The Cross Bearer

Matthew 27:32 says, “And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross.”

Every time I read the account of the crucifixion it brings tears to my eyes. That anyone would be treated this way is disturbing. I do believe in the death penalty as a deterrent for crime, but Jesus had no crime to die for, yet willingly took our place. The fact that I caused His death is overwhelming. The actual brutality of it cuts deep into my heart.

One Saturday night about midnight, I was sitting in my study in the back of the church working on my sermon for the next morning. I had a big picture window to look out. From another window I could look up the street to the tavern that was busy that night. I heard some yelling, and noticed that the red light outside the tavern was on, signaling people to stay out because there was a fight going on inside. As I watched, the fight had already gone out into the street. Several men grabbed another man and held him down on the cement while another proceeded to kick him in the face. This was easy to see because a car had come around the corner and its headlights lit everything up. It ended when a big man across the street yelled at them to break it up. I went back to my desk. A few minutes later someone was knocking on my picture window, which scared me. It was the beaten man asking for help. I let him in and we cleaned up his wounds. His face was swollen with several huge knots. Blood was all over, and several teeth were kicked out.

This was mild compared to what Jesus looked like as He bore His cross until He fell beneath it. With tears I am writing this now. That was really my cross He bore. Thank you, Jesus, for Simon, who was there and helped you carry that cross.

They compelled Simon to bear Jesus’ cross. This brought him to the very heart of the salvation event of the ages. The cross takes center stage in the story of redemption. Whether Simon gladly bore the cross or not, I don’t know, but this had to have changed his life. As the crucifixion unfolded Simon was right there in the center of it. He probably touched Jesus. He was an eyewitness to the great act of Salvation.

You and I need to be that close to the cross. Jesus said if we would follow Him we must take up our cross daily. What exactly does that mean? Only one day did Jesus die on the cross. Maybe He is talking about laying down our life every day for others. It certainly flies in the face of loving our own life to the end.

It is hard for me to see a real cross in my life. Many people have suffering and heartache that is beyond what I have known. Maybe that is the key. Bearing someone else’s cross with them until it becomes our own makes us a cross bearer. Simon was compelled by the Romans. We are compelled by the Holy Spirit. We have no choice if we are going to walk after the Holy Spirit. The thing that we fear most becomes our greatest joy as we forget ourselves and truly love one another.

There is a cross for you and me today. Holy Spirit, make me to know the joy of the cross bearer!