way of the cross: station #3

This is station #3

Jesus Condemned

Jesus’ “trial” is a timeless event. Imagine Jesus was on trial today. Imagine you are a religious leader who has heard about the coming Messiah your whole life. Now you’re involved in this hasty trial involving a highly public and controversial figure. Because of your status as a leader you are automatically assumed a member of the jury that decides whether he is to be condemned to death for his blasphemy.

You question the evidence, and the anger with which it is brought to light, but nearly every leader has already decided that this man is not the Messiah. Though you don’t trust the witnesses who’ve provided evidence against Jesus of Nazareth, you agree that he ought to go before the local government officials who will ultimately decide his fate. After all, when the high priest asked him directly if he was “the Christ, the Son of God,” this disheveled and obviously poor man answered, “Yes, it is as you say.” You find his claim to be disturbing, heretical, and blasphemous. You’ve seen his popularity rise among the population, among both the believers in God and the ones outside the church. The message he preaches has threatened to undermine the very church that has waited so hopefully for the real Messiah to come build a great kingdom for you and all those you love. This man is clearly not that man.


Wrapped up in your own thoughts, you are suddenly shaken back to reality. The high priest is shouting, “What do you think?” You join in with the others, saying, “He is worthy of death!” Everyone must come to a consensus. As you close your eyes for a minute to contemplate your decision you hear the sounds of hatred behind you as many of the leaders take their turn spiting in Jesus’ face, slapping him, and striking him in the face with their fists.

Despite your disagreement with the degredation with which they are treating the man, when it comes time to give your answer you agree that Jesus should be put to death.

Now pray:
I too have condemned you in my willingness to follow the crowd. I have on many occasions doubted that you are the Son of God because you aren’t doing all the fantastic, wonderful, and grand things I expect of you. Give me eyes to see who you really are. I sometimes allow my religious righteousness and position to give me a sense of power. Give me a heart to follow you in humility.

The art:

(1) Maes

(2) Intimate Portrait, Mike Lewis

(3) Unknown

(4) Ecco Homo Pilate, Caravaggio

(5) Unknown

(6) Condemned, He Qi

(7) Unknown