Who Helped Jesus Carry The Cross

Who helped Jesus carry the cross?

Answer When Jesus was finally forced to carry His cross to the place where He would be crucified by the Romans after being ruthlessly tortured, He was frightened. In the beginning, Jesus carried His own cross (John 19:17). The fact that Jesus was no longer capable of carrying His cross was most likely owing to the tremendous agony He had previously experienced at the hands of the authorities. A man was obliged to assist Jesus in carrying the cross as a result of this decision by the Roman troops.

Cyrene was an ancient city in Libya, Africa, that was destroyed by the Romans.

It is probable that Simon was a black man, but we cannot be certain because the Bible does not mention this.

There was also a substantial Jewish community in the city, as well as Jewish proselytes (see Acts 2:10).

1. Simon of Cyrene is only mentioned once more in the Bible, in these three verses from the Synoptic Gospels.
2. A popular belief based on some church tradition holds that Simon of Cyrene became a Christian later in life — although some theories hold that he was already a follower of Christ prior to the crucifixion — and rose to prominence as a leader in the early church.
3. Assuming that this is the case, it lends credence to the notion that Simon and his family were prominent members of the early church.
4. Simon of Cyrene was the man who accompanied Jesus on his journey to Calvary.
5. Hopefully, after witnessing up close and personal the agony Jesus endured on our behalf, Simon of Cyrene came to accept Jesus as his Savior as well as his Lord and Savior.

What’s the Significance of Simon Carrying Jesus’s Cross?

Transcript of the audio We wish you a happy Good Friday, as we like to call it. Even though it is the most somber day of the year in the church calendar, it is a cheerful day. Last week, we spoke about how to account for both the repulsion and the thrill of the cross. Pastor John, and especially the character of Simon of Cyrene, is the subject of today’s discussion. Pastor John is one of the minor stories that make up the crucifixion story. It was brought to our attention by a podcast listener who wrote to us.

When I was reading through the tale of the crucifixion this week, something that I had previously overlooked struck my eye.

The importance of Simon bearing Jesus’ cross is not fully understood. “Can you tell us what God wants us to see here?”

Famous Simon of Cyrene

This was a really nice question for me to think about because I’ve read it a hundred times and haven’t taken a moment to reflect on it, as so many of these questions urge me to do. And that is quite beneficial. When writers are describing facts, they may provide us with clear indications and cues as to why they are included those facts and what they want us to take away from the information they are providing. I don’t find any very obvious, definitive hints in this passage, or in any of the Gospels, as to why the Gospel writers included this truth in their accounts.

1. One possible explanation is that Simon, the man who carried the cross, may have been a well-known figure in the early church, such that the simple mention of his name serves as still more piece of historical proof.
2. That’s a unique piece of information to possess.
3. As a Gospel writer, Mark is frequently grouped with Peter, and Peter is often grouped with Rome, as evidenced by the presence of a character named Rufus in Romans 16.
4. It’s the same of stating, “He’s the one who carried the cross.” Isn’t it incredible?

Five Suggestions

The fact that the crucifixion was associated with a person known as the father of Alexander and Rufus, however, suggests to me that Luke was thinking about something more than just the historical connection. Allow me to provide some recommendations. And that is essentially all there is to them. I’m happy to give them as suggestions rather than as declarations of certainty based on what I’ve observed so far. Maybe the people who are listening to me can see more than I can, and one of the recommendations will get closer to the sentiment, “Oh, that was definitely meant by Luke.” As a result, I’m assigning you some homework (kind of).

1. Served by a Foreigner

My initial hypothesis is based on the fact that Simon is characterized as coming from Cyrene. That is the name of a city in North Africa, which is now known as Libya. Because the name Simon was widespread among both Greeks and Jews, we are unable to determine whether he was Jewish or Gentile. We don’t know whether he was on a visit to Jerusalem or whether he actually resided there, but we do know that the Gospels call emphasis to the fact that this guy is of alien descent.

He is of African descent. As Luke may comment, “It should be emphasized that a foreigner — in this case, an African — served Jesus at his dying hour.” That is the first of my suggestions.

2. Pick Up Your Cross

Second, Luke is the only one of the four Gospels that mentions Simon as the one who carried Jesus’ cross behind him. In all of the other Gospels that mention this, it is simply said that he carried it. Luke 9:23, when he stated, “If anybody would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me,” would he want us to remember that? In other words, is Luke implying that this is a representation of what it means to be a disciple?

