Matthew 27:32

“As they went out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name. They compelled this man to carry his cross.” Matthew 27:32.

Have you ever stopped to consider this verse in the telling of the Crucifixion. Such a little verse that almost feels like it doesn’t belong.

Your reading about Jesus and then, pops in Simon for a split second and then instantly back to Jesus.

How bizarre right? Well, no not really. I love this passage of scripture. So much revelation and insight into God’s plan for us as believers. Nothing is written by accident. This was purposefully placed in here by divine direction.

At this point in the text Jesus has been beaten beyond recognition. He has lost tremendous amounts of blood. He is weak and tired. In my research, the cross Jesus would have been carrying was anywhere from 45 to 125 pounds if it was the crossbeam. That’s a lot of weight to bear upon a back that has been savagely ripped apart.

I want you to remember that Jesus was fully man. His body functioned just like you and me. His muscles would get tired and reach failure just like ours. Loss of blood would have made him weak. Jesus’ body was pressed beyond human ability.

Here is were Simon steps in. By divine providence, God has placed him there at a point where Jesus needs him to come along side him and help him carry his cross.

This wasn’t Simon’s cross. He wasn’t going to die. Simon was called to carry a burden that wasn’t his. It wasn’t an easy task. It was hard, painful, and difficult but he was in a better position physically to accomplish the journey. Simon was called to help Jesus get to a place where he could die and finish the work that he was called to do.

Here is our first lesson.

We are called to be burden bearers for those who are carrying a cross that is more than they can handle. We are called to help others carry their cross. So many people are struggling with their journey. If Jesus needed help to complete the purpose of God, don’t you think his followers might need help too? Maybe God has placed you in someone’s life at the right time to help them carry their cross. Would you help Jesus carry his?

Second lesson.

Jesus let Simon carry his cross! Just another sign of humility. Jesus knew he couldn’t carry that cross in his humanity. He knew his limits. It was too much. So Simon came along and walked alongside Jesus and lifted his burden. So beautiful. Jesus letting go of the burden he carried. He gave it to someone who was capable, and that enabled him to continue the journey to complete the will of God.

Don’t be proud, my friend. Humble yourself and recognize your weakness. When you are carrying a cross that is more than you can bear, let someone join you. Compel someone to come alongside you and lift that burden. If you don’t, it might crush you under its weight and you won’t be able to finish the journey you started. Its o.k. to need help. Its o.k. to let someone help you. You’re in good company. Jesus understood his need and accepted where he was. Now it’s your turn.