Category:Way to Golgotha (subject)

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The Way to Golgotha was an episode in the Passion of Jesus, according to the Gospels of Mark (15:20b-22); Matthew (27:31b-33), Luke (23:26-33A), and John (19:16b-17).

< Passion of Jesus : Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem -- Cleansing of the Temple -- Plot to Kill Jesus -- Anointing of Jesus -- Betrayal of Judas -- Last Supper -- Agony in the Garden -- Arrest of Jesus -- Trial of Jesus before the High Priest -- Peter's Denial -- Trial of Jesus before Pilate -- Trial of Jesus before Herod Antipas -- Barabbas -- Flagellation of Jesus -- Mocking of Jesus -- Way to Golgotha -- Crucifixion of Jesus -- Burial of Jesus >

< Life of Jesus : Nativity of Jesus -- Childhood of Jesus -- Jesus' Hidden Years -- Ministry of Jesus (Parables of Jesus, Miracles of Jesus) -- Passion of Jesus -- Resurrection of Jesus -- Relics of Jesus >

Overview

The place of execution was certainly outside the walls of Jerusalem along a road, near one of gates, so that passersby could look at it. It was known as the Place of the Skull (Mark, Matthew, and John provide the Hebrew name: Golgotha). This indicate that the place was commonly used for execution.

On his way to the execution, Jesus was forced to carry the cross, or better the crossbeam, on his shoulders. According to the Synoptics, Jesus was so weak that the Romans soldiers compelled a passerby, Simon of Cyrene, to help him--a narrative that is not present in John. The Gospel of Luke adds the detail of the conversation of Jesus with some "women" and the reference to the two "criminals" who were led with Jesus to the place of execution.

Later Christian traditions added new details to the Gospel narratives. The women mentioned in Luke were identified with the Three Marys and the mother of Jesus, Mary of Nazareth. In the late Middle Ages the tradition of the Three Falls of Jesus developed as well as the legend of the Veil of Veronica. At the end the Way to Golgotha included eight of the 14 episodes of the Stations of the Cross, namely:

Jesus carries his cross
Jesus falls the first time
Jesus meets his mother
Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus carry the cross
Veronica wipes the face of Jesus
Jesus falls the second time
Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem
Jesus falls the third time

Way to Golgotha, in ancient sources

Gospel of Mark

Mark 15:20b-22 (NRSV) -- [20] ...Then they led him out to crucify him. 21 They compelled a passer-by, who was coming in from the country, to carry his cross; it was Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus. [22] Then they brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means the place of a skull).

Gospel of Matthew

Matthew 27:31b-33 (NRSV) -- Then they led him away to crucify him. 32 As they went out, they came upon a man from Cyrene named Simon; they compelled this man to carry his cross. [33] And they came to a place called Golgotha (which means Place of a Skull)

Gospel of Luke

Luke 23:26-33a (NRSV) -- 26 As they led him away, they seized a man, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming from the country, and they laid the cross on him, and made him carry it behind Jesus. 27 A great number of the people followed him, and among them were women who were beating their breasts and wailing for him. 28 But Jesus turned to them and said, "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. 29 For the days are surely coming when they will say, 'Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bore, and the breasts that never nursed.' 30 Then they will begin to say to the mountains, 'Fall on us'; and to the hills, 'Cover us.' 31 For if they do this when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?" 32 Two others also, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. [33] And they came to the place that is called The Skull ...

Gospel of John

John 19:16b-17 (NRSV) -- So they took Jesus; 17 and carrying the cross by himself, he went out to what is called The Place of the Skull, which in Hebrew is called Golgotha.