Notice before you a re-creation of the famous “Roman Road.” It represents the journey Jesus traveled: from where the trials and sentencing took place, to Golgotha (or Calvary), the place where Jesus was crucified. The modern day locations of these sites aren’t certain, so we don’t know exactly how far Jesus walked from the trials to the crucifixion; it was probably a little less than half a mile.

Notice the three archways in front of you depicting three major events along Jesus’ last earthly journey. Jesus’ walk from condemned prisoner to murdered convict was undertaken in a severely depleted state. He had been beaten, whipped, and spat on. He was both hungry and thirsty. The wood beams He was carrying were heavy, and in a weakened state Jesus stumbled.

The first archway scene depicts Simon who was commanded by the Roman soldiers to carry Jesus’ cross to the place of execution. Simon was from Northern Africa. Nothing else is known about him before or after the crucifixion, yet his small part in carrying the cross—less than thirty minutes of his life—has guaranteed his place in immortality. It is a telling picture that what matters most about each one of us is our relationship to the crucifixion. It defines us as nothing else ever will. Either we accept and become a part of this sacrifice receiving its benefits, or we ignore and reject it forfeiting its spiritual provision.

Think about it: this one event we’re remembering today is the one event in all of human history that will literally impact every individual who has ever lived or ever will live. What we do in response to the historical act of this crucifixion (which no reputable scholar could possibly deny) will affect every individual, for eternity—even the destiny of those who don’t believe or who choose to ignore it.

The second archway scene represents women overcome by grief at the impending sacrifice of this innocent man. Jesus’ words are stunning. In the midst of His pain, He tells the “daughters of Jerusalem” to weep for themselves not for Him. Can you hear God’s mercy and compassion pouring from the mouth of Jesus? Even while being tortured, even while contemplating a ghastly execution, Jesus weeps for you—the very one who made His death necessary.

Notice the third archway scene a depiction of Calvary. With every step that Jesus took toward this momentous hill He knew that He was one step closer to a torturous, cruel death. He was one step closer to taking the weight of the world’s sin upon His own shoulders. At any moment, Jesus could have called upon the forces of Heaven and stopped the crucifixion cold. He could have avoided shedding another drop of blood. He could have escaped the nails going through His hands and feet; He didn’t have to suffer the spiritual anguish of feeling that He had been forsaken by Heaven and His Father.

Even so, Jesus kept walking determined to complete His mission. He did it so that you wouldn’t have to.