The Twelfth Station
Jesus dies on the cross
Luke 23: 46 - Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Father! In your hands I place my spirit!” He said this and died.
John 19:30 - Jesus drank the wine and said “It is finished”. Then He bowed his head and gave up His spirit.
Philippians 2:8-9 - He was humble and walked the path of obedience all the way to death – His death on the cross. For this reason God raised Him to the highest place above and gave Him the name that is greater than any other name.
Meditation:
As Pilate had ordered, a soldier places, above Jesus’ head, a notice reading ‘Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews” (John 19:20). The cross is hoisted into place. The three women named Mary along with John stay at the foot of the cross and pray. Jesus looks down and says to his mother “Dear woman, here is your son” and to John “Here is your mother”. The sky was dark. Jesus says “I am thirsty”. A soldier offers him wine mixed with hyssop. The two thieves that were crucified beside Him talk to Him. Looking at one of them He says, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.” Jesus says, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? - My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?” Then he says “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit”. A few moments later He says, “It is finished”. After several hours of agony on the cross, consumed with anguish, Jesus abandons Himself to the weight of His body, bows His head, and dies.
At that instant, the earth shakes, rocks split, the curtain in the Temple rips from top to bottom. The centurion guarding Jesus sees the earth quake and says “Surely He was the Son of God”
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, in Your death lies my hope. Help me to remember that faith will always guide me through the losses and failures of my life. Help me to love You all the days of my life. And when my time of trial comes, give me grace to die burning with love for You. This I ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.