3. Sudden Suffering

In addition, if we believe that Luke was using this story as a parable of discipleship, as I have argued, may the fact that Simon was picked for the heavy work so quickly and unexpectedly be Luke’s method of teaching us that we do not always get to choose when we bear our crosses? “Simon was a genuine historical figure who happened to be there at a genuine historical time.” We aren’t always in control of when we experience pain and sorrow. They come at us in unexpected ways, terrifying ways, weighty ways, painful ways, and apparently random ways, but they are always there.

This might serve as a reminder to us that every minute of our existence, whether we are traveling to or from the country, we should be prepared to be taken away and thrown into the service of Jesus in a painful way.

4. Kept Alive for the Cross

Fourth, I believe the majority of people would conclude that Jesus’ insistence on having someone else bear his cross indicates that he had reached his breaking point and was unable to complete the journey on his own. However, what we may not consider as quickly is whether this act of enlisting Simon’s assistance was motivated by compassion, malice, or a mere need for speed. Here’s what I’m talking about. If he couldn’t carry his cross himself, someone else had to, because these troops are under orders to “Crucify him.” In addition, if it is revealed that they let him to die on the way, someone is going to be furious.

For another possibility — and this is something I had not considered — Matthew Henry suggests that they may have realized Jesus was about to die under the weight and were so bloodthirsty or afraid of punishment from Pilate that they wanted to make sure he survived the remainder of the torturous ordeal.

5. Heavenly Help

Fifth, and this is my final idea, only Luke informs us that Jesus is in anguish in the garden of Gethsemane and that he was assisted by an angel while he prayed. In Luke 22:43, an angel appeared to him and assisted him, supported him, and provided him with strength. Jesus cried out with loud screams and tears to the one who had the power to save him from death in Hebrews 5:7; he was heard because of his reverence for the one who could save him from death, according to the verse. “The call to suffer for Jesus is frequently unexpected, expensive, and appears to come out of nowhere.” Because of his reverence and holy dread, he was able to be heard.

1. He prayed to God, pleading with him to spare him death, and his prayer was heard.
2. In an essay published on Desiring God, I claim that Jesus was spared from death in response to his plea, not in the sense that he didn’t die, but in the sense that he was saved from the faith-destroying forces of death.
3. And he was a living, breathing human being.
4. And he begged with his Father, saying, “Please don’t let death ruin me in such a manner.” And an angel appeared to him and assisted him.

If so, could it possibly be that Simon’s stepping forward to assist Jesus in making it to the cross — and specifically to assist Jesus at that moment — was analogous to an angel appearing at the perfect moment when a humanly weak Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane — and now on the road leading to Calvary — required assistance to complete his mission.

What We Know

Whether or whether these five recommendations are part of Luke’s original aim as he writes, we do know the following:

1. Simon was a real historical person who happened to be present at a real historical moment
2. He was a foreigner, an African, who served Jesus in his final hour
3. Carrying the cross behind Jesus is a beautiful and painful picture of our calling as disciples, according to Luke 9
4. And carrying the cross behind Jesus is a beautiful and painful picture of our calling as disciples, according to Luke 9. Whether Luke intended for us to see it or not, it is true
5. The call to suffer for Jesus is often sudden, costly, and seemingly random
6. Simon’s assistance proved to be both a temporary relief and an additional source of suffering because it enabled Jesus to endure the horrifying experience of crucifixion for us
7. We know that when Jesus cried out to his heavenly Father in Gethsemane, he was given assistance. He need assistance in order to maintain his composure under pressure. His prayers were heard and answered by God. These were the most difficult moments in Jesus’ life

Oh, what feelings of love and gratitude should rise in our hearts as we reflect on all of these things.

Who Helped Jesus Carry the Cross?

Whenever we read about the crucifixion, we read a tale that is full with numerous elements, each of which has a specific significance. Among those details is the story of Simon of Cyrene, a man whose legacy has had a profound influence on the world. What was the identity of Simon of Cyrene, why did he bear the crucifixion of Jesus, and what does this have to do with us? ‘The Crucifixion’ begins in the Antonia Fortress, located in the middle of Jerusalem, where Jesus would have been convicted, flogged, and sentenced to death by crucifixion.

The route would have consisted of around a half-mile of curving road, and it is on this road that Simon meets face to face with Jesus and becomes a character in the narrative.

