Weight of the Cross
“A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of
Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country,
and they forced him to carry the cross.” Mark 15:21 (NIV)
Pondering the journey of Jesus’ death, you may not spend much time thinking about Simon of Cyrene. I certainly have not. This morning while reading the gospel stories leading up to the crucifixion, I thought about the one who carried the cross of Jesus. Simon was forced to carry the cross because Jesus was too weak to do so after the beatings he endured.
Biblical accounts tell us Simon was an African man whose sons were named Alexander and Rufus. Simon was making the Passover pilgrimage when he had an encounter with Jesus Christ. This encounter not only changed the life of Simon, but also affected his family. Biblical references of Alexander and Rufus describe them as being Christians and well known in the early church. Acts 2 leads us to believe this family may have been part of Pentecost. The Bible doesn't expand on how his life changed although, I suspect it was dramatic.
Reflect a moment on the experience between Jesus and Simon, both the physical and emotional toll of it. I wonder if they talked, what about the non-verbal exchanges between them, and what they may have felt in their hearts for each other. Thinking about some of the possible emotions of Jesus and Simon, I am moved deeply.
Many of us can relate to the phrases of “your burden to bear” or “take up your cross”, because of events in our own life story. Some difficult seasons may feel forced upon us, like Simon’s. Dear friend, many of you may be helping to carry the burden of another. If so, I know you are walking closely to the one in great suffering as Simon did Jesus. I have learned God walks closely with me and I know God provides what I need during times of burden for others.
For those who walk alongside a loved one who is suffering, battling a life threatening illness or addiction, we can have hope. We can trust that God is alongside us, just as Simon was near to Jesus.
It is evident in scripture that God was near Jesus during His time on earth. I believe God provided for Jesus during times of great distress and even anxiety in these ways:
Equipped Him to teach the disciples about the Fathers kingdom - in Matthew 26:27
Praised the Father during a time of great distress - in Matthew 26:30 they sung a hymn
Provided peace to include Judas at the last supper - Luke 22:14 says “Jesus reclined at the table.”02
Served Others to leave an everlasting example of love - Jesus washed his disciples just before his arrest in John 13
Stayed Strong in betrayal from a friend - Mark 14:27
God is here to help us as He helped Jesus. Be encouraged through God's word it is full of promises that He is nearby.
Psalm 125:2 Romans 15:13
Psalm 145:18 Philippians 4:4-7
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