Stations of the Cross. The Fifth Station
THE FIFTH STATION: Pilate Condemns Jesus
Slowly read aloud this passage of Scripture:
Luke 23:13-15, 23-24 CSB
13 Pilate called together the chief priests, the leaders, and the people, 14 and said to them, “You have brought me this man as one who misleads the people. But in fact, after examining him in your presence, I have found no grounds to charge this man with those things you accuse him of. 15 Neither has Herod, because he sent him back to us. Clearly, he has done nothing to deserve death. 16 Therefore, I will have him whipped, and then release him.” … 23 But they kept up the pressure, demanding with loud voices that he be crucified, and their voices won out. 24 So Pilate decided to grant their demand
Kneel or simply open your hands and pray:
Jesus, Pilate perceives your innocence, but the crowd insists on guilt. Hearing their persistent shouts, Pilate sets aside the judgment of his conscience, and the decision is made. He hands you over to be crucified.
O Jesus, how often do we let the threatening voice of the crowd overwhelm the voice of conscience? Fill us with compassion for the outcast and commitment to the truth. We love you, Jesus; lead us beyond the crowd.
Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Take time to listen to the Spirit speak.