The Story of the Man Who Helped Jesus Carry the Cross

Simon of Cyrene receives barely a fleeting reference in the Scriptures; his name appears in only three lines, all of which are concerned with carrying the cross for Jesus on his behalf. This occurrence is reported in three places in the Bible: Matthew 27:32, Mark 15:21, and Luke 23:26. The fact that he is referenced by three of the four Gospel authors indicates that he is significant enough to warrant a single mention in the Bible. Interesting also is the fact that each of these three authors, while providing us with the identical narrative of the same incident, provides us with the information in a little different manner than the others.

We can observe the varied components of the tale if we look at these three verses in conjunction with John’s version, which does not include Simon:

• As they were about to leave, they came upon a man from Cyrene called Simon, and they forced him to bear the cross
• Matthew 27:32 They compelled him to carry the cross because he was a Cyrenean named Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, who happened to be passing by on his way into town from the country. The soldiers kidnapped Simon of Cyrene, who was on his way into town from the country, and forced him to carry Jesus’ cross behind them. Luke 23:26- As the soldiers dragged Jesus away, they arrested Simon of Cyrene, who was on his way into town from the country. John 19:17- He went out to the site of the Skull (which is known in Aramaic as Golgotha), carrying his own cross.

The Gospel of Matthew informs us that they were leaving, but from whence were they leaving? Answer: Jesus and the others who would be crucified on that day were on their way out of Jerusalem since the crucifixion would take place outside the city gates. Apparently, Simon was the father of Alexander and Rufus, according to Mark’s account. What is the significance of this, and how would Mark be aware of it? The most likely interpretation is that the early readers of this Gospel were aware of Simon’s identity and that his children were also familiar with him.

That well, Mark informs us that Simon was on his way in, which indicates that he was actually traveling in the other direction and heading into Jerusalem at the same time as Jesus and the others were heading out.

In a more profound sense, this represents the well-understood attitude of each disciple: that of following their Lord.

When it came to speed and distance, Simon could only match Jesus’s efforts, and we all know that Jesus was unable to bear the cross on his own strength.

When we read the Gospel of John, we learn simply that Jesus carried the cross out of the city, but we don’t learn about any of the events that took place after Jesus had left the city.

What Do We Know about Simon of Cyrene?

We can tell a little bit about Simon just by looking at his name. In Jesus’ day, the name “Simon” was a common given name, and it is a name that is shared with numerous other individuals in the New Testament, the most notable of whom being the Apostle Simon Peter. Simon is a Greek word that means “hearer” or “he has heard,” and it must have had a very deep significance for these individuals in particular, who had physically heard the good news of Jesus and had been a part of that good news in such a direct and intimate way.

Cyrene was a city in Northern Africa, in what is now modern Libya, that had a considerable Jewish population at the time of its founding.

We do not know for definite whether he was a Jew or a Gentile, but it is reasonable to believe that he was in Jerusalem for the Passover holiday, since many Jews from all over the world traveled to Jerusalem for this feast, which was the most significant holiday that the Jewish people observed.

This might be anything from baggage to tools to, in this instance, a crucifix.

This is most likely the circumstance that prompted Simon to take up the cross and die in Jesus’ place.

All we know is that he was present, he appeared to be capable, and it was evident that Jesus had become too weak to bear the cross on his own.

Is There Anything Unusual about Jesus’ Path to the Crucifixion?

Even simply by looking at Simon’s name, we may gather some information about him. A popular given name in Jesus’ day, the name ‘Simon’ is also seen in the New Testament, most notably in the Apostle Simon Peter, who is also known as “Simon.” Because these men had physically heard the good news of Jesus and had been such an intimate part of that good news, the name Simon must have had a very deep significance for them. Simon means “hearer” or “he has heard,” and it must have had a particularly strong meaning for them in particular.

1. Cyrene was a city in Northern Africa, in what is now modern Libya, that had a considerable Jewish community at the time of the Crusades.
2. Even while we do not know for definite if he was Jewish or not, it is reasonable to infer that he was in Jerusalem for the Passover holiday, since many Jews from over the world traveled to Jerusalem for this feast, which was the most important holiday that the Jewish people observed.
3. In this example, it is a cross.
4. When serving the Romans, it was sometimes necessary for someone to go the “additional mile.” This is most likely the circumstance that prompted Simon to take up the cross and die in the service of Jesus.

