Week Five - At the Cross
Days twenty-three through twenty-eight
A Continuation of the Lenten Journey — Pause · Ponder · Pray · Practice Rest
These days keep us near as Jesus hangs upon the cross.
Suffering deepens.
Love speaks.
Mercy is offered in the midst of anguish.
We are not asked to rush, explain, or resolve.
We are invited to remain--
present and unhurried--
at the cross.
Each day ends with a time to rest in God's presence,
to contemplate the things you've seen and heard.
Sundays are a quiet pause during Lent.
Day Twenty-Three — Forgiveness
Monday
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PAUSE
Begin by settling into stillness.
Let your breath slow.
Allow your body to rest against whatever supports you.
There is nothing to explain.
Nothing to prove.
Only an invitation to be present.
Jesus hangs on the cross now--
exposed, suffering, misunderstood.
And from this place, He speaks words
the world does not expect.
Read Luke 23:34 slowly:
Luke 23:34
“Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.”
Sit with this for a moment.
Let the words reach you before you try to understand them.
Remain here.
PONDER
Forgiveness does not begin at the cross.
It flows from the heart of God
long before this moment.
Read Ephesians 1:4–8 slowly and quietly, aloud if you can.
Ephesians 1:4–8
Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding.
Read the passage again, choosing one word or phrase or thought
that draws your attention.
What do you notice about God’s heart here?
About forgiveness that was planned before the world began?
Hold your word or phrase gently,
like a fragile treasure.
PRAY
Ask the Holy Spirit to make this forgiveness personal to you.
What is God inviting you to receive today?
What freedom has already been purchased for you?
What kindness is being poured out--
not sparingly, but abundantly?
Open your heart and ask Him
to write this truth deeply within you.
PRACTICE (REST)
Sit quietly for a few moments.
Let striving fall away.
Let shame loosen its grip.
Notice that forgiveness is not something you chase--
it is something that has come to you.
If your mind wanders, gently whisper:
“I am forgiven,”
or “Your grace is enough.”
Stay.
Day Twenty-Four — King of the Jews
Tuesday
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PAUSE
Settle your soul in quietness.
Calm your mind and body.
There is no need to rush past what is here.
No need to make sense of it all.
Just be present.
Jesus remains on the cross.
The suffering intensifies.
And even now, those who oppose Him
seek to strip Him of honor.
Read John 19:19–22 slowly.
John 19:19–22
And Pilate posted a sign on the cross that read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” The place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and the sign was written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek, so that many people could read it. Then the leading priests objected and said to Pilate, “Change it from ‘The King of the Jews’ to ‘He said, I am King of the Jews.’” Pilate replied, “No, what I have written, I have written.”
Sit with this moment.
Notice the offense.
The arrogant anger.
The truth that cannot be erased.
Remain here.
PONDER
God is love-it is the essence of His being.
The greatest demonstration of this that there will ever be
now unfolds before us on Calvary.
Let the words in 1 Corinthians 13:4–7 take you deeper into this mystery
as you read it slowly, word by word.
Do not rush.
Let each phrase land.
1 Corinthians 13:4–7
Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
Now read it again,
this time with the cross in view.
Which word or phrase feels different
when read beneath the sign King of the Jews?
What kind of love does not defend itself,
does not demand its own way,
does not hold injustice in contempt?
Hold your word or phrase gently,
like a fragile treasure.
Pray
Ask the Holy Spirit to make this love personal to you.
What is Jesus inviting you to know
about love that remains?
That silently endures humiliation?
Open your heart
and ask Him
to impress the wonder of this deeply within you.
PRACTICE (REST)
Sit quietly with what you have heard and sensed.
Notice the King
who reigns from a cross,
whose love does not need to prove itself
because it is the truth.
If your mind wanders, gently whisper:
“Your love remains,”
or “I receive Your love.”
Stay.
Day Twenty-Five — Mocked
Wednesday
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PAUSE
Begin with a few deep, calming breaths.
Release any tension you are carrying in your body.
Focus on the wonder that Jesus gives His life,
so that you can be here with Him,
today, this moment.
Jesus remains on the cross.
The pain continues.
And now the voices rise again—not in grief,
but in mockery.
Read Mark 15:29–30 slowly.
Mark 15:29–30
The people passing by shouted abuse, shaking their heads in mockery. “Ha! Look at you now!” they yelled at him. “You said you were going to destroy the Temple and rebuild it in three days. Well then, save yourself and come down from the cross!”
