The way of the cross: Matthew Chapter 27:27-45
Imaginative Contemplation
Enter into the scene
After Jesus had been whipped at Pilate’s command, the Roman soldiers took him, stripped him of his garments and clothed him with a scarlet cloak. Jesus had been scourged, so the stripping of his clothes would have been very painful as well as being humiliating.
The soldiers twisted some thorns into a crown and forced this onto Jesus’ head. They spat at him, hit him over the head with a stick and taunted him. Jesus seemed to be powerless, so his tormentors felt safe enough to heap scorn and pain on this man who represented a subjected people. Where do we see such conduct in the world today?
When the bullying was over, the soldiers put Jesus’ clothes on again and led him out to be crucified. On the way, they forced a traveller, Simon from Cyrene, to help Jesus carry his cross. How do you think Simon felt about being forced to carry a criminal’s cross? Did his attitude change when he was actually walking with Jesus?
When they reached the top of Golgotha, the soldiers offered Jesus some wine, but after tasting it, he did not drink it. They nailed him to the cross and then divided his clothes among themselves. They put a notice on the cross giving the reason for execution ‘This is Jesus, the King of the Jews’. Then they sat down and watched him. Two other prisoners were crucified that same day. The passersby taunted him, telling him to come down from the cross. In the same way, the chief priests and elders joined in the ridicule. Where do we see this sort of behaviour in the world today?
For further reflection
Discuss with Jesus the following points:
· Have I ever bullied anyone? Have I been bullied?
· The soldiers inflicted humiliation as well as physical pain on Jesus. Discuss the difference between these two sources of pain.
· Have I ever been forced to do something that I did not want to do? Did my attitude change while Iwas so engaged?
· What difference does it make when I do something freely rather than being forced to comply?
· Am I willing to help someone carry their cross?
How do I feel when someone offers to help me when I am in need?
Prayer
Lord, open my mind to accept all people regardless of colour, creed or culture. Lead me to respect the dignity of all your people and of all creation. Amen.