A Day-by-day devotional

June 5, 2023

The other Simon

Chronological One Year Bible Reading Plan: Psalm 107-112

Scripture of the Day: Matthew 27:32, Mark 15:21, Luke 23:26

In the Catholic tradition, Jesus is said to have fallen three times while carrying the cross to Golgotha. In what is known as the 14 stations of the cross, the way of the cross from Jesus being sentenced to death up to him being laid down in the tomb, is commemorated.

Although the bible never mentions of Jesus falling even once, much less thrice, while carrying the cross, it could hardly be far from truth. The bible mentioned how a man named Simon, who was from Cyrene was compelled to carry the cross. The Roman soldiers were assigned the task to execute Jesus by hanging on the cross. Jesus must have been totally exhausted, to the point of what might have appeared to the soldiers, as expiration. The soldiers would not have wanted him to die on the way, them not having been able to carry put the sentence. So they let a man named Simon to carry the cross for Jesus. What the soldiers did not know was the Father’s plan. God appointed His Son to die on the cross for the salvation of the world. He would not have let His Son expire on the way.

In a weakened physical state, even though the bible never tells us that, it makes sense to deduce that He must have fallen while carrying the cross. Thus, a man was asked to share the load and carry the cross for Him. The man‘s name was Simon. No other details were given as to who Simon was. Mark’s account tells us that he was the father of Alexander and Rufus. As to the reason why Mark mentioned that, is not clear. After Jesus‘ death, Simon of Cyrene was not to be found in the bible. The bible never tells us what happened to him.

Nonetheless, if someone or something is mentioned in the bible, it is an important detail adding substance to the account. Simon carried the cross of Jesus. He did not volunteer to do it though. He was compelled. In other words, Simon was forced or obliged to do it.

Who would want to carry someone’s cross? It is a massive, heavy piece of wood. Moreover, carrying a cross where one is set to be hung and die is degrading and humiliating.

Simon could not have known though, that he was helping the Son of God to carry out a task meant to save the world. Whether voluntary or not, Simon partook in Jesus‘ burden.

As Jesus, being truly man although also truly God, was in exhaustion carrying the cross, Simon was there. Unbeknownst to him, he made history, being privileged to share in the most wonderful thing that ever happened in the world – the Son of God saved mankind.

Although we no longer would have the privilege to carry the cross to which Jesus was hanged like Simon of Cyrene did, we told by Jesus to carry our cross. That is a prerequisite to truly follow Him. Life presents us with crosses to carry daily. We may fall several times doing so. Nonetheless, if Jesus became exhausted and may have possibly fallen several times as He carried the cross, we do not fail is we also do.

Reflection: How do you respond to carrying your cross daily? Are you willing to willingly take it up, to follow Jesus? When it becomes hard, remember Simon of Cyrene.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for carrying the heavy cross for me. Thank you for paying the price for my sins, enduring the burden, as well as the humiliation of dying on my stead. You are amazing, Lord! Amen.