Good Friday Justice Walk 2026
Distance: approx 1.5 miles
Time: approx 75 minutes
Introduction
Welcome to Oak Life’s Good Friday Justice Walk. This experience is created to help us walk with Jesus as he walks in solidarity with all those who struggle and suffer. Each year Christians around the world remember this message as we reflect on the final hours of Jesus’ life on earth where he suffered greatly. As we walk the streets of our neighborhood we invite you to meditate and listen to the sights, sounds, and smells of our city. We believe Jesus still walks these sidewalks and is meeting humanity in the midst of all of our brokenness, inviting us to follow his path of sacrificial love towards new life and resurrection.
This year’s walk will be a little bit of Oakland's history and culture and will take us not only around our immediate neighborhood but around the world. Sadly there is great suffering and conflict in our world, and our hope is to honor it all, working towards our collective healing, one step at a time.
As we walk, feel free to ask questions, but please take on the posture of a pilgrim with humility, openness, listening, and prayer. After each station we’ll offer a brief prayer, and if you are comfortable we invite you to join by praying the words “Lord hear our prayers”
Station 1 Betrayal
Text: Luke 22:1-6
”1 Now the Festival of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover, was approaching, 2 and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were looking for some way to get rid of Jesus, for they were afraid of the people. 3 Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve.4 And Judas went to the chief priests and the officers of the temple guard and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus. 5 They were delighted and agreed to give him money. 6 He consented, and watched for an opportunity to hand Jesus over to them when no crowd was present.
——
Here we read of the betrayal of Jesus by one of his friends who sold him out to those in power. While we can’t fully know the motives of Judas, we do know that tradition looks at this moment as an act of corruption that would lead to much suffering for Jesus.
Our first stop is a mural called Always Faithful depicting the earth and it’s beauty, including a females expression. Many have described our relationship to the earth as a betrayal. While our planet gives us life, we have all too often parced it up and sold it and it’s inhabitants for a profit. When we think of Jesus being betrayed, we might imagine his sense of grief and and loss. If the earth could express it’s emotions towards us, what would they be?
May we remember the earth and seek to heal it’s wounds that have come from our actions.
May we consider how the earth, like God, has faithfully provided for us all that we might need.
Take a moment to pause, pray, and reflect
Station 2 Waiting and Anguish
Text: Luke 22:39-46
39 Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. 40 On reaching the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” 41 He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, 42 “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” 43 An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. 44 And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.
45 When he rose from prayer and went back to the disciples, he found them asleep, exhausted from sorrow. 46 “Why are you sleeping?” he asked them. “Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.”
——
Hours before Jesus was to be crucified he waited with anguish. To make matters worse, he seemed to feel alone in his dreadful anticipation of what was to come.
Around our world millions are waiting in anguish, longing for the day when their suffering may ease. While Jesus’ path towards resurrection led him through the cross, we acknowledge the many places where waiting and violence are lived experiences in our world today.
Presently we’re standing in front of “Oakland Burmese Missionary Baptist Church”, which is a Burmese Christian congregation filled with Karen, Kachin, and other ethnic groups from Myanmar (formerly Burma) where war has raged since 1945. Many call this the longest civil war in the world. While there have been moments of progress inside of Myanmar, there have been many setbacks that have prevented peace. In 2021 the Burmese Military held a coup and reclaimed power of the nation which led to increased hostilities around the country, and most recently, a forced draft to all citizens. Compounding the situation, Myanmar has also recently expierienced a massive earthquake leaving thousands without shelter and resources. Myanmar is also the location of the Rohingya Genocide.
As we look to our Savior who waiting in aguish, we acknowledge those in our world also waiting.
May we awaken to those who are waiting in anguish.
May we stand alongside those longing for peace.
”Lord hear our prayers”
Take a moment to pause, pray, and reflect
Station 3 Legal Injustice
Text: Luke 22:47-53
”47 While he was still speaking a crowd came up, and the man who was called Judas, one of the Twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him, 48 but Jesus asked him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?”
49 When Jesus’ followers saw what was going to happen, they said, “Lord, should we strike with our swords?” 50 And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear.
51 But Jesus answered, “No more of this!” And he touched the man’s ear and healed him.
52 Then Jesus said to the chief priests, the officers of the temple guard,and the elders, who had come for him, “Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come with swords and clubs? 53 Every day I was with you in the temple courts, and you did not lay a hand on me. But this is your hour—when darkness reigns.”
——
Recent times have illuminated for many the unjust and racist treatment of many under the law. The murder of George Floyd shocked our nation and caused many to cry out for change and justice. Our still wrestles with the horrific legacy of slavery and the treatment of people of color and other minorities which often comes to light in how communities are policied. Tragically instances of police violence and injustice against black citizens is not isolated to one city, but is a pathology our entire world must work to repair and heal.
