Station 8: Simon of Cyrene Carries the Cross

Painting by Romke Hostrea cropped and used under creative common license

As Jesus carried his cross up the hill he grew tired and weary. Tradition says he dropped the cross three times and then simply could not carry it any further. The guards then pulled in a man from the crowd, Simon from Cyrene, to help carry the cross. 

Before reading today’s passage take a minute to consider what it would feel like to be pressed into service to assist in an execution. How would you feel as you looked back at the broken person whose cross you were now carrying up the hill? Both of you knowing that when you all got to the top he was going to be killed. After you have considered that read the passage of scripture below. 

They pressed into service a passer-by, Simon, a Cyrenian, who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander an d Rufus, to carry his cross.

(Mark 15: 21)

Close your time today by asking God to give you the willingness to do His will in our world. Ask God for the courage to do the work that he has set before you no matter how difficult it may seem. Then close your time with the prayer below. 

Lord Jesus Christ help us this day to do the good works set before us. Like you chose Simon for that day you have chosen us for this day. Give us the strength to continue to do good. Amen.