7 Passages on Jesus’ Journey to the Cross to Meditate on this Lent

Once beaten and scourged, they brought Jesus before the Roman governor, Pilate. Meditating on Jesus before Pilate during Lent invites us to reflect on the pivotal moment when Christ stood before a secular authority, facing false accusations and the impending decision of His fate. As described in Matthew 27:11-26, this encounter with Pontius Pilate unveils the intersection of divine purpose and human judgment.

As we engage in this Lenten meditation, we contemplate Christ’s humility in the face of unjust accusations and His refusal to defend Himself forcefully. Pilate’s questioning and the crowd’s demands create a backdrop for introspection, encouraging us to examine our own responses to external pressures and societal expectations.

This reflection becomes an opportunity to ponder the contrast between the earthly authority of Pilate and the divine authority embodied in Jesus. During this encounter with Pilate, Jesus declares he is a king, but his Kingdom isn’t of this world (John 18:36), which is also considered Christ’s good confession. This challenges us to prioritize allegiance to the Kingdom of God over worldly standards. The scene before Pilate emphasizes Christ’s mission as a sacrificial lamb, willingly submitting to the unfolding plan of redemption.

During Lent, this meditation deepens understanding of Christ’s trust in God’s ultimate justice. It calls to prioritize spiritual values over worldly acclaim, echoing Christ's profound example before Pilate.

As Jesus was arrested and brought before religious and political leaders, Peter denied Jesus three times. Peter was one of the disciples closest to Jesus. 

Meditating on Peter’s denial of Jesus during Lent offers a poignant opportunity for reflection on the complexities of human weakness, repentance, and the unyielding grace of Christ. In the Gospels, particularly in Matthew 26:69-75, Mark 14:66-72, Luke 22:54-62, and John 18:15-18, 25-27, the narrative unfolds as Peter, despite his initial bravado, succumbs to fear and denies association with Jesus three times.

This Lenten meditation prompts us to examine our own vulnerabilities and moments of spiritual frailty. Peter’s denial becomes a mirror reflecting the frailty inherent in human nature and the propensity to falter in times of pressure. The crowing rooster serves as a sobering reminder of the impact of denial and the realization of our need for redemption.

As we engage in this reflection, it becomes a call to humility and repentance. Peter’s subsequent restoration by Jesus, as recorded in John 21:15-19, becomes a beacon of hope, emphasizing Christ’s unfailing mercy and the transformative power of forgiveness.

During Lent, this meditation invites us to confront our own denials of Christ—whether through actions, words, or attitudes—and to seek the redeeming grace offered by Jesus. It encourages a renewed commitment to follow Christ more faithfully.

Since crucifixion was designed to make a spectacle of the criminal bound for execution, the condemned often carried their own cross to the place of death. After the crowd called for his crucifixion, Jesus carried the cross to the hill of his physical death. 

Meditating on this during Lent invites us to contemplate the profound symbolism of Christ bearing the weight of humanity’s sins and the sacrificial journey toward redemption. Described in all four Gospels, particularly in Matthew 27:32, Mark 15:21, Luke 23:26, and John 19:17, this moment captures the physical and spiritual burden placed upon Jesus.

This Lenten reflection prompts us to empathize with Christ’s excruciating journey as He shoulders the cross towards Calvary. The physical strain becomes a metaphor for the weight of sin that Jesus willingly undertakes for the salvation of humanity.

As individuals engage in this meditation, it becomes an avenue for introspection on the cost of discipleship. Jesus’ journey with the cross challenges believers to reflect on their own commitment to follow Christ, acknowledging the challenges and sacrifices inherent in discipleship. During his ministry, Jesus taught how his disciples must take up our cross and follow him. 

This meditation fosters gratitude for the immeasurable love demonstrated through Jesus’ willingness to carry the cross. We contemplate the transformative power of the cross in our own lives, inspiring a renewed dedication to the path of self-denial humility and carrying our cross as we follow in the footsteps of Christ.

This year for Lent, let us view these events leading up to the crucifixion of our Savior, meditating on both the humanity and divinity of Christ within each moment. He suffered and died, yet that wasn’t the end. His divinity redeemed this death, turning it all into victory. As his disciples, we enter the same story, sharing in his suffering and sacrificing for the love of others, but more importantly, through this life, we share in his victory. 

Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Kara Gebhardt

Britt Mooney lives and tells great stories. As an author of fiction and non-fiction, he is passionate about teaching ministries and nonprofits the power of storytelling to inspire and spread truth. Mooney has a podcast called Kingdom Over Coffee and is a published author of We Were Reborn for This: The Jesus Model for Living Heaven on Earth as well as Say Yes: How God-Sized Dreams Take Flight.