We are standing in front of the “Alan Blueford Center for Justice”, established by the family of Alan Bleuford who was killed at the hands of OPD in 2012 and 18 years old at the time.
Jaralynn Blueford, Alan’s mother has fought long and hard to get justice for her son and does not believe his death was justified. You can read her story here. “It’s never been about the money,” Jeralyn Blueford said. “It’s about the truth and what’s right and standing up for change. Had we not said anything, they could have swept everything under the rug.” “No amount of money could replace my son’s life,” Blueford said. “His spirit should be allowed to rest in peace.” “Each day I spend in terror of the police, grieving, bleeding heart,” she said. “It hurts all the time.”
As we look to Jesus, who was unjustly punished as a criminal by the police of his time, we grieve all those experiencing similar injustice
May we grieve with those who suffered legal injustice and violence.
May we strive to create a more just community and nation.
”Lord hear our prayers”
Take a moment to pause, pray, and reflect
Station 4 Disowned
Text: Luke 22:54-62
54 Then seizing him, they led him away and took him into the house of the high priest. Peter followed at a distance. 55 And when some there had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat down with them. 56 A servant girl saw him seated there in the firelight. She looked closely at him and said, “This man was with him.”
57 But he denied it. “Woman, I don’t know him,” he said.
58 A little later someone else saw him and said, “You also are one of them.”
“Man, I am not!” Peter replied.
59 About an hour later another asserted, “Certainly this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean.”
60 Peter replied, “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. 61 The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.” 62 And he went outside and wept bitterly.
——
Across the street is one of Oakland’s Tuff Shed spaces designed to house unsheltered community members. Just as Peter disowns Jesus, pretending that he does not know him, our society has turned away from the thousands of people who lack shelter.
What does it mean for us to see the image of God in each person who is without shelter? How might we love “the least of these” more deeply?
May we learn to love our unhoused neighbors more deeply.
May we seek communities where no one is without shelter.
”Lord hear our prayers”
Take a moment to pause, pray, and reflect
Station 5 Mocked and Led Through the Streets
Text: Luke 22:54-62
63 The men who were guarding Jesus began mocking and beating him.64 They blindfolded him and demanded, “Prophesy! Who hit you?” 65 And they said many other insulting things to him.
——
Luke’s account only hints at the path that Jesus took on his way to Golgotha, the place of his crucifixion, however Mark and Matthew capture a few scenes from this journey, which has become known as the Via Dolorsa or “Path of Sorrow”. Tradition tells us that Jesus, after having already experienced betrayal and beating, was forced to carry his own cross. Mark’s gospel also tells us about
”a certain man from Cyrene, Simon” who was drafted to help Jesus carry the cross which has been interetreted as an act of solidarty and support in church history. Pilgrims to Jerusalem can still walk this path today.
Currently we stand at the corner of Telegraph Avenue which connects downtown Oakland with the Universtity of California Berkeley. Some have made the case that this is the most important historical and cultural street in the East Bay where hundreds of thousands have marched for justice. On May 17, 1967, Dr. Martin Luther King spoke out against the Vietnam War on the steps of Sproul Plaza on Berkely Campus before many thousands of people led a march down this very street.
Other marches and protests on Telegraph Avenue include the Free Speech movement, the 1969 People’s Park Movement, protests against the Vietnam War, anti-draft protests, and more.
May we walk alonside all those striving for justice, liberation, and healing
May we carry the cross of love more intentionally, paying attention to those who’s path is sorrowful
”Lord hear our prayers”
Station 6 Mob Mentality
Text: Luke 23:1-23
Then the whole assembly rose and led him off to Pilate. 2 And they began to accuse him, saying, “We have found this man subverting our nation. He opposes payment of taxes to Caesar and claims to be Messiah, a king.”
3 So Pilate asked Jesus, “Are you the king of the Jews?”
“You have said so,” Jesus replied.
4 Then Pilate announced to the chief priests and the crowd, “I find no basis for a charge against this man.”
5 But they insisted, “He stirs up the people all over Judea by his teaching. He started in Galilee and has come all the way here.”
6 On hearing this, Pilate asked if the man was a Galilean. 7 When he learned that Jesus was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod,who was also in Jerusalem at that time.
8 When Herod saw Jesus, he was greatly pleased, because for a long time he had been wanting to see him. From what he had heard about him, he hoped to see him perform a sign of some sort. 9 He plied him with many questions, but Jesus gave him no answer. 10 The chief priests and the teachers of the law were standing there, vehemently accusing him.11 Then Herod and his soldiers ridiculed and mocked him. Dressing him in an elegant robe, they sent him back to Pilate. 12 That day Herod and Pilate became friends—before this they had been enemies.
