Station 10, Day 2

Station 10, Day 2

Jesus is Crucified

When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. When the centurion saw what had taken place, he praised God and said, “Certainly this man was innocent.” Luke 12:33, 47

Meditation

            Guilt and innocence on earth are determined by human beings and may or may not have relevance in God’s eyes. Jesus was judged to be guilty by the Temple leaders, the Roman authorities, and by the crowds. He made no attempt to proclaim his innocence. He made no attempt at a divine intervention to relieve himself of his suffering. He accepted his fate with a grace unknown to us.

At the foot of the cross is a Roman soldier, stationed to keep the peace until Jesus’ passing. He witnesses Jesus as he dies and recognizes that Jesus, indeed, was innocent. Although Scripture does not reveal how the soldier knew of Jesus’ innocence, we can assume he deduced the injustice by the way Jesus carried himself throughout his crucifixion. Clearly, Jesus was unlike others this soldier had crucified.

Spiritual discipline

            Meditate for 10 minutes on Jesus hanging on the cross between the criminals. Picture yourself at the foot of the cross, hearing the conversation between Jesus and the criminals. Watch as the Roman guard begins to understand that Jesus truly is the Messiah. Contemplate the sights and sounds of the scene.

Prayer

            Lord Jesus, even as you are racked with pain and near death, you continue to care for those around you. You continue your faith that God has a worthy purpose for your suffering. Strengthen me to have a faith more like yours. Amen.

This is the 35^th in a daily series titled The Stations of the Cross that will run through Easter 2026, at which time I will return to my weekly Life Notes. Life Notes are my explorations into mysteries that interest me. They are invitations for readers to explore more deeply into life’s mysteries. Engage with me or explore contemplative spiritual direction at ghildenbrand@outlook.com.