VIA DOLOROSA; Step 7

Mark 15:21. “There was a man walking by, coming from work, Simon from Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus. They made him carry Jesus’ cross.”

We all need help at one point or another in our lives. Some of us are afraid to ask for it and some have difficulty accepting help. I don’t know why; even Christ accepted help. I’ve often wondered why He didn’t carry the cross by Himself to Golgotha. Christ was God indeed, but He was also man and in that moment it was Christ the Man that accepted what was offered.

I look at Simon though and wonder if I would have offered to help (or at least put up a fight and made excuses when asked). Bible tells us Simon had already put in a full day’s work; he must have been tired and then he got caught in the unusual traffic jam that was the death procession of Christ. The last thing he must have wanted to do was pick up the cross of some felon! Besides he was on his way home to see his family; how was he going to explain criminal involvement to his boys? He might even miss their bedtime. He had things to do but he picked up the cross anyway. It was a sacrifice Simon made for Christ. He chose to bear a burden for Christ despite his own limitations and desires.

I often duck extra duties because I’m tired or have stuff to do. Christ could have chosen not to die for me, but He didn’t and just in case I missed that fact, Simon of Cyrene picked up Christ’s cross when it was inconvenient for him to do so. Do I still have an excuse?          

Think About This 

Do you carry a burden for Christ?

Prayer

Dear Lord, teach me to accept help when I need it and to offer it to those in need. May I carry a burden for Christ even when it’s inconvenient for me. In Jesus name I pray. Amen