It starts at an arch in Jerusalem at the site of the Tower of Antonio where once Roman troops were garrisoned. It runs a winding course ending at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. People call it "The Via Dolorosa," the street of anguish.

Down this path, Jesus carried his cross from the court of the governor to a place called Golgotha where he was crucified. That, at least, is the claim of the tourist guidebooks that tell of the 14 Stations of the Cross marking the path. And this may very well have been. There's no real reason to doubt the accuracy of that ancient piece of tradition.

Whether it's accurate or not, there is one respect in which the guidebooks' Via Dolorosa is a bit misleading. Let me explain: From start to finish, the path Jesus took to the cross in Jerusalem is no more than 1/2 mile in length. However, according to the Gospel writers, Jesus' Via Dolorosa should be thought of as being many times longer than that. Jesus' specific path to the cross began many miles and many months before Pilate's judgment hall. In some ways, Jesus' journey to Golgotha began the day he was born in Bethlehem. Throughout his entire life, the shadow of a cross he must bear constantly shadowed his mind and steps. Jesus knew he had come to die.

But, there is one time in Jesus' life when he set his face resolutely toward Jerusalem. In doing so, he told his disciples that he was going there to die. Even more than that, Jesus said he "must suffer and be killed" there (Mark 8:31)" During these coming weeks leading up to Easter, Christians throughout the world will be meditating on the meaning of the road Jesus took toward the cross. At Lake Avenue Church, we will be seeing what Mark wrote about Jesus' Via Dolorosa.

As Mark recounts the life of Jesus, he emphasizes that Jesus was "on the road" – a phrase that he repeats over and over – a road that includes constant misunderstanding, rebuke, and opposition from his own people. None of this surprised Jesus. Jesus knew exactly where he was to go. Jesus' whole life was guided by the inevitable destination known as the cross.

Here is the hope that all have had who follow Jesus. The cross was not the final destination. Jesus would tell his disciples many times that he had come to die – but there was a destination after the cross. He declared, "After three days, I will rise again."

This all sets the stage for our understanding of life in this world. We who follow Jesus should never be surprised by the difficulties that arise. Jesus said to expect them. But, there is a final destination. And, it is glorious.

To His Glory,

Dr. Greg Waybright
Senior Pastor