not always easy to be true to our religious convictions when forces from all sides are asking us to deny the very things that give us life. Peter found this out in the courtyard as he watched Jesus being led away to trial. Just weeks before, Peter had mustered up the courage to profess that Jesus was “the Messiah, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 13:15). But now, when questioned, he denied he even knew his friend and Savior. Who knows what would have happened if Peter had the courage of his convictions at that moment? Would the questioning servant-girl have come to believe in Jesus? Would Peter’s testimony have been able to save Jesus from death?

Take a look at the picture. Is the person with folded arms a defiant Peter? Or could it be a defiant Jesus, saying to us, “no matter how many times you deny me, I will always love you!” Station 5: Judgment Station 14: Burial

Mark 15:1-5, 15 Matthew 27:57-60 1 At daybreak, the chief 57 That evening a man named priests—with the elders, legal Joseph came. He was a rich experts, and the whole man from Arimathea who had Sanhedrin—formed a plan. They become a disciple of Jesus. bound Jesus, led him away, and 58 He came to Pilate and asked turned him over to Pilate. for Jesus' body. Pilate gave him 2 Pilate questioned him, "Are permission to take it. 59 Joseph you the king of the Jews?" Jesus took the body, wrapped it in a replied, "That's what you say." clean linen cloth, 60 and laid it in 3 The chief priests were his own new tomb, which he accusing him of many things. had carved out of the rock. 4 Pilate asked him again, "Aren't After he rolled a large stone at you going to answer? What the door of the tomb, he went about all these accusations?" away. 5 But Jesus gave no more answers, so that Pilate At this fourteenth station, we marveled. 15 Pilate wanted to meet Joseph of Arimathea, a satisfy the crowd, so he released person of great wealth and Barabbas to them. He had Jesus merciful compassion. Mary was whipped, then handed him over to be crucified. the widow of a poor carpenter, and Jesus was an itinerant rabbi. In the eyes of many, they were just poor peasants. In the eyes of At this fifth station, we find ourselves standing with Jesus in Pilate’s the state, Jesus was criminal unworthy of a proper burial. But to judgement hall. He is tired and dirty from a sleepless night, Joseph, a secret follower of Jesus, Jesus was the very image of humiliated by the spitting, and hurting from the slaps of those who God! And, as such, he deserved a respectful burial. wish to mock him. His clothes are ragged and torn. And he is hungry. “Then the chief priests accused him of many things” (Mark Take a look at the picture. On the front of the stone, there 15:3). appears to be a cocoon hanging from the branch of a tree. The old caterpillar is being transformed into a beautiful butterfly that After the chief priests judged Jesus, Pilate handed him over to be will emerge, bright with color, and full of new life. crucified. Sadly, this is also what happens when we judge others, rather than loving them. Our judgment condemns them to the death of hopelessness. What if instead of fingers pointing in judgment, they were all extended with a handshake of solidarity for the person judged wrongly? Fingers pointed in judgment will never find time to love. Station 13: Darkness Station 6: Crowning

Luke 23:44-46 John 19:1-3 44 It was now about noon, and 1 Then Pilate had Jesus taken darkness covered the whole and whipped. 2 The soldiers earth until about three o'clock, twisted together a crown of 45 while the sun stopped shining. thorns and put it on his head, Then the curtain in the sanctuary and dressed him in a purple tore down the middle. 46 Crying robe. 3 Over and over they went out in a loud voice, Jesus said, up to him and said, "Greetings, "Father, into your hands I entrust king of the Jews!" And they my life." After he said this, he slapped him in the face. breathed for the last time. At this sixth station, we read At this station, we arrive at the about the agents of the state end of Luke’s gospel. All hope forcing Jesus to wear a crown of that God’s sunrise will appear thorns and a purple robe to seems to be lost. Darkness identify him as the “King of the comes over the land, and the Jews” (John 19:2). The phrase sun’s light fails. But then, an “the Jews” is sprinkled liberally amazing event happens in the throughout John’s account of midst of this darkness. The veil in the Passion and, unfortunately, the temple is torn in two. The false wall that had been erected Christians have often used this as an excuse for between God and humanity comes crushing down at the death anti-Semitism and mistreatment of our Jewish brothers and sisters. of Jesus. The tearing of the temple veil at the death of Jesus Many biblical scholars believe that a more accurate translation of reveals to us the light that God has always intended for creation. the Greek word Ioudaioi would be “Judeans” (referring to a region), rather than “Jews” (referring to an entire religion). When it Take a look at the picture. Notice that you are looking from comes to religion and how we treat one another, words do behind the veil to the cross. It’s as if we were always on the inside, matter! just waiting for God’s sunrise to break upon us. Jesus will always be found with the marginalized, the oppressed, and the forgotten. Be mindful of all the lives that have been broken over the centuries because of religious prejudice and the careless misuse of language. Station 7: Bearing Station 12: Care

