Stations of the Cross at Home
Experience the message of Good Friday by praying through nine meaningful Stations of the Cross. An powerful way to enhance your prayer experience is to walk to different places around your home as you pray through each Station. Follow along with the guide below as you meditate on the sacrifice that Jesus made for the world on that first Good Friday.
As you walk through your home, take a moment to prayerfully reflect on the meaning of each of the Stations of the Cross. Begin by placing communion elements on your dining table which will be a part of the final Station.
Station 1: Alone
Begin at the front door of your home. You are entering into an experience with Christ. Let entering your home be a symbol of beginning this spiritual journey, much as Jesus did when he prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, knowing what would come next for him.
Jesus prays in the Garden of Gethsemane – Rev. Keith King
“And he came out, and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples followed him. And when he came to the place he said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, “Father, if thou art willing, remove this cup from me; nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.” And when he rose from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping for sorrow, and he said to them, “Why do you sleep? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation.” – Luke 22: 39-46
Station 2: Betrayal
Make your way to the living room of your home. Think about the closeness your family and friends experience in this room as you reflect on the betrayal Jesus endured at the hands of his own disciple.
Jesus is arrested – Rev. Dave Poteet
“While he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a great crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people. Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I shall kiss is the man; seize him.” And he came up to Jesus at once and said, “Hail, Master!” And he kissed him. Jesus said to him, “Friend, why are you here?” Then they came up and laid hands on Jesus and seized him. And behold, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword, and struck the slave of the high priest, and cut off his ear. Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place; for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then should the scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so?” At that hour Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture me? Day after day I sat in the temple teaching, and you did not seize me. But all this has taken place, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples forsook him and fled.” – Matthew 26:47-56
Station 3: "Are You the Christ?"
Find any mirror in your home– it can be on a wall or in a bathroom. Take a look at your reflection, a visual representation of who you are, as you think about humanity’s inability to recognize Jesus for who he was at the time of his condemnation.
Jesus is accused and condemned – Rev. Wendy Lambert
“And they led Jesus to the high priest; and all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes were assembled. And Peter had followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest; and he was sitting with the guards, and warming himself at the fire. Now the chief priests and the whole council sought testimony against Jesus to put him to death; but they found none. For many bore false witness against him, and their witness did not agree. And some stood up and bore false witness against him, saying, “We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and in three days I will build another, not made with hands.’” Yet not even so did their testimony agree. And the high priest stood up in the midst, and asked Jesus, “Have you no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against you?” But he was silent and made no answer. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?” And Jesus said, “I am; and you will see the Son of man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.” And the high priest tore his garments, and said, “Why do we still need witnesses? You have heard his blasphemy. What is your decision?” And they all condemned him as deserving death. And some began to spit on him, and to cover his face, and to strike him, saying to him, “Prophesy!” And the guards received him with blows.” – Mark 14:53-65
Station 4: "Crucify Him!"
Walk to your bedroom or the place you sleep in your home. In this room, you find comfort and a sense of safety. It is where you find rest. Think about the gift of that sense of safety as you hear about this next Station.
Jesus is sentenced to death – Rev. Linda Harker
“And as soon as it was morning the chief priests, with the elders and scribes, and the whole council held a consultation; and they bound Jesus and led him away and delivered him to Pilate. And Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” And he answered him, “You have said so.” And the chief priests accused him of many things. And Pilate again asked him, “Have you no answer to make? See how many charges they bring against you.” But Jesus made no further answer, so that Pilate wondered. Now at the feast he used to release for them one prisoner for whom they asked. And among the rebels in prison, who had committed murder in the insurrection, there was a man called Barab′bas. And the crowd came up and began to ask Pilate to do as he was wont to do for them. And he answered them, “Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?” For he perceived that it was out of envy that the chief priests had delivered him up. But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release for them Barab′bas instead. And Pilate again said to them, “Then what shall I do with the man whom you call the King of the Jews?” And they cried out again, “Crucify him.” And Pilate said to them, “Why, what evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Crucify him.” So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released for them Barab′bas; and having scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.” – Mark 15: 1-15
Station 5: We Are Not Alone
Find a place in your home where you can write a note. Pull out a piece of paper and a pen and set them aside as you watch the video and reflect. You will keep this with you for the remainder of the stations.
Simon carries the cross – Dr. Bob Long
“And as they led him away, they seized one Simon of Cyre′ne, who was coming in from the country, and laid on him the cross, to carry it behind Jesus.” – Luke 23:26
Station 6: Crucified
Now, go to a closet or a dark room in your home. Turn or keep the lights off and dwell for a moment in the darkness. Think about the intensity of the darkness of that first Good Friday.
Jesus is crucified – Rev. Josh Attaway
“And when they came to the place which is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on the right and one on the left. And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments. And the people stood by, watching; but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!” The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him vinegar, and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” There was also an inscription over him, “This is the King of the Jews.” One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation?” – Luke 23:33-40
Station 7: Forgiveness
Find a candle or a lamp in your home and light it. Take a moment to gaze at the light and think about the message of love that Jesus brought to us as he suffered alongside the criminals.
Jesus speaks to the criminals – Rev. Linda Harker
“One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” – Luke 23:39-43
Station 8: Death
Make your way to the kitchen of your home. This is the place where many things come together to make a meal or a memory in your home. Make sure you have the piece of paper that you have written on with you.
Jesus dies on the cross – Rev. Keith King
“After this Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfil the scripture), “I thirst.” A bowl full of vinegar stood there; so they put a sponge full of the vinegar on hyssop and held it to his mouth. When Jesus had received the vinegar, he said, “It is finished”; and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” – John 19:28-30
Station 9: Communion
At this time, return to the dining table where you have already set out Communion elements.
God is with us, even now – Dr. Bob Long
“For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” – 1 Corinthians 11:26