Listen to the taunts.
The sarcasm.
The challenge hurled at Him:
Prove it. Save yourself.
Consider what the world would hold
had Jesus chosen power over love in that moment.
Remain here.
PONDER
Mockery cuts deeply.
It isolates.
It shames.
It delights in another’s pain.
Jesus knows this anguish.
Read Psalm 35:15–18 quietly.
Psalm 35:15–18
But they are glad now that I am in trouble; they gleefully join together against me. I am attacked by people I don’t even know; they slander me constantly. They mock me and call me names; they snarl at me. How long, O Lord, will you look on and do nothing? Rescue me from their fierce attacks. Protect my life from these lions! Then I will thank you in front of the great assembly. I will praise you before all the people.
Let the words echo alongside the image of Jesus
hanging on the cross,
exposed to ridicule,
surrounded by sneers.
Read the passage again—slowly.
Where do you sense the ache of a soul misunderstood?
The loneliness of being attacked without cause?
The longing to be rescued—not from suffering,
but from contempt?
Choose a word or phrase to sit with today.
Hold it gently,
like a fragile treasure.
What do you notice about God’s nature here?
About a Savior who chooses this pain?
Turn your word or phrase over slowly in your mind.
Let it deepen rather than explain.
PRAY
Ask the Holy Spirit to make this moment personal to you.
What is Jesus inviting you to consider
about strength that refuses to retaliate?
About love that remains faithful
even when misunderstood?
Open your heart
and ask Him to write this truth deeply within you.
PRACTICE (REST)
Sit quietly with what you have heard and sensed.
Let the mocking voices fade.
Let compassion remain.
Notice that Jesus stays--
not because He is powerless,
but because love chooses not to leave.
If your mind wanders, gently whisper:
“I receive Your love,”
or “You understand my pain.”
Stay.
Day Twenty-Six — Scorned
Thursday
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PAUSE
Quiet your mind—slowly release today’s burdens.
Quiet your heart—take in Jesus’ tender presence.
Quiet your body-allow it to soften
into the reality of this moment.
Jesus still hangs in angst.
The pain does not relent.
And now the voices sharpen again--
not only from passersby,
but from those who claim to speak for God.
Read Matthew 27:41–43 slowly.
Matthew 27:41–43
The leading priests, the teachers of religious law, and the elders also mocked Jesus. “He saved others,” they scoffed, “but he can’t save himself! So he is the King of Israel, is he? Let him come down from the cross right now, and we will believe in him! He trusted God, so let God rescue him now if he wants him! For he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’”
Listen to the words hurled at Him.
The twisting of truth.
The mockery disguised as theology.
Hear how His own claims
are thrown back in His face
as weapons.
Do not rush past this.
PONDER
To be scorned by strangers is painful.
To be scorned by the religious--
those who claim authority,
those who believe they see clearly--
cuts even deeper.
This is only one wound of so many Jesus absorbs
in order to make you his own.
What does it mean to be precious
and honored
in the sight of God?
Read Isaiah 43:2–4 slowly.
Isaiah 43:2–4
When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I gave Egypt as a ransom for your freedom; I gave Ethiopia and Seba in your place. Others were given in exchange for you. I traded their lives for yours because you are precious to me. You are honored, and I love you.
Read the passage again.
As you do, see Jesus’ face.
Hear His voice speaking these words
to you.
Choose a word, phrase, or thought
to rest with.
What do you notice about God’s nature here?
About a love that names you,
claims you,
and calls you precious
even as the Son is despised?
Turn your word or phrase over gently,
like a fragile treasure.
PRAY
Ask the Holy Spirit
to make this truth personal.
What is Jesus inviting you to consider
about worth that does not come
from being believed or defended?
About love that holds fast
when voices accuse?
Open your heart and ask Him
to write this truth
deeply within you.
PRACTICE (REST)
Sit quietly with what you have heard and sensed.
Let the shouts fade.
Let the accusations fall silent.
Notice that even here--
even now--
you are named,
claimed,
and loved.
If your mind wanders, gently whisper:
“You call me by name,”
or “I love you Lord.”
Stay.
Day Twenty-Seven — Two Responses
Friday
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PAUSE
Settle into stillness.
Let your breath slow.
Allow your body to rest
into this moment at the cross.
