This week we reflect on the ‘trial’ and ‘treatment’ of Jesus on his way to the cross. We learn valuable lessons on how we can respond and reflect on our own personal suffering of wrongs. We can also take moments to reflect on how we may treat others better.
Station 5 sees Jesus being accused by Pilate, a person who was given the authority to release or condemn Jesus.
“Are you the king of the Jews?” asked Pilate. “You have said so,” Jesus replied. 3 The chief priests accused him of many things. 4 So again Pilate asked him, “Aren’t you going to answer? See how many things they are accusing you of.” 5 But Jesus still made no reply, and Pilate was amazed.
We read of Jesus being given the chance to be released as Pilate believed he had done no wrong. But the crowd called for Jesus to be crucified. The thousands who had followed Jesus and seen his miracles were not there to support him now.
“What shall I do, then, with the one you call the king of the Jews?” Pilate asked them. 13 “Crucify him!” they shouted. 14“Why? What crime has he committed?” asked Pilate. But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify him!” 15 Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. He had Jesus flogged and handed him over to be crucified.
At the Sixth and Seventh station we hear of the torture of Jesus, so bad that it left him nearly dead. Not just physically hurt but ridiculed and insulted too. Even after such treatment, he had to carry his cross up the hill.
They put a purple robe on him, then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on him. 18 And they began to call out to him, “Hail, king of the Jews!” 19 Again and again they struck him on the head with a staff and spit on him. Falling on their knees, they paid homage to him.