We don’t know why Simon was expressly chosen for this role, other than the fact that he was present, he appeared capable, and it was evident that Jesus had become too weak to bear the cross on his own.

What Should Christians Take Away from the Story of Jesus and Simon?

The narrative of Simon of Cyrene, which we read about today, depicts a man who was physically forced into the very core of the gospel story. When you’re taken from the crowd by haters of the Roman Empire and made to bore the cross of a condemned man, it must have been a terrifying experience. Simon felt the weight of it on his shoulders and went away with the blood of Christ still on his person, the blood that would soon fulfill all prophecy and atone for the sins of the entire world, still on his person.

1. It was when Jesus took up the cross and died upon it that the weight of all our sins was lifted from his shoulders.
2. “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow me,” Jesus had told his followers in Matthew 16:24.
3. Our everyday sacrifices may have an influence on others that we may never know about, and it may have an impact that extends beyond our own lifetime.
4. Getty Images/Rudall30 provided the image.
5. Charles, Missouri.
6. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family, traveling to new places, and writing about his travels and adventures.
7. Located inside our broader Holy Week and Easter resource collection, this page is focussed on the events leading up to and following the death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

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Easter Greetings and Prayers At Easter, the Son of God took on the sins of the world and beat the devil, death, and the grave in a single battle.

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As a devotional or study for both individuals and groups, this FREE audio offers a fresh perspective on the Lenten season. It is available for download now.

Simon of Cyrene: The Man Who Carried Jesus’ Cross

Simon of Cyrene was a guy who was thrown into the very heart of Jesus’s gospel tale, as we read about him today in the gospel accounts. When you’re plucked from the crowd by a group of haters and instructed to bore the cross of a condemned man, it must have been a terrifying experience. As Simon went away, he felt the weight of the world on his shoulders and the blood of Christ still clinging to him, blood that would soon fulfill all prophecy and atone for the sins of the whole world. It was a cross and blood that bore a weight and importance that Simon would never be able to handle.

• Perhaps Simon had no idea that his forced act of service would be studied and praised more than 2,000 years later, but he must have had some inkling.
• Whether our everyday sacrifice will have an influence on others, and whether that impact will last beyond our own lifetime, we may never know for certain.
• Getty Images/Rudall30 provided the photograph.
• Charles, Missouri.
• In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family, traveling to new places, and journaling about his adventures.
• Located inside our broader Holy Week and Easter resource library, this article is focussed on the events leading up to and following the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and is part of the bigger library of resources.
• In what way do you celebrate Lent, and why is it important to you.
• Do you know what Maundy Thursday is all about, exactly?
• Was Easter a religious festival or a religious holiday?
• Then, how come the world’s most magnificent time is surrounded by scared fisherman, reviled tax collectors, marginalized women, wimpy politicians, and disloyal friends?
• When you read The Characters of Easter, you’ll get to know the odd group of everyday individuals who were present to witness the miracle of Christ’s death and resurrection.

This FREE podcast offers a new perspective on the Lenten season and may be used as a devotional or study for both individuals and groups.

Why Is it Important That Simon of Cyrene Carried the Cross?

Everything that is written in the Bible is accurate. The Bible does not mince words, from the veracity of all reported statements and occurrences to the veracity of Jesus as the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6). It is a book that does not mince words. In order to represent God’s intentions, the words of Scripture were carefully chosen by the Holy Spirit, and everything in them has significance. As a result, when we read brief biographies of persons, we may be assured that they are in the Word for a reason.

1. Cyrene was established as a trading center by the Greeks about the seventh century B.C., and it was located in the area of Cyrenaica, a coastal town on the Mediterranean Sea.
2. Cyrene was called after Kyrene, who was the daughter of a Thessalian monarch (Hypseus) and a water nymph who lived in the ancient world.
3. People from Cyrene were able to hear Peter preach as though he were speaking in their own tongue.
4. However, we cannot be certain because the Bible does not say anything about Simon’s ethnic background.
5. Scripture does not state anything, and we must refrain from asserting something that the author of the Scriptures did not intend.
6. In Matthew, it is said that “they discovered a man of Cyrene by the name of Simon.” “They compelled this man to bear the cross,” says the author.
7. “And as they brought Him away, they caught one Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, and set the cross on him, so that he would carry it after Jesus,” according to the Gospel of Luke.

