Golgotha – the Promise
The story
The Jewish leaders handed Jesus over to Pontius Pilate, the Roman Governor, to be sentenced. Pilate couldn’t find anything that he was guilty of. The crowd turned against Jesus and shouted louder and louder, “Crucify Him!”
Finally Pilate gave in and the soldiers led Jesus off. They dressed him in a purple robe and put a crown of thorns on his head, taunting him. Then he was made to carry a heavy cross to a hill outside the city wall called Golgotha, which means The Place of the Skull.
Jesus was crucified on a cross. Two criminals were crucified at the same time. One began shouting insults at Jesus but the other stopped him and said, “You should fear God! We are being punished justly and getting what we deserve but this man has done nothing wrong.” Turning to Jesus he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus looked at him with love and said, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Reflection
The cross is a sacred symbol for Christians because it helps them to remember that Jesus died so that those who believe in him, like the thief who was sorry, will be forgiven and have a new start.
Response
Use natural materials that you can find around you to make a cross on the ground (but please don’t pick the flowers!) As you do, think about the things that have happened in your life or In the world that are wrong and need forgiveness. When others see your cross it will help to remind them that God is a loving God who forgives everyone who is truly sorry.
