Jesus is completely exhausted. He falls a third time. A woman seated at the well is pushed out of the way, a water vessel has been knocked over and broken by a soldier, foreshadowing the temple being torn in two at Jesus’ death.
Jeremiah 19:11: This is what the Lord Almighty says, “I will smash this nation and this city just as this potter’s jar is smashed and cannot be repaired.”
IX
Jesus Falls The Third Time
Jesus falls for a third time, and this fall would be the most devastating. He struggles to gain his ground, and can barely proceed. As he tries to summon all of his remaining strength, supported by his trust in God, he collapses once more under the cross. His executioners pick him up as they look at him as a pathetic, and broken man that is paying for what he deserves. They then continue up the hill of crucifixion.
