By Emilie Ng
WILL Nicol has thrown off many ugly crosses in his life, but there’s one he would eagerly clutch until he dies – the crucifix.
And while the 25-year-old nor any human being will ever have a chance to touch Christ’s real cross, this year he walked in Jesus’ shoes, portraying the Son of God in the Stations of the Cross.
It’s the second time Mr Nicol has had to play Easter’s most significant figure, revealing he was chosen last year for his “bushy beard”.
“The guys said I would be a perfect Jesus because of my bushy beard,” he said.
The “perfect Jesus” also comes complete with a skateboard and full-sleeve tattoos, a temporary reminder of a broken past that is now filled with hope in God.
“Jesus loves people like me, even with all the tattoos,” Mr Nicol said.
Two years ago, he was admitted to hospital in “a bad situation” resulting from a 12-year drug addiction.
“I was married, but I lost my wife and kids,” Mr Nicol said.
He grew up in a Christian household with only his mum, but left his faith behind for the lure of the drug scene.
Grassroots Catholic group Blind Eye Ministries met Mr Nicol at Ozcare, a health and community service, shortly after he was discharged from hospital in early 2013.
“I’ve been back in my faith for two years now,” he said.
Mr Nicol is now a regular volunteer with Blind Eye Ministries, and hopes “when it’s time” he will reunite with his wife and two children.
Jumping off his skateboard to walk with hundreds as Jesus Christ in the Emmanuel Community’s Stations of the Cross has given Mr Nicol plenty of time to reflect on why God died for him.
“It’s hard to think what Jesus would have been thinking while you’re in His shoes,” he said. “But you get a feeling of what it would have been like for Him.
“You can read all about it or watch all the movies, but until you’re standing in His place, it’s different.
“The role has opened up a lot of questions, like why He died for me.”
After playing Jesus in the Stations of the Cross, Mr Nicol turns on the television to watch Mel Gibson’s famous portrayal of the Saviour.
“After, I just go into a time of reflection, to watch the Passion of the Christ and think of what He’s done for me,” he said.
