The Promise

Golgotha, The Crucifixion

The Gathering:

The Jewish leaders handed Jesus over to Pilate, the Roman governor, to be sentenced. But Pilate couldn’t find anything that he was guilty of. The crowd turned against Jesus and shouted louder and louder. ‘Crucify him! Crucify him!’

Finally, Pilate gave in and the soldiers lead Jesus away. They put a purple robe around his shoulders and a crown of thorns upon his head. Jesus was made to carry a heavy cross on his shoulders to a hill outside the city wall called ‘The Place of the Skull’

Imagine the walk to Golgotha (Calvary)

The Story

Jesus was crucified on a cross

Two criminals had also been sentenced to death and were crucified that day with Jesus. One of them began shouting insults at Jesus, ‘I thought you were the Christ; then save yourself and us!’ But the other criminal stopped him and said ‘You should fear God. We are being punished for what we have done wrong and getting what we deserve, but this man Jesus has done nothing wrong!’ Then he turned to Jesus and said, ‘’Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom. Jesus looked at him and said, ‘I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise’

Reflection

The cross is a special symbol for Christians because it helps them remember that Jesus died so that those who believe in him will be forgiven and have a fresh start.

Response

Use the natural materials around you to help make a cross on the ground. As you do, think about the things that have happened in your life or in the world that have gone wrong and need forgiveness. When others see the cross it will help remind them that God is a loving God who forgives everyone who is truly sorry.

Prayer

Dear God, We remember today, the pain and suffering of the cross, and all that Jesus was willing to endure, so we could be set free. He paid the price, such a great sacrifice, to offer us the gift of eternal life.

Help us never to take for granted this huge gift of love on our behalf. Help us to be reminded of the cost of it all. Forgive us for being too busy, or distracted by other things, for not fully recognising what you have freely given and what you have done for us. Amen