Carry Jesus’s Cross

SCRIPTURE:
Mark 15:21 NKJV - Then they compelled a certain man, Simon a Cyrenian, the father of Alexander and Rufus, as he was coming out of the country and passing by, to bear His cross.

OBSERVATION:
Mark chapter fifteen is one of the Bible's darkest chapters. Yet the darkness of what man did and the sin that needed to be addressed would make chapter sixteen glimmer like a diamond set against the darkness of the crucifixion account.

For a long time, I have been challenged by this verse. Often, I have wondered what it would have been like to be Simon. To carry the cross of Jesus, even for the briefest of moments. To be there at the right moment to serve Jesus in His darkest hour. How heroic! How courageous and strong! Would I be able to do it? Would I do it like Simon, or would I be like Pilate, Barsabbas, the Sanhedrin, the soldiers, the crowds, and those passing by? I have to admit, I find myself less like Simon and more like the rest. Yet when we look at this verse closely, we will see that we really are like all of them.

Jesus had to suffer and die alone. No one could bear His cross! For our sin to be atoned for, He alone had to do it. What about Simon?

Notice the first part of this verse. The word used is “compelled.” In Greek, it means “to press into service.” It sounds so wonderful, but it really means that he was “forced.” The Roman soldier had the authority to call anyone into service at any time. Many were forced to carry heavy loads and march for miles. Many were also forced to give up their cloaks to soldiers for warmth. Jesus even mentions this in the gospels, saying that we are not to resist but “go the extra mile.”

Before you think I am trying to ruin Simon’s name, hear me out. His name is recorded in the Bible as a reminder and a testimony. No one else carried Jesus’ cross! What an amazing privilege!

My opinion is this—Simon was more like us, like the rest of the crowd there—a sinner who could carry his cross only so far. We may try, but soon realize it is too much for us to bear on our own. I wonder whether, when Simon was called forward, he understood the enormity of the situation, and that is why he was “forced” to carry the cross. On the other hand, maybe God had a divine appointment for him that day, to serve the Messiah, even if only briefly. All of this leads us to the conclusion that we cannot or could not carry the cross of Jesus. It was His alone to bear. I think that when we get to heaven, Simon will say, “I was and am not worthy to carry it.”

APPLICATION:
Today, you may think like Simon that you can carry Jesus' cross. Remember, Simon was only able to carry it, not bear it. Jesus was the only one who could do that!

Today, you may have been trying to bear your cross. It’s not yours to bear; you may carry it, but ultimately Jesus had to bear it. Stop trying to atone for your sin and let Jesus. He can do so because, even though you think you may bear your cross, He has already done it.

Today, we need to remember. None of us, not even the Simons among us, is worthy to bear the cross of Jesus. He did it. Stop trying to do it. He bore it so we can carry it. Pick up your cross and follow Him. Let it be a badge of grace, not a place to try to atone for your sin. Just as Simon, he was able to carry it only so long as he was “forced.” But Jesus carried it to completion because He was willing.

Hebrews 12:2-3 NKJV - Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.

PRAYER:
Jesus, forgive me for ever thinking I could bear my own cross, or even help You bear Yours. You alone had to do it. As I pick up my cross and follow You, may it be a symbol of grace, mercy, lovingkindness, and enduring love for all to see. Not because I carry it, but because You bore it!