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Stations of the Cross – Desert drive

On your way to Station 1: As you make the drive out to Station 1 and prepare to think about Jesus’ journey to the cross, take the opportunity to reflect a bit on the journey that Jesus has been on with His disciples so far in the Gospel of Mark. Notably, Mark records for us three points along the way that Jesus has tried to explain to His disciples that He is going to die and be resurrected. All three times, the disciples are too focused on earthly things to grasp the heart of Jesus’ mission. If you have others in the car with you, have someone read the following three passages as you drive to Station 1. If you are on your own, read these passages before you leave and ponder them as you drive. Consider what it would have been like for Jesus to have His disciples struggle so much to understand Him and His mission. Mark 8:31-34 And he began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes and be killed, and after three days rise again. And he said this plainly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But turning and seeing his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man. And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me...” Mark 9:30-35 They went on from there and passed through Galilee. And he did not want anyone to know, for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him. And when he is killed, after three days he will rise.” But they did not understand the saying, and were afraid to ask him. And they came to Capernaum. And when he was in the house he asked them, “What were you discussing on the way?” But

they kept silent, for on the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest. And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” Mark 10:32-45 And taking the twelve again, he began to tell them what was to happen to him, saying, “See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death and deliver him over to the Gentiles. And they will mock him and spit on him, and flog him and kill him. And after three days he will rise.” And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came up to him and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” And he said to them, “What do you want me to do for you?” And they said to him, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” And they said to him, “We are able.” And Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you will drink, and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized, but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.” And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant at James and John. And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Just before Station 1, as you move past the residential areas and begin to enter the desert, you may want to think about the anticipation Jesus must have felt approaching Jerusalem knowing He was going to die. Perhaps you’ll want to envision Jesus riding on a donkey with people lining either side of the road with palm branches.

Jesus Clears the Temple View of Salt River at Granite Reef from the side of the road The actual parking area for Granite Reef is closed, but you can still glimpse the Salt River if you pull off to the side of the road. Once you’ve arrived

and have found a spot where you can see the river, take a moment to read the passage of Jesus clearing out the temple in Jerusalem: Mark 11:15-18 And they came to Jerusalem. And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who sold and those who bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. And he would not allow anyone to carry anything through the temple. And he was teaching them and saying to them, “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations’? But you have made it a den of robbers.” And the chief priests and the scribes heard it and were seeking a way to destroy him, for they feared him, because all the crowd was astonished at his teaching. Here we see Jesus making a bold statement to the people of Jerusalem which leaves them astonished. He halts the practices of the temple and quotes two Old Testament passages to describe the corruption and worthlessness of the sacrifices taking place there. By using the phrase “den of robbers” and referencing Jeremiah 7:1-15, Jesus applies the judgment to this temple that Jeremiah applied to the temple of his day--it is no longer fulfilling its purpose and will be destroyed. The religious leaders of Jeremiah’s day responded by calling for his death. Jesus will get the same reaction. The difference between Jeremiah’s proclamation and Jesus’ is that Jesus doesn’t come only to condemn the sacrificial system but to actually fulfill and replace it. His own death will now be the means by which true atonement and fellowship with God’s presence can be found.

As you look out at the river, you’re seeing a section that’s not far from where the relatively clear Salt River is joined with the muddier Verde River. Though from a distance this river may look nice, it is muddy and murky below the surface. As you think about the water of the Salt River being clouded and overtaken by the Verde here, take a moment to ponder the corruption that had overtaken the sacrificial system in Jerusalem and their need for true atonement. On your way to Station 2: If you have others in the car with you, have someone read the following as you drive from Station 1 to Station 2. If you are on your own, read this before leaving Station 1: Alongside the story you just read in Mark 11 is another sign given by Jesus to mark the end of the temple sacrificial system. He comes across a fig tree that ends up being all leaves and no fruit. He says to the fig tree “May no one ever eat fruit from you again” (verse 14) and the tree is found withered to the roots the following day. As you look to your left driving to Station 2 you’ll see many dead (burned) trees. As you see them, think about the statement Jesus is making with the image of the fruitless, dead tree--Israel’s corrupt faith (centered in the temple) has failed to produce righteous people ready to receive their Messiah. God’s plan of salvation is now moving forward into a new chapter and the way people will relate to God is about to change forever with the atoning death and resurrection of Jesus.