13 Pilate called together the chief priests, the rulers and the people, 14 and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was inciting the people to rebellion. I have examined him in your presence and have found no basis for your charges against him. 15 Neither has Herod, for he sent him back to us; as you can see, he has done nothing to deserve death.16 Therefore, I will punish him and then release him.” [17] [a]
18 But the whole crowd shouted, “Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us!” 19 (Barabbas had been thrown into prison for an insurrection in the city, and for murder.)
20 Wanting to release Jesus, Pilate appealed to them again. 21 But they kept shouting, “Crucify him! Crucify him!”
22 For the third time he spoke to them: “Why? What crime has this man committed? I have found in him no grounds for the death penalty. Therefore I will have him punished and then release him.”
23 But with loud shouts they insistently demanded that he be crucified, and their shouts prevailed. 24 So Pilate decided to grant their demand.25 He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, the one they asked for, and surrendered Jesus to their will.
——
Here we read the account of crowds of people accusing Jesus of crimes and calling for his crucifixion. There are many places in our world where the collective sentiment of people projects harm onto others and other groups. In recent times we have seen a tragic rise in antisemitism. Here we stand in front of Temple Sinai Oakland, a Jewish synagogue where our neighbors gather for worship and community. As we consider the experience of our Jewish siblings, we remember that Jesus was Jewish and we stand against antisemitism both current and historic. We resist the temptation of the mob and choose to see every other human being, regardless of their orientation, faith, gender, race, age, or status as anything less than an extension of our own human family.
As we look to Jesus, who called names, spat upon, and scorned by crowds, we consider those in our world experiencing similar hardship.
May we honor and learn from the experience of our Jewish neighbors.
May we stand against antisemitism and hateful prejudice of any kind.
”Lord hear our prayers”
Take a moment to pause, pray, and reflect
Station 7 The Death of Jesus
Text: Luke 23:44-49
44 It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, 45 for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. 46 Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.”[e] When he had said this, he breathed his last.
47 The centurion, seeing what had happened, praised God and said, “Surely this was a righteous man.” 48 When all the people who had gathered to witness this sight saw what took place, they beat their breasts and went away. 49 But all those who knew him, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.
——
As we remember the death of our Savior, and consider those who watched and grieved alongside, we acknowledge the many places in our world where death and loss are realities. We honor the grief of the many families and loved ones who’ve lost children, mothers, fathers, siblings, and friends. We pray for the comfort of God to be known somehow in the midst of it all.
Presently we are standing in front of the Oakland Palestine Solidarity Mural. A little about the mural:
Spanning 157 feet and reaching 22 feet high, the mural is comprised of nine separate panels, where each artist or team of artists has painted his or her own interpretation of a tree to address social and political issues.
These issues include the shared histories of colonization, environmental exploitation, internal exile of indigenous peoples, resilience and resistance to these injustices.
The twelve participating artists come from a wide array of backgrounds, ethnicities and cultures. They include Dina Matar, who is participating virtually (Gaza); IROT (Native American); VYAL (Chicano-Native American); Deadeyes (African American); Erin Yoshi (Japanese American); Susan Greene (Jewish American) Emory Douglas (African American); Nidal El Khairy (Palestinian); Chris Gazaleh (Palestinian American); SPIE (Asian American); Fred Alvarado (Latino American); Miguel Bounce Perez (Chicano-Pacific Islander American).
Each artist was given a broad design parameter to use within the tree motif, which is a common metaphor for life and a symbol of global commonality. From this simple directive, the artists have created imagery true to each one’s individual aesthetic. The result is a public tribute to the human spirit and its unassailable right to thrive in spite of political oppression and injustice--wherever it is taking place in the world.
May we honor the grief and loss of our world.
May we strive for a world where war is no more.
”Lord hear our prayers”
Take a moment to pause, pray, and reflect
Communion
As we close our time and begin our journey back to Oakstop, please take a moment to reflect and recieve communion. The elements of juice and bread have long been reminders of God’s love and solidarity with all who suffer. They also point to the hope that is coming on Easter Sunday- that these experiences and realities will not get the final word.
Take time to reflect on one of tonight’s experiences. Allow God to speak to you. How might these moments invite you to change?
Take a moment to pray for all those who suffer, and as you receive the elements ask God to meet you.
“The Lord Jesus, on the night of his arrest, took bread, and after giving thanks to God, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying: Take, eat. This is my body, given for you. Do this in remembrance of me. In the same way he took the cup, saying: This cup is the new covenant, shed for you for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this in remembrance of me.. Oak Life, this cup and this bread is a reminder of God’s love for the world. May we be nourished by and transformed by it!”