“ Along the way, they came across a man named Simon, who was from Cyrene, and the soldiers forced him to carry Jesus’ cross. And they went out to a place called Golgotha (which means “Place of the Skull”).’ – Matthew 27:32-33.
It’s a natural human tendency to seek pleasure and avoid pain. Much of our lives is shaped around this instinct. We’re innately inclined to turn away from what hurts, and to seek safety in what’s pleasurable and familiar. We cling to what’s secure, safe, and feels good in our circumstances and relationships. It shouldn’t come as a surprise, because we were designed to value life.
But following God often means coming out of our comfort spots and setting ourselves aside for His glory. He wants us to trust Him, but we can only do that when we let go and obey. More likely, Simon (mentioned in Mark 15:21, Matthew 27:32, and Luke 23:26) had other things to do that day than get personally involved in Jesus’ crucifixion. His plans and agenda were interrupted when he was given an order to carry the bloody cross for Jesus. It was hard work, bloody, and humiliating, but he carried the cross for Christ and walked with him in His most difficult hours. In doing so, he became part of the greatest story in history.
What a powerful example of what Jesus had taught just a short time before. Even more significant is that what Simon was forced to do, Jesus did willingly. He subjected himself to public mockery, severe beatings, and one of the most horrific deaths the world has ever come up with. As the Son of God, He didn’t have to endure anything; He allowed Himself to be a prisoner of the Roman soldiers. Even in those last excruciating hours nailed to the cross, He could have opted out. But Jesus understood his suffering was not about Him; it was the only way to restore sinners to the heavenly Father.
God doesn’t force us to follow him either. He doesn’t put the cross on us, but asks us to pick it up willingly. Our decision will cost us something; there’s heavy lifting, rejection, and personal interruptions. Actually, it will cost us everything. The only way to get the life we work so hard to protect is to give it back to God and trust Him to take care of it.
Luke is the only Gospel that says Simon carried the cross behind Jesus. “As they led Jesus away, a man named Simon, who was from Cyrene, happened to be coming in from the countryside. The soldiers seized him and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus.” (luke 23:26). All the other Gospels that mention say he carried it. Does Luke want us to remember Luke 9:23, where he said, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me.”
The Christian faith is the cross and resurrection, sacrificial love, and life. We who are followers of Jesus Christ surrender to the life and death of Christ so that he will be glorified through us. Simon carried the cross provided for Jesus, and that is precisely what we must do today. Simon of Cyrene, who followed behind Jesus with the cross, is a picture of discipleship. Christ has gone first, but can we follow in his steps, bearing the cross behind Him? It is reminiscent of the lyrics to the song “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus” written by the Indian missionary Sadhu Sundar Singh: “I have decided to follow Jesus; The world behind me, the cross before me; Though none go with me, still I will follow; My cross I’ll carry, till I see Jesus; No turning back, no turning back.”
Discussion Questions:
- How is Simon an example of discipleship?
- What can we learn from Simon’s willingness to help Jesus?
- In what ways are we often “compelled” to do things we don’t want to do, but that may be part of God’s plan for us?