Following in the Footsteps of Jesus: Stations of the Cross Lesson Plan

The Stations of the Cross, also known as the Way of the Cross or the Via Dolorosa, is a devotion that commemorates the final journey of Jesus Christ before his death. The 14 stations represent 14 key events that occurred during this journey, starting with Jesus being condemned to death and ending with his body being laid in the tomb. The stations are typically depicted in artwork or sculptures in churches, and they are often prayed or meditated upon as a way of reflecting on the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus. Some people also participate in a physical procession through the stations, either by walking from station to station or by visiting each station in a church or chapel.

Introduction: 

Begin by introducing the concept of the Stations of the Cross to the students. Explain that the Stations of the Cross are a devotion that commemorate the final journey of Jesus Christ before his death. The 14 stations represent 14 key events that occurred during this journey, starting with Jesus being condemned to death and ending with his body being laid in the tomb.

Objective:

The objective of this lesson is for students to learn about the Stations of the Cross and to reflect on the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus.

Lesson Outline:

  • Begin by explaining the background and significance of the Stations of the Cross.
  • Go through each station, explaining the event that is depicted and discussing its meaning.
  • Encourage students to reflect on the significance of each station and how it relates to their own faith and life.
  • Consider discussing any questions or concerns that the students may have about the Stations of the Cross.

Reflection on the Stations of the Cross   

1st Station: Jesus is condemned to death - We think about how Jesus was sentenced to die, even though he had done nothing wrong. We also think about our own mistakes and how much Jesus loves us for going through such suffering for us.

2nd Station: Jesus carries His cross - We think about how hard it must have been for Jesus to carry his cross, and we think about how we can follow Jesus in carrying our own challenges with faith and trust in God.

3rd Station: Jesus falls the first time - We think about how Jesus was fully God and fully human and how he must have felt very tired and weak at times. We also think about how we can turn to Jesus for strength when we feel weak.

4th Station: Jesus meets His Mother - We think about how much Jesus loved his mother, Mary, and how sad she must have felt to see him suffer. We also think about the love and care our own mothers (or mother figures) have shown us and how we can show them gratitude and love in return.

5th Station: Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus to carry his cross - We think about how kind Simon was to help Jesus carry his cross, and we think about how we can be kind and helpful to others, especially when they are suffering.

6th Station: Veronica wipes the face of Jesus - We think about how Veronica was very kind to Jesus by wiping his face, and we think about how we can show kindness and care to others who are suffering.

7th Station: Jesus falls the second time - We think about how Jesus must have felt very tired and overwhelmed at this point, and we think about how we can turn to Jesus for strength and comfort when we feel overwhelmed.

8th Station: Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem - We think about how sad the women of Jerusalem must have felt to see Jesus suffer, and we think about how we can show compassion and support to others who are grieving or in pain.

9th Station: Jesus falls a third time - We think about how much Jesus suffered on the way to Calvary, and we think about how we can keep going through our own challenges and struggles with the help of Jesus and the support of others.

10th Station: Jesus clothes are taken away - We think about how Jesus must have felt very embarrassed when his clothes were taken away, and we think about how we can turn to Jesus for healing and restoration when we feel embarrassed or not good enough.

11th Station: Jesus is nailed to the cross - We think about how much Jesus must have suffered when he was nailed to the cross, and we think about how we can offer our own sufferings and struggles to Jesus.

12th Station: Jesus dies on the cross - We think about how Jesus willingly gave up his life for us because he loves us so much, and we think about how we can follow his example of selfless love.

13th Station: The body of Jesus is taken down from the cross - We think about how sad Jesus' friends and loved ones must have felt when they took his body down from the cross, and we think about how we can show compassion and support to others who are grieving.

14th Station: Jesus is laid in the tomb - We think about how Jesus' body was placed in a tomb after he died on the cross. We also think about how this was not the end for Jesus, because he rose from the dead and is now with God in heaven. We are encouraged to trust in the promise of eternal life and to follow Jesus more closely in our own lives.

 Activity:

  • After going through all 14 stations, have students work in small groups to create a visual representation of one of the stations. This could be a drawing, a painting, a collage, or any other form of art.
  • Have each group present their station to the class and explain their interpretation of the event depicted.

Conclusion:

  • Recap the main points of the lesson and encourage students to continue reflecting on the Stations of the Cross in their own time.
  • Remind students of the great love and sacrifice of Jesus and how we are called to follow in his footsteps.

Prayer:

Dear Jesus,

As we walk through the Stations of the Cross, we are reminded of the great love and sacrifice that you showed for us. We think about the pain and suffering that you endured as you carried your cross to Calvary, and we are filled with gratitude for all that you did for us.

Help us to follow in your footsteps, carrying our own crosses with faith and trust in you. Give us the strength and courage to persevere through our own struggles and challenges, knowing that you are always with us.

We thank you for your love and for the gift of salvation that you have given us. May we always remember your suffering and may it inspire us to love and serve others as you have loved and served us.

Amen.


Note: The activities provided here are just a sample, you can adjust them based on the class size, student's level, school's curriculum and your own teaching style.

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