STATION VII //SIMON CARRIES
JESUS' CROSS
Mark 15:21
A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander & Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross.
A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander & Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross.
Reflection
In Jesus' journey to the cross, overcome with exhaustion from being beaten and forced to carry the cross, He can no longer carry the burden laid upon him. A Roman guard pulls a man, Simon from Cyrene, out of the crowd and forces him to carry Jesus' cross up the hill to Golgotha where Jesus will be crucified.
Simon, an outsider from northern Africa, is the first person to truly share in Christ's suffering. This became a significant picture for Christian obedience & discipleship. As we take up the cross, we do so following our King. Jesus knows our sufferings, He was tempted & tried just like us, yet was without sin. It is in His perfect Name that we are able to find help in our times of weakness & need.
- Identify any suffering, temptation, or grief in your life.
- Recognize that you do not walk that path of suffering alone. Jesus has gone before you and offers you mercy & grace to help you in your time of need.
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