Station 1 | Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane
This station could be set up close to some flowers blooming in your yard, or you could put some in a vase. If you don’t have flowers, you could use a scented candle, or you can draw some flowers or cut out pictures of flowers from a magazine.
Read Matthew 26:36-41
Imagine yourself in a garden. What would it look like and smell like? Try and imagine the heaviness that Jesus felt as He prayed in the Garden.
Station 2 | Jesus is betrayed by Judas and arrested
For this station, put some coins in a bowl.
Read Mark 14:43-46
Hold the coins and think of how Judas betrayed Jesus for money. Then, think of someone that you have betrayed, ignored, or turned your back on. Say a silent prayer thanking Jesus for his forgiveness for the times we have betrayed Him or others.
Station 3 | Jesus is condemned by the Sanhedrin
For this station, find something in your house that could function like a judge’s gavel. A large cooking spoon should work. Or, just use your fist.
Read Luke 22:66-71
Gently hit the table or floor with the gavel (Or just use your fist like a gavel) and say, “Guilty!”
Station 4 | Jesus is denied by Peter
This station could have a laptop or phone with a link to the sound of a rooster crowing.
Read Matthew 26:69-75
Say: “I don’t know the man!” And then click here for the rooster sound.
Station 5 | Jesus is judged by Pilate
For this station, fill a bowl with water and have soap and a towel nearby.
Read Mark 15:1-5, 15
Wash your hands in the water and remember how Pilate washed his hands of Jesus.
Station 6 | Jesus is scourged and crowned with thorns
If you have thorny plants in your yard, carefully cut a branch with thorns to use. Or, you could draw a crown of thorns or print a picture of one.
Read John 19:1-3
Touch the thorns or look at the drawing or picture of thorns. Imagine how sharp and painful the crown of thorns was that Jesus wore.
Station 7 | Jesus takes up his cross
Find a cross somewhere in your house. If you don’t have one, find 2 sticks and tie them in the shape of a cross with string or dental floss. Or, draw a cross.
Read John 19:6, 15-16
Hold the Cross and say, “Crucify Him!”
Station 8 | Jesus is helped by Simon to carry his cross
Read Mark 15:21
Who are people who have helped you in your life? Silently thank God for them.
Station 9 | Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem
Read Luke 23:27-31
Imagine the faces of the women who came to mourn their loss of Jesus, so full of love and gratitude, loss and fear. Remember Jesus’ tender, compassionate, merciful love for them and for you.
Station 10 | Jesus is crucified
For this station, set out dice somewhere that they can be rolled. And/Or: Put a small amount of vinegar in a bowl, with clean Q-tips or small pieces of new sponges beside it.
Read Luke 23:33-36
Roll the dice and imagine that you are in the scene, hoping to get some of Jesus’ clothes. And/Or: Dip the Q-tip or sponge piece in the vinegar. Touch it to your tongue and think of what the vinegar tasted like to Jesus.
Station 11 | Jesus promises his kingdom to the repentant thief
For this station, provide paper and art supplies (markers, colored pencils, crayons, or paint and paintbrushes).
Read Luke 23: 39-43
What is your idea of what paradise will look like? Take some time to draw, color, or paint your thoughts.
Station 12 | Jesus entrusts Mary and John to each other
Read John 19:25-27
If Jesus could take care of the needs of His Mom during His crucifixion, He can take care of us today. Spend a moment silently praying, telling Jesus what you need from Him today.
Station 13 | Jesus dies on the cross
Read Luke 23:44-46
Take a deep breath in, and let it out, remembering Jesus’ last breath.
Station 14 | Jesus is laid in the tomb
For this station, gather some rocks.
Read Matthew 27:57-60
Pick up one of these rocks, feeling its texture and weight.
Think about the heavy weight the disciples and those who loved Jesus must have felt as Jesus’ tomb was sealed with a large rock. In their eyes, death had won. It was final. This was a stone that no one could move. Jesus was gone and buried.