Stations of the Cross. The Eleventh Station
THE ELEVENTH STATION: Jesus Promises Paradise
Slowly read aloud this passage of Scripture:
Luke 23:39-43 CSB
39 Then one of the criminals hanging there began to yell insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” 40 But the other answered, rebuking him: “Don’t you even fear God, since you are undergoing the same punishment? 41 We are punished justly, because we’re getting back what we deserve for the things we did, but this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me, when you come into your kingdom.” 43 And he said to him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Kneel or simply open your hands and pray:
Jesus, two others are nailed on either side of you. One challenges you to release him now; the other asks to be freed with you in your kingdom. One sees only weakness; the other sees power and is able to trust in a promise of everlasting life with you as his time in this world comes to an end.
O Jesus, look upon us now. See us in our need and hear us as we cry out to you. Help us to trust you in difficult circumstances. Give us eyes to see your power in helpless times, to see your kingdom in all we encounter. We love you, Jesus; remember us.
Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Take time to listen to the Spirit speak.