Explore the reading

The passion narrative is the heart of each of the four gospels. Arguably the rest of the narrative is a build-up to this point. All the rest has been the introductory remarks – longer in some gospels than others. Invite people to reflect on their journey through Lent, leading up to this point. People may be able to remember the Gospel stories read in the last few weeks; they will have their own personal experiences to note; there may be insights that have emerged from using the ROOTS Lent calendar, for example. The journey to the cross is characterised by the gospel writers as a journey to Jerusalem. Offer A5-size pieces of paper or card and felt pens, wax crayons or paint and invite people to record their Lenten experiences, then lay them down as stones forming a path to the cross. On this occasion used paper and card might be appropriate, so that people write or draw over something that is already there – or on the other side of the paper – reflecting a layering of experiences.