Tradition (and common sense) tells us Jesus fell multiple times as He carried His Cross to His death. The weight is too much; Jesus is physically exhausted and falls again. His knees scrape on the road, and His face is pushed into the dirt. Maybe He’s reminded that “from dust you came and to dust you shall return.” Maybe He catches His breath for a moment before the soldiers force Him back to His feet to continue the journey.

Hebrews 12 tells us it was because of the joy set before Him that He endured the Cross. He knew what was coming and He knew why it had happen—because it was the only way to bring you and I back into relationship with God.

What are burdens in your life right now that only the hope of heaven can empower you to endure?