Day 8, mid day - The Via Dolorosa

The following pictures are all from the middle of day eight in Jerusalem. They start at Herod's Antonia Fortress which includes the chapel of flagellation and the chapel of condemnation. From there I start the journey of the Via Dolorosa. This day was definitely a very powerful day! And I haven't even finished telling you about it! Next post will be sites from the morning which will include the Wailing Wall, Southern Wall Excavations, walking the Cardo, visiting the Pool of Bethesda, and the Church of St. Anne. Get excited!! Day 8 was definitely one of my favorite days!! :o)

This is the ceiling inside of Herod's Antonia Fortress where Jesus was brought before Pontius Pilate.

If I remember correctly, this courtyard was actually where some of the Passion of the Christ was filmed. This is where Jesus was scourged, half beaten to death. He was not suffering as a sinner like us, who deserve to suffer. Only love drove Him to go through such agony- an act that goes beyond all human understanding. Today Jesus' offer of grace is still available for each one of us. He makes all things new. "With His stripes we are healed." Isaiah 53:5 The Savior, scourged for our sake, covered with wounds, promises us: In My wounds, there is power to heal all who are enslaved by the desires of the flesh. If you call upon My name, I will set you free.

This is the Chapel of Condemnation which also commemorates the laying on of the cross. "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." Matthew 16:24

The scripture referenced in this picture is: "Pilate saw that he wasn't getting anywhere and that a riot was developing. So he sent for a bowl of water and washed his hands before the crowd saying, 'I am innocent of the blood of this man. The responsibility is yours!' So Pilate released Barabbas to them. He ordered Jesus flogged with a lead-tipped whip, then turned Him over to the Roman soldiers to crucify Him." Matthew 27:24, 26

This is the map of the Via Dolorosa which also lists the stations of the cross. Via Dolorosa means way of sorrow or way of the cross. It is the traditional pathway Jesus took from the hall of judgement to Calvary. On this street I could see Jesus going before me on His way to Calvary. Silently, patiently, He bore the cross staggering beneath its heavy weight as He passed through the noisy, crowded, narrow streets of Jerusalem. Not a single complaint or cry, no sigh or word of rebellion against God falls from His lips- no disapproval to those who abandoned Him or to those who mocked Him as they followed Him, although He had shown them nothing but goodness.

This is the street view as we walked the Via Dolorosa. "And He bearing His cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha." John 19:17

This is the tunnel that leads down to Lithostrotos, the site of the crowning with thorns and the mocking of Christ. Jesus, the Son of God, reduced to the image of scorn and shame, looks at us entreatingly and asks us, "Who will stand here beside Me and choose My path? Who will respond with forgiving love when they are hurt and treated poorly? They will be blessed as My true disciple."

Here is Lauren walking the very pathway Jesus walked. This is believed to be the very ground He walked. I didn't get a picture of myself walking it because it was such a sobering event for me. I will find Him as King and Lord when I set my foot on His pathway. He will reveal Himself to me when I have the courage to walk a path of humiliation, to suffer insults and injustice and nevertheless continue to love. In doing so, I will take my place at Jesus' side and experience His presence. "Love endures all things." 1Corinthians 13:7

This was one of the wall mosaics that I just thought was beautiful. At the bottom of it you can see the very pathway Jesus was supposed to have walked along.

One of the sites along the way of Lithostrotos.

This is said to be a place where Jesus placed his hand to catch Himself as He fell. There was a slight almost hand print indentation in the wall. It was pretty powerful to think that I was placing my hand in the very spot Jesus had placed His. Especially to think about the fact that He was on His way to be crucified, carrying a cross to be nailed to, all to forgive me for my sins and offer me life more abundantly.

One of the stations along the way. Hard to remember when, but maybe this is located by one where Jesus fell for the second time?

The eighth station is where Jesus speaks to the women of Jerusalem.

After station 9 all of the other stations happen within the Church of the Holy Sepulchre where Jesus was believed to have been crucified and died on the cross and where He was laid in a tomb and then resurrected. Those pictures I posted yesterday.

I am still constantly reminded of this trip through this Lenten season and study I'm doing through my church. Today, Tommy's message was on truth. He mentioned the Via Dolorosa and even suggested we walk the prayer trail some time in the coming weeks. I think that is something I need to do as well as walk the Labyrinth again. It's been too long since I experienced those methods of prayer. I am constantly reminded of the deep love that Christ had for us all through this study and looking at all the steps leading up to His death. This coming week we will be looking at Jesus, Barrabas, and Pilate. Can't wait to see what great discussion comes from this chapter of the book and the questions that go along with it!