Jesus Anointed for Burial View of entrance to the two walking paths outside of Phon D Sutton

The actual entrance into Phon D Sutton is closed, but there is a small dirt parking area just outside of the entrance where you will want to park. Try to park all the way to the right side of the lot so you can view the entrance to some dirt walking paths going in different directions. Then, read the passage below: Mark 14:3-11 And while he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he was reclining at table, a woman came with an alabaster flask of ointment of pure nard, very costly, and she broke the flask and poured it over his head. There were some who said to themselves indignantly, “Why was the ointment wasted like that? For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor.” And they scolded her. But Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you want, you can do good for them. But you will not always have me. She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for burial. And truly, I say to you, wherever the gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her.” Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went to the chief priests in order to betray him to them. And when they heard it, they were glad and promised to give him money. And he sought an opportunity to betray him. Finally in the Gospel of Mark we encounter someone, a woman, who seems to realize that Jesus is soon going to die. Instead of dismissing that reality or seeking to stand in His way as His disciples did time and time again, this woman responds with an act of humble, sacrificial devotion. According to those who criticized her, the ointment was worth over a year’s wages (300 denarii). This is immediately contrasted with Judas choosing to sell Jesus out for his own selfish gain. Mark doesn’t even mention the amount paid to Judas, perhaps because, in comparison to the value of the woman’s ointment, it’s not even worth mentioning. As you look at the different directions of the walking paths in front of you, think about the contrast between the paths chosen by this woman and Judas. In your own response to Jesus, do you feel like you are walking down the path

of eager and loving sacrifice or do you find yourself seeking to use Jesus as a means to selfish ends?

On your way to Station 3: If you have others in the car with you, have someone read the following as you drive from Station 2 to Station 3. If you are on your own, read this before leaving Station 2: As you drive past all the trees and plant life on the way to station 3, read the following passage and reflect on what took place in the Garden of Gethsemane that night: Mark 14:32-50 And they went to a place called Gethsemane. And he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” 33 And he took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be greatly distressed and troubled. 34 And he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch.” 35 And going a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. 36 And he said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” 37 And he came and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not watch one hour? 38 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 39 And again he went away and prayed, saying the same words. 40 And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy, and they did not know what to answer him. 41 And he came the third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? It is enough; the hour has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42 Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.” And immediately, while he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders. 44 Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man. Seize him and lead him away under guard.” 45 And when he came, he went up to him at once and said, “Rabbi!” And he kissed him. 46 And they laid hands on him and seized him. 47 But one of those who stood by drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear. 48 And Jesus said to them, “Have you

come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture me? 49 Day after day I was with you in the temple teaching, and you did not seize me. But let the Scriptures be fulfilled.” 50 And they all left him and fled. Maybe as you’re experiencing the speed of your car driving through the area you’ll want to picture the disciples fleeing the scene in fear as Jesus gets arrested.

Jesus is Put on Trial View of a twisted cactus from the side of the road just before mile marker 22 Turn right at Usery Pass Road and go 2.9 miles past mile marker 23 (almost to 22) Pull over right at the Speed Limit 45 sign and look across the street at the large cactus with twisted arms. Take a moment to read excerpts from Jesus’ two twisted and unjust trials--one

before the Jewish council and one before Pilate: Mark 14:55-65 Now the chief priests and the whole council were seeking testimony against Jesus to put him to death, but they found none. 56 For many bore false witness against him, but their testimony did not 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?” 61 But he remained silent and made no answer. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?” 62 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.” 63 And the high priest tore his garments and said, “What further witnesses do we need? 64 You have heard his blasphemy. What is your decision?” And they all condemned him as deserving death. 65 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 15:1-15 And they bound Jesus and led him away and delivered him over to Pilate. 2 And Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” And he answered him, “You have said so.” 3 And the chief priests accused him of many things. 4 And Pilate again asked him, “Have you no answer to make? See how many charges they bring against you.” 5 But Jesus made no further answer, so that Pilate was amazed. Now at the feast he used to release for them one prisoner for whom they asked. 7 And among the rebels in prison, who had committed murder in the insurrection, there was a man called Barabbas. 8 And the crowd came up and began to ask Pilate to do as he usually did for them. 9 And he answered them, saying, “Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?” 10 For he perceived that it was out of envy that the chief priests had delivered him up. 11 But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release for them Barabbas instead. 12 And Pilate again said to them, “Then what shall I do with the man you call the King of the Jews?” 13 And they cried out again, “Crucify him.” 14 And Pilate said to them, “Why? What evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Crucify him.” 15 So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified. You’ll notice that the cactus across the street has two prominently twisted and askew arms that have grown in at weird angles. As you’re looking at them think about the two bizarre trials that Jesus experiences here. Neither was able to produce a single legitimate charge against him and yet he receives the most severe sentence possible--death by crucifixion. And, as if things weren’t bad enough being rejected by both Jewish and Gentile courts, the denial of Peter, one of Jesus’ closest friends, takes place during this time also.

