Eleventh Station: Jesus Is Nailed to the Cross

 

MATTHEW 27:39-40

Those who passed by derided him, shaking their heads and saying, “You who would destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross.”

 

Jesus, after his psychological and physical humiliation, is nailed to the cross. Nails are put through his wrists, and the crossbeam hoisted up to its cross piece. Another nail is driven through his feet. The weight of his body hangs from the wrists, with the only way to relieve it being to push up with his feet. Every convict is labeled, and Jesus’ placard, King of the Jews, is affixed above him.

 

PSALM 22:7-8

All who see me laugh me to scorn;
They curl their lips and wag their heads, saying,
“He trusted in the Lord; let him deliver him;
Let him rescue him, if he delights in him.”

 

In gratitude and sorrow, stand before the cross. Know the love of God, which allows his own son to be subjected to this sort of death.

Pray for—

  • • those who would destroy the good, the sacred, the beautiful and true.
  • • all attempts to suppress the good news of Christ given for the world, and for all those who are persecuted and oppressed.
  • • yourself, whenever you are called to account for your faith, that you may understand and incorporate the way of the cross into your life, so that sin, suffering, and death may be broken on the rock which is love.

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