Surprised Simon
Luke 23:13-43 (April 27)
"Crucify him! Crucify him"
It was those words that sealed the fate of Jesus, despite the fact that neither Pilate or Herod found him to be guilty of anything.
But his sentence was settled by the crowd, made up of many who had schemed and plotted against him since the beginning of his teaching. Men who feared his humble authority and mocked his miracles.
So off he went, to be beaten, tortured, and crucified.
Part of this torture was carrying the cross up to the place known as The Skull. That cross was a heavy burden on his beaten body, much like our sins and sorrows are a burden to him now.
Jesus needed help.
Yes, even Christ himself needed someone to help him carry his burden while he lived in the flesh on this earth.
Along comes Simon of Cyrene. This man was pulled from the crowd to help Jesus carry the cross on his journey to crucifixion. Jesus, so weak from the beating and torture he had already endured, fell down numerous times on the road. That cross was a heavy burden and he needed the assistance of Simon to make it to the end of his journey.
Was Simon a willing participant in all of this? Scripture tells us he was seized and made to carry the cross.
As they lead Jesus away, a man named Simon, who was from Cyrene, happen to be coming in from the countryside. The soldier seized him and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus. (Luke 23:26)
Imagine being put in that position. Would you willingly carry the burdens of Jesus, or would you do so against your will?
The blessing is that Jesus carries our burdens WILLINGLY every day. He went to that cross WILLINGLY. He died for us WILLINGLY.
Simon may have been surprised when he was pulled from the crowd to be a part of this moment in history, and he may have been unsure about being a part of the action of the day. Perhaps he was fearful for his own life.
But I have to believe that his efforts were not in vain. Jesus must have appreciated the help as he struggled up that mountain, beaten and bleeding. Having someone to help him bear the burden of his earthly body had to be a relief.
So when life gets too hard and our burdens get too heavy to carry on solid ground, much less up a mountain, and when you feel like you have taken the beating of your life...remember that Jesus is there, waiting for you to call on him for help. He is ready and waiting, and won't be surprised like Simon was.