Jesus hangs between two men--
both condemned,
both near death,
both close enough to hear His voice.
Read Luke 23:39–43 slowly.
Luke 23:39–43
One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, “So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself—and us, too, while you’re at it!” But the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Listen to the words exchanged.
Notice the tone of each voice.
The posture of each heart.
One turns away in bitterness.
The other turns toward Jesus
with nothing left to offer--
only need.
Hold this scene quietly.
Remain here.
ponder
Two very different ways of meeting Jesus
in the final moments of life.
With this scene held gently in your mind,
read Romans 5:17–19 slowly and quietly.
Romans 5:17–19
For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ. Yes, Adam’s one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone. Because one person disobeyed God, many became sinners. But because one other person obeyed God, many will be made righteous.
Let these words wash over you.
Read the passage again.
As you do, notice a word, phrase, or thought
that seems to speak directly to you--
not in general,
but personally.
What do you notice about God’s nature here?
About grace that is offered,
not earned?
What do you see about His heart
for those who turn toward Him
with empty hands?
God’s heart for you?
Turn your word or phrase over gently,
like a fragile treasure.
PRAY
Ask the Holy Spirit to make this truth personal.
What is Jesus inviting you to consider
about your own response to Him?
About trust that does not delay?
About mercy that meets you
exactly where you are?
Open your heart
and ask Him
to write this truth
deeply within you.
PRACTICE (REST)
Sit quietly with what you have heard and sensed.
Let comparison fall away.
Let fear loosen its grip.
Notice that Jesus does not ask
for explanations, promises,
or a changed future.
Only a turning of the heart.
If your mind wanders, gently whisper:
“Remember me,”
or
“I receive Your grace.”
Stay.
Day Twenty-Eight — One Last Act of Caring
Saturday
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PAUSE
Allow the noise of the day
to recede into the background.
Take in the peaceful quiet God offers.
Rest.
Jesus has been on the cross for some time now.
His strength is nearly gone.
Many have left.
Only a few remain.
Read John 19:25–27 slowly.
John 19:25–27
Standing near the cross were Jesus’ mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary (the wife of Clopas), and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother standing there beside the disciple he loved, he said to her, “Dear woman, here is your son.” And he said to this disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from then on this disciple took her into his home.
Notice who is still standing nearby.
Notice that they are named.
And notice how John describes himself--
not by title or role,
but simply as the disciple Jesus loved.
Hold this moment gently.
Remain here.
PONDER
Even in the depths of His suffering,
Jesus sees.
He notices.
He cares.
From the cross,
His concern narrows to what is nearest--
His mother.
His beloved friend.
There is no sermon here.
No explanation.
Only provision.
With this moment in mind,
read 1 Peter 1:8–12 slowly and quietly.
1 Peter 1:8–12
You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls. This salvation was something even the prophets wanted to know more about when they prophesied about this gracious salvation prepared for you. They wondered what time or situation the Spirit of Christ within them was talking about when he told them in advance about Christ’s suffering and his great glory afterward. They were told that their messages were not for themselves, but for you. And now this Good News has been announced to you by those who preached in the power of the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. It is all so wonderful that even the angels are eagerly watching these things happen.
Let the words unfold without effort.
Read the passage again,
listening for a word, phrase, or thought
that speaks to you today.
What do you see of God’s nature here--
in Jesus’ care for those nearest Him?
In a salvation so deep
that prophets longed to understand it?
Turn your word or phrase or thought over gently,
like a fragile treasure.
Pray
Ask the Holy Spirit
to make this truth personal.
What is Jesus inviting you to consider
about love that remains attentive,
even through pain?
What does it mean
to be the one He loves--
named not by achievement,
but by relationship?
Open your heart
and ask Him
to write this truth
deeply within you.
PRACTICE (REST)
Sit quietly with what you have heard and sensed.
Notice that even here--
as Jesus’ life is poured out--
love is not absent.
Let Him care for you, the one He loves.
If your mind wanders, gently whisper:
“I am loved,”
or “I receive Your care.”
Stay.
Sunday Pause — A Quiet Return to Hope
Today is a pause.
Receive the gift of Sabbath and resurrection hope.
You may return tomorrow — unhurried.
Psalm 34:8-10
Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him! Fear the Lord, you his godly people, for those who fear him will have all they need. Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing.
If you’d like, simply sit with Jesus for a few minutes and whisper:
“I receive Your love.”