The First Station: Jesus is Condemned to Die

I sat cross-legged on the floor. Sweat was trickling across the side of my face and down my spine. I absentmindedly try to put my hands on the floor, but I recoil in pain. I look at my callous hands. Well, my callous and burned hands. You see, Lucifer thought it would be hilarious if I was literally put in the "hot seat". (No pun intended) And yes I'm referring to the devil. As in Satan, angel of the bottomless pit, the Antichrist, or whatever suits your fancy. "Are you ready for another round?" he called down. I didn't answer. I knew this is a rhetorical question. My answer never matters. Wasting no time, he plays the DVD once more.

I'm met with the familiar face of Jesus. His head hung low as he was processed out. Adjacent to him was a criminal. Jesus trudged onto a stage, awaited by Pontus Pilate. The congregation insulted and ridiculed Jesus as he passed by. As always Pontus Pilate shared his spiel. "On the left we have Jesus. He is charged with...on the right we have the criminal...Only you can prevent...Who do you want to live?" The crowd chose Jesus. Now it was my turn to bow my head in shame.