Lenten Devotional
Luke 23:26–24:53
A week out from Palm Sunday and we are reading Luke's account of the death and resurrection of Jesus. There are man y points to be made through this account. Most would revolve around forgiveness and grace offered by Jesus in these last few moments before his death. Yet, I am caught by a little aspect of the march to the cross, Simon from Cyrene.
Luke tells us that Simon was coming in from the country side and was seized to carry the cross of Jesus up to the hill. Why did Simon have to carry the cross? The answer is traditionally given that Jesus was beaten so severely that he was unable to bear the cross on his back. Other accounts talk about Jesus falling to the ground on the trail to the hill. But, why Simon?
There has never been an answer for why the soldiers chose Simon out of the rest of the crowd. Nor has there been any information about the life Simon lived after this moment. I believe few would have offered to carry the cross. This was the achievement of the leaders and no one wanted to look like they supported Jesus at this moment, not even the twelve. Simon was forced to assist. But the action of taking up Jesus cross is full of symbolism for us from scripture.
Christ called followers of his day and today to take up their cross and follow him. This was first accomplished by Simon. Are we willing to follow voluntary in the footsteps of Jesus? There may be ridicule. There might be some persecution. This is the call on all followers. Maybe this is why I am struck by Simon from Cyrene in this account.
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