Stations of the Cross in Order Quiz

The practice of the Stations of the Cross emerged in the early centuries of Christianity, when pilgrims in Jerusalem began to retrace the path taken by Jesus on his way to the cross. Over time, this devotion spread to churches around the world. Franciscan monks, who were the official custodians of the Holy Places in Jerusalem in the 14th century, helped formalise the Stations and spread the devotion throughout the Catholic world.

Originally the number of stations varied, but in the 17th century Pope Clement XII fixed the number at 14. The tradition of adding a 15th station, representing the Resurrection, became more popular in the 20th century to give a sense of hope at the end of the devotion.

Although many stations are based on biblical events, others (such as the fall of Jesus, the encounter with Veronica and certain moments with Mary) are based on oral tradition or Christian reflection on the suffering of Jesus

The Way of the Cross remains an important spiritual practice in the Catholic Church, especially during Lent, and is sometimes accompanied by prayers or hymns such as the "Stabat Mater" (a hymn focusing on Mary's suffering). Each station allows for meditation on the different facets of his sacrifice and the path to redemption.

The first station marks the moment when Jesus was condemned to death by Pontius Pilate after the crowd demanded his crucifixion.

The Bible passage is Matthew 27:24-26 (KJV): "When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it. Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children. Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified." Similar passages are found in Mark 15:15, Luke 23:24-25 and John 19:16.

John 19:17 (KJV): "And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha." Also in Matthew 27:31, Mark 15:20 and Luke 23:26.

Jesus, weakened by scourging and mockery, takes up the heavy cross, the instrument of his execution, and begins the journey to Calvary. The cross represents the weight of the world's sin. Jesus, though innocent, carries this burden willingly, symbolising his sacrifice for the redemption of humanity. It is a moment of profound humility and devotion.

This station is not found in the Gospels, but comes from tradition. It symbolises the immense physical and spiritual burden that Jesus carries. Jesus' fall shows his humanity and physical weakness under the weight of the cross. Despite his divinity, this moment reminds us that Jesus experienced real human suffering.

His fall also represents the weight of sin that causes even the sinless Christ to stumble.

Although Mary, the mother of Jesus, is mentioned as being present at the crucifixion (John 19:25), the Gospels do not mention an encounter between them while Jesus was carrying the cross. This moment is full of symbolism and tradition. The painful encounter between Jesus and Mary reflects the fulfilment of Simeon's prophecy that a "sword will pierce" Mary's soul (Luke 2:35).

It is a powerful scene of maternal love and suffering as Mary helplessly witnesses the agony of her Son.

Simon, a bystander, is forced by the Roman soldiers to help carry Jesus' cross. Simon's participation symbolises how we are called to help Christ in his mission by bearing the burdens of others. His reluctant help later became a model of Christian discipleship.

Matthew 27:32 (KJV): "And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross." Also in Mark 15:21 and Luke 23:26.

Veronica, whose name means "true image", is a legendary figure not mentioned in Scripture. She is said to have compassionately wiped Jesus' face with a cloth that miraculously retained the imprint of his face.

This story illustrates an act of compassion in the midst of the cruelty of the Passion. Veronica's courage in performing a simple act of mercy is an example of faith in action, even in the face of suffering. The miraculous imprint of Jesus' face on the cloth became part of Christian tradition.

As with the first fall, this is based on tradition and is not recorded in the Gospels. The second fall emphasises the increasing weight of sin and the exhaustion experienced by Jesus. His physical weakness serves as a metaphor for the spiritual struggle against sin and the perseverance needed to carry on.

Jesus encounters a group of women who are mourning for him. He tells them not to weep for him, but for themselves and their children.

Luke 23:27-28 (KJV) reads: "And there followed him a great company of people, and of women, which also bewailed and lamented him. But Jesus turning unto them said, Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children."

Jesus' words are prophetic, warning of the coming destruction of Jerusalem (which happened in 70 AD). This passage highlights Jesus' concern for others, even in his last hours. His focus is on the spiritual destiny of the people, not on his own suffering.

This station is traditional and symbolises the immense physical and spiritual burden that Jesus carries. The third fall represents the crushing weight of sin, but also Jesus' determination to complete his mission of salvation. It can be seen as a symbol of perseverance and determination in the face of overwhelming trials.

Before his crucifixion, the Roman soldiers stripped Jesus of his clothes and cast lots. The stripping of Jesus symbolises the total humiliation he suffered. It also fulfils Psalm 22:18, a messianic prophecy about the suffering of the righteous. Jesus is left exposed and vulnerable, emphasising his total submission to God's will.

John 19:23-24 (KJV): "Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout. They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots."

Jesus is nailed to the cross on Golgotha, between two thieves. The crucifixion is the central event in the Passion narrative, in which Jesus is physically nailed to the cross, an ancient method of execution designed to cause maximum pain and humiliation. The nails symbolise the sins of mankind that Jesus takes upon himself.

Luke 23:33 (KJV) reads: "And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left."

This passage is also described in Matthew 27:35, Mark 15:24 and John 19:18.

After hours of suffering, Jesus gives up his spirit and dies. Jesus' final moments are portrayed with different emphasis in the four Gospels, each offering a unique perspective on the meaning of his death.

John 19:30 (KJV) reads: "When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost."

The Gospel of John emphasises the completion of Jesus' mission. "It is finished" reflects the fulfilment of Old Testament prophecies and Jesus' work of salvation. The focus is on the triumph of Jesus' sacrifice.

Matthew 27:46 (KJV): "And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?"

Mark 15:34 (KJV): "And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?"

These are often interpreted as expressions of deep anguish. Jesus quotes Psalm 22:1, which begins with an expression of abandonment but ends with trust and hope in God. His words reflect the depth of his suffering, both physical and spiritual. They also resonate with the idea that Jesus, bearing the sins of the world, experiences the alienation from God that sin causes. It's a moment of raw human emotion, but the allusion to the Psalm suggests eventual vindication.

Luke 23:46 (KJV): "And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost."

Luke presents Jesus' death in a more serene and confident way. His last words echo Psalm 31:5, a prayer of trust in God. Rather than a cry of abandonment, Jesus confidently places his spirit in the hands of his Father. This presents a more optimistic perspective, emphasising Jesus' faith and his calm surrender to the Father's will, even in death.

Jesus' lifeless body is taken down from the cross by Joseph of Arimathea. This station reflects the grief of those who loved Jesus as they remove his body from the cross and prepare it for burial. The scene is often associated with Mary holding her son, a moment known as the Pietà, which represents deep sorrow and the fulfilment of Simeon's prophecy (Luke 2:35)

Matthew 27:59 (KJV): "And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth."

Also in Mark 15:46, Luke 23:53 and John 19:38-40.

The account of Jesus' burial highlights the role of Joseph of Arimathea. He is described as a disciple of Jesus who followed him secretly for fear of persecution. His bold act of requesting Jesus' body from Pilate and providing a new tomb shows his reverence and commitment. The mention of the unused tomb is symbolic in the Christian tradition, signifying purity and new beginnings. The Gospels emphasise the care with which Jesus' body was treated, underlining the dignity of his burial.

Luke 23:50-53 (KJV): "And, behold, there was a man named Joseph, a counsellor; and he was a good man, and a just: The same had not consented to the counsel and deed of them; he was of Arimathaea, a city of the Jews: who also himself waited for the kingdom of God. This man went unto Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. And he took it down, and wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a sepulchre that was hewn in stone, wherein never man before was laid."