Station 9: Jesus Meets the Women of Jerusalem

Station in French Church. Cropped and used under creative commons.

“Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4) Jesus calls those who mourn blessed. Not only does he called them blessed but he promises that they will be comforted. In today’s station, we see the first group of people who, of their own accord, have sympathy for Jesus. This sympathy was no small act of courage by the women who were present.

This group of women chose Jesus in the face of a crowd that just minutes before was angry enough to sway the decision of the local governor. In the face of a crowd like that they chose to weep for Jesus. It took some resolve to do that. Jesus then invites them not to weep for him but to weep for themselves. 

Before you read today’s scripture take a minute to consider the courage of the women who lamented Jesus. Think about the courage it took to go against the grain. Then read the passage below. 

A large crowd of people followed Jesus, including many women who mourned and lamented him. Jesus turned to them and said, "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep instead for yourselves and for your children, for indeed, the days are coming when people will say, 'Blessed are the barren, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed.' At that time, people will say to the mountains, 'Fall upon us!' and to the hills, 'Cover us!' for if these things are done when the wood is green what will happen when it is dry?"

(Luke 23: 27-31)

Close with the following prayer:

Lord Jesus Christ help us to see those who are mourning around us. Teach us to call them blessed as you do. As we enter Holy Week help us to mourn with those who mourn. Bring your promised comfort quickly Lord Jesus. Amen.