John 19:6, 15-17 John 19:25-27 6 When the chief priests and 25 Jesus' mother and his mother's their deputies saw him, they sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, shouted out, "Crucify, and Mary Magdalene stood crucify!" Pilate told them, "You near the cross. 26 When Jesus take him and crucify him. I don't saw his mother and the disciple find any grounds for a charge whom he loved standing against him." 15 The Jewish nearby, he said to his mother, leaders cried out, "Take him "Woman, here is your son." away! Take him away! Crucify 27 Then he said to the disciple, him!" Pilate responded, "What? "Here is your mother." And from Do you want me to crucify your that time on, this disciple took king?" "We have no king except her into his home. the emperor," the chief priests answered. 16 Then Pilate handed Jesus, now in his last moments of Jesus over to be crucified. The life, concerns himself not with his soldiers took Jesus prisoner. own suffering, but with the 17 Carrying his cross by himself, suffering of his mother and one he went out to a place called of his best friends who were Skull Place (in Aramaic, gathered at the foot of the Golgotha). cross. Mary, his mother, was most likely a widow at this point in her life. Now, with the death of her eldest son, she would be relegated This seventh station is a very lonely one. John puts it this way: “… to the lowest rungs of society with no one to look after her. So and carrying the cross by himself, Jesus went out…” (John 19:17). Jesus motioned to John, the beloved disciple, and asked him to Christians have argued for centuries over whether or not Jesus take Mary into his own care. Behold your mother. And then he had to die. We have debated about the meaning of his death. asked Mary to look after John as if he were her own son. Behold And we have disagreed about its consequences. But what we do your son. There, at the cross, Jesus asked his followers to be agree on is that somehow his solitary decision to take up the cross reckless in their concern and care for one another. He asked them changed the course of history and had eternal consequences for to strip away the traditional ideas of what constituted a family, all of humanity. and to forge a new family of faith that would care for one another at all costs. The Orthodox tradition has long held that Adam and Eve had been waiting for centuries in their graves for the coming of the One who would rescue them from sin and death. Perhaps as Jesus dragged his cross through the city streets that day, it began to rip apart the hardened earth where Adam and Eve lay waiting for resurrection. Station 11: Promise Station 8: Helping

Luke 23:39-43 Mark 15:21 39 One of the criminals hanging Simon, a man from Cyrene, next to Jesus insulted him: "Aren't Alexander and Rufus' father, you the Christ? Save yourself was coming in from the and us!" 40 Responding, the other countryside. They forced him to criminal spoke harshly to him, carry his cross. "Don't you fear God, seeing that you've also been sentenced to At this eighth station, we die? 41 We are rightly encounter Simon of Cyrene, the condemned, for we are man whom the soldiers forced receiving the appropriate to help carry Jesus’ heavy cross: sentence for what we did. But “coming in from the country… this man has done nothing was Simon…the father of wrong." 42 Then he said, "Jesus, Alexander and Rufus” (Mark remember me when you come 15:21). We don’t know much into your kingdom." 43 Jesus about Alexander and Rufus. We replied, "I assure you that today don’t know if they were children you will be with me in paradise." on the day of Jesus’ journey to the cross, but imagine if they As he hung on the cross dying, were. One tradition says they Jesus promised the thief next to him, “Today, you will be with me in went on to become missionaries in the early Christian church. paradise” (Luke 23:43). This word that Jesus uses, a Persian word Some have even suggested that the Rufus mentioned by Paul in referring to a “park” or a “garden”, only appears two other times his letter to Rome (Romans 16:13) is Rufus, the son of Simon the in the scriptures. Paul uses it in 2 Corinthians when speaking of a Cyrene. Whatever the case, what we do know is that Rufus and vision he had (2 Corinthians 12:3-4), and John uses it in the book of his brother, Alexander, saw their father give a helping hand that Revelation to describe the life that awaits those who have been day to someone in need. And that someone in need just faithful: “To everyone who conquers, I will give permission to eat happened to be the Son of God. from the tree of life that is in the paradise of God” (Revelation 2:7). Jesus’ words in Revelation are clearly an echo back to the Tree of Life in the Garden of Eden. The promise of Jesus is that, in the end, all things will be restored to their perfect state. Paradise.

The message of this eleventh station is that, for those who place their trust in Jesus, paradise begins to blossom…right here, right now. The promise of Jesus to the thief, and to us, is that today you can live with him there. Station 9: Blessing Station 10: Crucifixion Luke 23:27-31 27 A huge crowd of people Luke 23:33-34 followed Jesus, including 33 When they arrived at the women, who were mourning place called The Skull, they 28 and wailing for him. Jesus crucified him, along with the turned to the women and said, criminals, one on his right and "Daughters of Jerusalem, don't the other on his left. 34 Jesus cry for me. Rather, cry for said, "Father, forgive them, for 29 yourselves and your children. they don't know what they're The time will come when they doing." They drew lots as a way will say, 'Happy are those who of dividing up his clothing. are unable to become pregnant, the wombs that never What makes the crucifixion so gave birth, and the breasts that revolutionary is the truth that 30 never nursed a child.' Then God, in the person of Jesus, they will say to the mountains, descended to humanity, took 'Fall on us,' and to the hills, on all the sufferings of the world, 31 'Cover us.' If they do these and died for the salvation of all things when the tree is green, people so that we might what will happen when it is dry?" ascend to the heights for which we were created. The vertical beam, plunged into the dark earth, At this ninth station, Jesus encounters the women of Jerusalem, also reaches up to the highest heaven, spanning the gulf and we hear strange words: “Blessed are the barren, and the between God and humanity. And the horizontal beam reaches wombs that never bore…” (Luke 23:29). Exactly the opposite of from the criminal on Jesus’ right to the criminal on his left, what we hear at the beginning of Luke’s gospel when Gabriel spanning the distance between alienated brothers and sisters. announces to Mary that she will give birth to Jesus: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb” (Luke The way of the cross is the way to peace. The mercy extended by 1:42). Perhaps the words in Luke’s account of the Passion are a Christ at Calvary was the mercy we should extend to all people. reminder to us that every moment of our lives, even those places And he knew that suffering and oppression will not last forever, that seem the most forsaken (especially those places), can we be because all has been redeemed through the life and death of places of God’s blessing. And it is precisely those most human of Jesus Christ. conditions that Jesus wishes to bless, to transform, and to take up into the divine life.

We are most effective as agents of blessing to others when we have been wounded ourselves. Our own hurt makes us more empathetic to the pain of others.