Because we know Easter will be different this year for most people, we’re focusing on bringing you free resources to help you worship while sheltering in place right now. God doesn’t expect big, harmonizing choirs (although they’re lovely!)—He wants to meet you wherever you are, even if that means opening up your Bible in the early-morning quiet from your living room.
That’s why we’ve created these Stations of the Cross printables for you to use in your home or backyard as you meditate on the significance of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross throughout the week. It’s a common practice for Catholics during Lent, but it’s less common in Protestant churches. Read Job 9:32-33; 16:19-21; 19:25-27; and 33:23 for the context of this practice.
To download each station—or card—click on any of the images below for a printable PDF. Then, simply cut out the prints, and tack them to your walls or a backyard fence to create a walking path from station to station.
Here’s where you’ll have to get out your toolbox:
Nail two boards together in the shape of a cross and cover it with chicken wire using a staple gun. If you’re looking for a simpler version, look around your house for common items like cardboard or Styrofoam—be creative! (Even a simple vase will do.) Then, stand the cross—or vase—in the same general area as the stations.
Buy a bunch of long-stemmed flowers (carnations, roses, daisies, etc.) enough for every member of your family to have one.
Begin your experience with prayer, and then direct your family to meander slowly through all the stations at their own pace. Encourage them to read the Scripture passages at each station to meditate on what Jesus experienced. Instead of ending at the last station, ask each participant to insert her/his flower into the chicken wire, symbolizing the abundant life Jesus provides through His sacrificial death.
Station 1: Jesus prays on the Mount of Olives (Luke 22:39-46).
Station 2: Jesus is betrayed and arrested (Luke 22:47-48).
Station 3: Jesus is condemned by the Sanhedrin (Luke 22:66-71).
Station 4: Peter betrays Jesus (Luke 22:54-62).
Station 5: Jesus is judged by Pilate (Luke 23:13-25).
Station 6: Jesus is scourged and crowned with thorns (Luke 22:63-65 and John 19:2-3).
Station 7: Jesus takes up the cross (John 19:6,15-17).
Station 8: Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus carry His cross. (Luke 23:26)
Station 9: Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem. (Luke 23:27-31)
Station 10: Jesus is crucified. (Luke 23:33-34, 46-47)
Station 11: Jesus promises His kingdom to the believing thief. (Luke 23:39-43)
Station 12: Jesus talks to His mother and disciple from the cross. (John 19:25-27)
Station 13: Jesus dies on the cross. (Luke 23:44-47)
Station 14: Jesus is placed in the tomb. (Luke 23:50-54; Mark 15:42-47)
This activity was adapted from session 3 of Job by Lisa Harper. To learn more, find the study here.
