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The Easter long weekend got off to a dramatic start on Good Friday with the Wesley Institute’s Crucifixion performance, Jesus Passed Over ... .

Martin Place was astir at 2pm as a crowd gathered in anticipation. It was easy to imagine the chaos and spectacle that was Jesus’ journey to the cross. 

The procession followed a modern-day Jesus in torn and stained overalls on “the way of the cross” - Martin Place to Pitt Street. Members of the media and the general public joined the procession accompanied by weeping women and sombre music.

With Sydney city as the backdrop for the re-enactment, we were reminded of the relevance of Jesus’ death and resurrection to Australians today.

Upon arrival at the Wesley Theatre, the audience was drawn into a “play with in a play”, featuring actors, dancers and a choir.

Wesley Institute students maintained a nice balance between humour and reverence as the actors explored the characters around the cross. The performance succeeded in prompting the audience to consider, and relate to, the experiences of the characters at the crucifixion.

The performance portrayed a group of actors rehearsing for an Easter play. The director encouraged them to consider the emotions of gospel characters.

The audience watched as Jesus was anointed with perfume and tears for his burial, Pilate wrestled with his decision, and Jesus’ disciples came to terms with the death of their friend. The play concluded with Jesus’ declaration “It’s over! It’s finished!”

Following the play, The Wesley Mission Superintendent Rev Keith Garner led the audience into reflection and communion, continuing his series of messages Characters around the Cross of Jesus.  The message was from Luke’s gospel, reflecting on the attitudes of the thieves who were crucified beside Jesus.

“It is the real message of the cross that matters in Sydney,” said Garner. Those present were asked to consider that“we too were part of that crucifixion”.

–        Tabitha Horsley

(Tabitha, who is completing a BA Communications (Public Relations) degree at the University of Canberra, is working her internship in Wesley Mission’s Public Affairs unit.) 

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