Bear Jesus' Cross

A MAN NAMED SIMON FROM THE CITY OF CYRENE ..THE SOLDIERS FORCED HIM TO CARRY JESUS' CROSS. Mark 15.21.

We find fault with the disciples because they left their Master to suffer alone the ridicule, the persecution and the crucifixion. How could they have thought only of their own safety? Why didn't they stick with their Master in His darkest hour of suffering? At least Peter, who had a little earlier told the Lord, “Though all become deserters because of you, I will never desert you", should have remained with Him! (Mt 26.32).

The disciples were not with Jesus on that fatal night of trial and the terrible day of crucifixion. Had they been with Jesus there would have been no need for the soldiers to force an alien, Simon from Cyrene, to carry the cross for Jesus! They could have easily helped the poor exhausted Master to carry it along. They could have wiped His sweat, blood and tears. They could have comforted Him. Probably the soldiers would have scourged and flogged some of them, which would have reduced the number of stripes Jesus received! Peter, John and James, who were the closest to Jesus, could have been there to bear the cruel cross under the weight of which their Master fell again and again. Jesus had already warned them of the terrible things that would happen and they could have braced themselves up to be with their Master and even dared to die with Him! What a privilege it would have been!

There were no disciples when Jesus needed them. What a blessed opportunity the disciples missed because they left Jesus and ran away for their own safety! A foreigner, Simon the Cyrene, had to carry the cross for Jesus. Some say that he and his two sons, Rufus and Alexander, were among the disciples! If they were, what a distinction and divine privilege Simon had to be ‘the co –bearers of the cross of the Son of God!

Today, you may not be called to bear Jesus’ cross but there are many brothers and sisters of ours who are burdened with their heavy crosses. Dear believer, don’t be misled by the preaching and teaching that God's plan for you is 'health, wealth and happiness in this life!' 'Terrible times will come' in some measure for every child of God. If you are not in it now, you only have to see the suffering of your fellow believers and the reality of life will strike you!

There are many in great need and they are struggling along alone. Jesus expects you to go alongside and lend a helping hand in whatever way you can. The Lord once said about certain people, "They will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?' "He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me' (Mt 25:44,45).

It may be said to the shame of the affluent Christians of today that the 'Unbelieving' business people are the greatest aid-givers to the three quarter of the world's billions who are starving and suffering! They are taking the place of Simon the Cyrene which you and I should! It is time that you begin to ACT!

Pray and practise with me: Dear Lord, what a great privilege Simon had to bear Your cross. Today, we are given the privilege to bear one another’s burden. Help us to follow Simon’s example and help them out as doing to You. Amen.