Station #3 - Simon of Cyrene Helps Carry The Cross

Read: Mark 15: 21

Reflect: Jesus’ strength is failing. He is beaten, bleeding, and heavily burdened. Simon of Cyrene, who has travelled to Jerusalem from Cyrene (modern day Libya) for the Passover celebrations, is thrust in the path of the suffering Saviour and forced to help him carry the cross. 

Although we will never be asked to literally carry the cross of Jesus, Simon represents all of us who are Jesus’ disciples. In Luke 9: 23 Jesus says that to follow him faithfully is to deny yourself, and pick up your crosses daily. If we are following Jesus, we will all be given crosses to bear. We are called to be ready and willing to put our needs and preferences aside and pick them up. Simon’s experience teaches us that these burdens may come as unexpected interruptions to our lives. We can faithfully respond because we know Jesus has gone ahead of us, bearing the heaviest burden of all for us. 

What crosses have you been called to bear? How have they entered into your life? Unexpectedly? Suddenly? How have you responded? 

Pray: Lord Jesus, thank you for carrying the cross all the way to Calvary; the cross that you were carrying in our place. May we draw strength from you as we carry the crosses you have invited us to carry. Simon of Cyrene reminds us of this call. We resist it often. Unexpected interruptions feel like inconveniences and get in the way of our own plans and preferences for our lives. Help us Jesus, to respond faithfully to your call and by your Spirit show me what gets in the way. Amen.