Here are the last two stations of the cross. They will help us focus on Good Friday and what Jesus did for us today.

Station Thirteen: The Body of Jesus Taken from the Cross

Ezekiel 37:12-14

Therefore prophesy, and say to them, “Thus says the Lord God: I am going to open your graves, and bring you up from your graves, O my people; and I will bring you back to the land of Israel. And you shall know that I am the Lord, when I open your graves, and bring you up from your graves, O my people.  I will put my spirit within you, and you shall live, and I will place you on your own soil; then you shall know that I, the Lord, have spoken and will act,” says the Lord.

John 19:33-38

But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. Instead, one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once blood and water came out. (He who saw this has testified so that you also may believe. His testimony is true, and he knows that he tells the truth.)  These things occurred so that the scripture might be fulfilled, “None of his bones shall be broken.”  And again another passage of scripture says, “They will look on the one whom they have pierced.”  After these things, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, though a secret one because of his fear of the Jews, asked Pilate to let him take away the body of Jesus.  Pilate gave him permission; so he came and removed his body. 

We watch in silence as Jesus’ body is taken down from the cross and placed in his mother’s arms.  We allow ourselves to feel the depth of our loss.  We bow or kneel in response to this sacred moment.

Lord, in your mercy...hear our prayer.

Station Fourteen: Jesus Laid in Tomb

Matthew 27:59-60

So Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn in the rock. He then rolled a great stone to the door of the tomb and went away.

We follow those who carry Jesus’ body to the tomb and wait in silence as jesus’ body is laid there and the tomb is sealed.  As we are ready, we leave in silence.

LET’S DON’T FORGET…. FRIDAY’S HERE, BUT SUNDAY’S COMING!