“And as they led him away, they seized one Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, and laid on him the cross, to carry it behind Jesus.” Luke 23:26
We all have a cross to carry. Jesus stated so. “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23).
Your cross may be the responsibilities thrusted upon you at a young age. Your cross may consist of financial or relational challenges. Your cross may be the physical or emotional disability you are dealing with each day. Whatever the situation or circumstance you are facing today, this is your cross.
Many times, we feel our cross is so heavy and burdensome when compared to others and their cross. Their cross is so little that you would gladly exchange yours for theirs. Most likely, they look at yours and feel the same way.
Yet each of us has a cross we carry. You may call it a burden. It may be a heavy weight of responsibility. Or something that is preventing you from achieving your personal dreams. An obstacle that needs to be removed. How many times have we felt helpless and long for someone to help us through the pain? Jesus did.
All three Synoptic gospels highlight the story of Simon of Cyrene. A named person helping to carry the wooden cross of Jesus toward Calvary. Jesus, the God-Man, beaten and busted from all the abuse he faced up to then. Jesus, who help heal thousands during his ministry. Jesus, who was convicted and being executed by the government for being a King. This Jesus was now so broken he needed help to carry his cross.
We don’t have any details of Simon of Cyrene except he was the father of two disciples, Rufus and Alexander (Mark 15:21). Everything else is speculation. But we do know, he helps Jesus carry his cross. We don’t know if he deliberately stood before the Roman soldiers begging them to allow him to help Jesus. We don’t know if the Roman commander simply grabbed him from the crowd and drafted him to help. Either way, Simon carried Jesus’ cross when HE needed the help.
How many times have we gone through the day thinking we are the only one who has a cross to carry? That the other person has their act all together. They don’t need any help. We are so focused on our cross we don’t notice the cross they may be carrying.
What this Scripture reminds me is every single human being has a cross they carry. Though ours may be light at the moment, the day will come when it will get heavy. A time when we will be thankful someone like Simon of Cyrene comes around and helps us. Meanwhile, I pray to be more aware of the needs of others. Like Simon of Cyrene, that someone may even be Jesus Himself (Matthew 25:40).
Rooting For You in Christ!
Dr. Mike
Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler
“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,” (Colossians 1:9)
Aspirations and Writings Neatly Bound in Book Formats:
* indicates audio version available at Apple Books
- Power Up With Jesus Book Series- Aspirations for a Grace-Paced Life *
- The Adventurous Journey of Transformation in Christ *
- Overflowing Prayers Rooted in Jesus Christ v1 & v2
- Dancing With God: A Life-Giving Worldview *
- Great Business Emulates a Good God
- Stay Free…Avoid Worldly Traps
- Simply The Messenger
- Unequally Married
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