Second Station: Jesus Takes Up His Cross
JOHN 19:17
So they took Jesus; and carrying the cross by himself, he went out to what is called the Place of the Skull, which in Aramaic is called Golgotha.
Jesus is forced to take the journey that every condemned man must; he must carry his own cross through the streets. Some suggest that this helped fatigue the condemned men to bring about a hastier death. Some say it was to humiliate those about to die. Having just been flogged, the cross would be intensely painful upon his torn back.
PSALM 86:6-7
Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer,
And attend to the voice of my supplications.
In the time of my trouble I will call upon you,
for you will answer me.
Pray for—
- • all police officers, deputies, prison officers, and those required to carry out sentences and inflict pain in the execution of their duties.
- • those who mock and torment others, and for those who are bullied.
- • all victims of violence and those who commit violent acts against others.
- • yourself: when you mock or hurt others, and when you experience hurts, that your suffering may be fruitful, and that you may be preserved from indifference to the sufferings of others.