On your way to Station 4: If you have others in the car with you, have someone read the following as you drive from Station 3 to Station 4. If you are on your own, read this before leaving Station 3:

As you journey towards the final station, think about Christ’s journey now to the cross as he has received his death sentence and has been handed over to the soldiers. On your left, you’ll be able to see a mountain in the distance that looks like it has a big gash running across its face. As you look at it, consider the weight of physical and emotional suffering Christ endured in these moments and read the following from Mark 15: Mark 15:16-20 And the soldiers led him away inside the palace (that is, the governor's headquarters), and they called together the whole battalion. 17 And they clothed him in a purple cloak, and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on him. 18 And they began to salute him, “Hail, King of the Jews!” 19 And they were striking his head with a reed and spitting on him and kneeling down in homage to him. 20 And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the purple cloak and put his own clothes on him. And they led him out to crucify him.

Jesus is Crucified View of the cross on the side of the road in front of St. Ignatius Orthodox Christian Church Go exactly 3 miles further up the road and you’ll want to pull off to the side of the road as soon as

you see the sign for the Bike Lane. When you’re positioned to see the cross sculpture to your right, read the following scripture: Mark 15:24-39 And they crucified him and divided his garments among them, casting lots for them, to decide what each should take. 25 And it was the third hour when they

crucified him. 26 And the inscription of the charge against him read, “The King of the Jews.” 27 And with him they crucified two robbers, one on his right and one on his left. 29 And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads and saying, “Aha! You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, 30 save yourself, and come down from the cross!” 31 So also the chief priests with the scribes mocked him to one another, saying, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. 32 Let the Christ, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross that we may see and believe.” Those who were crucified with him also reviled him. And when the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. 34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” 35 And some of the bystanders hearing it said, “Behold, he is calling Elijah.” 36 And someone ran and filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on a reed and gave it to him to drink, saying, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to take him down.” 37 And Jesus uttered a loud cry and breathed his last. 38 And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. 39 And when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!” Jesus’ suffering and humiliation reach their height on the cross. As you look and see the solitary, lonely cross sculpture to your right, think about how alone Jesus must have felt in this moment. His disciples have fled, the passersby and even the criminals being executed alongside Him are insulting Him. He quotes a psalm that expresses feeling forsaken even by God Himself. But the scene is full of ironic affirmations of the moment. As the passersby make fun of Jesus’ statement that he would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days He is actually in the process of doing just that (the temple of His body). And while the chief priests make fun of Him for saving others but not Himself, that has been His mission from the very beginning. We’re also told that the enormous curtain in the temple separating God’s presence from the people is mysteriously and dramatically torn at the moment of Jesus’ death. The perfect sacrifice of Jesus has finally made it possible for all barriers between God and humanity to be removed through faith in Him. As you look and see the church visible behind the cross, think about the fact that God’s presence has moved from behind that temple curtain to now indwelling the church (but not the building, the people who believe in Jesus!). If you have believed in Jesus and confessed that He is Lord, that includes you. Unexpectedly, it’s a gentile centurion who gives voice to that confession in our story. He is the person in Mark to proclaim what God had announced at the beginning of the Gospel (“You one are my Son” in 1:11). As you have observed Jesus and his crucifixion journey, what is your response? Do you come away with the same confession as the centurion?

Spend a few moments talking to Jesus about what you’ve noticed in these stations. Ask Him any questions you have and process with Him how He may be speaking to you or prompting you to respond. If you would like to process your questions and responses with a pastor, please e-mail info@rmcchurch.org and we would love to get in touch with you.

There is so much more to the story! Please don’t forget to join us for our special livestream services as we continue to engage with Holy Week this week:

APRIL 9 | 630PM t

APRIL 10 | 630PM T

APRIL 12 | 6AM