The narrow, winding stretch of road between the Antonia fortress and Golgotha’s hill where Jesus walked, bowed under the weight of the cross, has undergone many changes over the centuries since the times of the gospels. Many buildings and churches have risen over the actual path that Jesus walked which adds to the confusion to those who seek to walk in the actual footsteps of Jesus. But the Way of the Cross is not simply a physical, geographical, or historical exercise. Walking the “Via Dolorosa” is a spiritual exercise of devotion, thanksgiving, and worship for multitudes of pilgrims.

The good news is that you do not have to go to the Holy Land to walk the Via Dolorosa in the footsteps of Jesus. Jesus was so weakened by the abuse and pain afflicted on him that he fell under the weight of the cross he was compelled to carry up the “Via Dolorosa” to the “Place of the Skull”, where he died for you and me. Simeon, from the country of Cyrene, was forced to carry Christ’s cross the rest of the way. Will you receive His cross and follow the steps of Christ?

God’s Word gives us this admonishment. “For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps” (I Peter 2:21 NASB).

If you would follow the Way of Christ’s steps, know they are marked by these footprints for us to follow.

Christ walked the way of SUBMISSION. Jesus was totally submitted and yielded to the leadership of His Heavenly Father. (See Matthew 6:10 and Luke 22:42.) “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6). Do you follow His example?

Christ walked the way of SERVANTHOOD. Jesus knew from where he came and where he was going. (See John 13:3.) Because of this he had no problem being servant to all. Jesus gave us his example to follow when he washed the disciple’s feet. (See John 13:1-17.) Your certainty of where you come from and where you are going will enable you to be a servant in like manner.

Christ’s way was a way of SERIOUSNESS. Jesus was full of joy and promised our joy would be full but he took life very seriously. He was sober-minded, not given to silliness, double-mindedness, or idleness. He told us our eye must be single. (See Matthew 6:22.) Are you following His pattern?

Christ Jesus walked the way of the SUPERNATURAL. Everywhere he went signs and wonders followed. Jesus’ birth, ministry, death, and resurrection involved the power of the supernatural miracle working God. God hasn’t changed. “Jesus Christ the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). (See Mark 16:14-20 and Acts 1:8.) Are signs and wonders following you?

Christ’s walk had a SPECIFIC PURPOSE. Jesus came to save that which was lost and to destroy the works of the devil. He came to save you. Even the Apostle Paul needed Christ’s salvation. “This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners of whom I am chief” (I Timothy 1:15). Have you accepted his sacrifice on the cross for your sins? Have you sought Him for his will – his specific purpose for your life?

Christ walked the walk of SACRIFICE and SUFFERING. He came to give something – his life – for the sake of something else – your redemption. Do you live a life of sacrifice? The “Via Dolorosa” is the way of suffering. Jesus walked it for you. Do you “share in the fellowship of his suffering” (Philippians 3:10)?

Christ’s walk ended in SUPREMACY. (See Philippians 2:5-11 and Revelation 5:5, 9-10.) If you continue to follow his steps, you are also destined to rule and reign with him for eternity!

You can begin your journey up the “Via Dolorosa” and into everlasting life.
A - Admit you have sinned. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)

B - Believe in Jesus. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

C - Confess and leave your sin. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)