Group In Grove Carries Cross 3 Miles In Observance Of Good Friday, Easter

A group from Grove is using Good Friday to recreate the walk of Jesus to his crucifixion. Three evangelists dressed up today in full costume, before carrying this hand-crafted cross on a three-mile spiritual journey that they hope sparks curiosity and leads people to learn about the passion of Christ. 

It's a walk to remember for Billy Hardison of Grove and his fellow believers as they reflect on biblical accounts of Christ's crucifixion. 

"He said today the scripture's fulfilled," said Hardison. "When they see this, they can realize that resurrection Sunday wasn't about a cookout. It wasn't about an Easter Bunny. It was about a death, burial, and resurrection." 

Reenacting Jesus’ journey to the cross is a tradition in parts of the Christian community.   

Hardison's hope for his walk down Highway 59 is to share his faith by bringing part of the Gospel to life. It represents what he said is the ultimate sacrifice.  

"God's love bolted him to this beam. It wasn't nails that held him there,” said Hardison. “If you'll lay down your life you can pick up his." 

While many welcomed the demonstration, the group did experience anger from some drivers. Tanner Linn dressed up as one of two Roman Soldiers and said he never expected proclaiming his faith would be easy. He believes the little push back they got is nothing in comparison to what the bible said Christ endured during Holy Week.   

"The cross was heavy. The beating was horrible, the things that he endured but imagine the guilt and the shame, that weight of guilt and shame of every person in the entire world resting on Jesus' shoulders," Linn said.  

Linn and Hardison believe Good Friday is an opportunity to lead others to faith ahead of Easter Sunday.  

"Sunday is coming. Resurrection Sunday is coming. Sunday's coming. Sunday's coming,” Hardison said.