The First Sorrowful Mystery

The Agony in the Garden

Jesus undergoes his agony in the Garden of Gethsemane.

Lessons: Spirit of Prayer, Sorrow for Sin

Then he said to them, "My soul is sorrowful even to death. Remain here and keep watch with me." 39 He advanced a little and fell prostrate in prayer, saying, "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet, not as I will, but as you will."

- Matthew 26:38-39

The Second Sorrowful Mystery

The Scourging at the Pillar

Jesus is scourged at the pillar.

Lessons: Modesty and Purity

1 Then Pilate took Jesus and had him scourged.

- John 19:1

The Third Sorrowful Mystery

The Crowning with Thorns

Jesus is crowned with thorns.

Lesson: Courage

16 The soldiers led him away inside the palace, that is, the praetorium, and assembled the whole cohort. 17 They clothed him in purple and, weaving a crown of thorns, placed it on him.

- Mark 15:16-17

The Fourth Sorrowful Mystery

The Carrying of the Cross

Jesus carries the cross to Calvary.

Lesson: Patience in Suffering

17 [A]nd carrying the cross himself he went out to what is called the Place of the Skull, in Hebrew, Golgotha.

- John 19:17

The Fifth Sorrowful Mystery

The Crucifixion and Death of Our Lord on the Cross

Jesus dies on the cross for our sins.

Lessons: Self-denial, Perseverance

28 After this, aware that everything was now finished, in order that the scripture might be fulfilled, Jesus said, " I thirst." 29 There was a vessel filled with common wine. So they put a sponge soaked in wine on a sprig of hyssop and put it up to his mouth. 30 When Jesus had taken the wine, he said, "It is finished." And bowing his head, he handed over the spirit.

- John 19:28-30