Why Is it Important That Simon of Cyrene Carried the Cross?

A common occurrence in Scripture is the author’s explanation or revelation of why specific events and persons are referenced, whether it is to provide lessons for Christians today or to provide more substantiation to a narrative. In the instance of Simon of Cyrene, the latter appears to be the case. He looks to be an afterthought intended to add excitement to the account, but because the Lord does not waste words, his presence by the Gospel authors must have some significance. There are just a handful of persons named in the whole Bible.

1. God is always intentional, and it’s possible that He ordered the soldiers to select Simon of Cyrene to bear the Lord’s cross for a part of His agony on the road to Golgotha, as they did.
2. What a valuable lesson in humility.
3. Simon did more than just watch; he actively participated in the Lord’s progress toward crucifixion and death.
4. Perhaps the crowd pressed together to catch a glimpse of the Christ, to whom they had just exclaimed “Hosanna!
5. “He was despised and rejected by others,” writes the prophet Isaiah.
6. Among the scoffers were disciples such as John the Baptist, Jesus’ mother, and Mary Magdalene, who were all there (John 19:25-26).
7. Simon is summoned to duty in each of the stories narrated.

It has been suggested that we would like not to bear our “crosses” as well, as a way of spiritualizing Simon’s actions.

Was it a sense of sympathy that drove them to do it?

The soldiers were given orders to bring Jesus to Golgotha, where he would be crucified and killed.

Perhaps, as they walked alongside Him, He appeared to be on the verge of passing out in His battered condition.

Commanding officers expected the troops to carry out their instructions in their entirety and not to let one of the men destined for crucifixion to die before their tasks were done.

Simon’s service to Jesus may indicate the Father’s deed of love toward His Son in order to momentarily alleviate Jesus’ suffering.

What a gracious gift from God to include Simon in His Son’s final earthly trip (in His first advent).

This is shown implicitly by Simon of Cyrene, who gives us an example of what it looks like.

The world system seeks to persuade us with its diversions and enticements, just as Simon, who was carrying the Lord’s load, was most certainly subjected to insults and offers.

One might pray and think on the Lord’s arduous journey to the Place of the Skull while doing the trek.

What Happened to Simon of Cyrene after the Resurrection?

A common occurrence in Scripture is the author’s explanation or revelation of why particular events and persons are referenced, whether it is to provide lessons for Christians today or to provide further substantiation to a story. With Simon of Cyrene, it appears that the latter is the case. He looks to be an afterthought intended to add interest to the account, but as the Lord does not waste words, his presence by the Gospel authors must have some significance. There are just a few persons named in the whole Bible.

• Simon of Cyrene may have been chosen by the soldiers to carry the Lord’s cross for a portion of His agony on the trip to Golgotha, and it is possible that God instructed the soldiers to do so.
• What a valuable lesson in humility.
• Simon did more than just watch; he actively participated in the Lord’s progress toward the cross.
• Perhaps the crowd pressed together to catch a glimpse of the Christ, to whom they had just yelled “Hosanna!
• “He was despised and rejected by men,” writes the prophet Isaiah.
• Disciples such as John, Jesus’ mother, and Mary Magdalene were among those who scoffed at the scoffers (John 19:25-26).
• Simon is summoned to duty in each of the accounts.

Some believe that we, too, would prefer not to wear our “crosses,” as a way of spiritualizing Simon’s act.

They acted out of sympathy, was that right?

It was the soldiers’ responsibility to transport Jesus to Golgotha, where he would be nailed to the cross and executed by hanging.

He may have appeared to be on the verge of passing away as they walked alongside Him in his battered condition.

Rather than allow one of the men destined for crucifixion to die before their responsibilities were done, their commanding commanders expected the soldiers to carry out their instructions in full.

Simon’s assistance to Jesus may indicate the Father’s deed of love toward His Son in order to momentarily alleviate Jesus’ load.

Simon’s participation in Jesus’ final earthly trip was a gracious gift from God (in His first advent).

In addition, some people spiritualize Simon’s transportation of Jesus’ cross in regard to how we, as Christians, need to “bear our own crosses” as we follow Jesus’ teachings (Luke 14:27).

Following Jesus is not an easy task.

People who want to memorialize the different events that took place along the path to Golgotha, including the location where it is believed Simon of Cyrene was compelled to bear the cross, have opted to walk the Via Dolorosa today, according to the Catholic Church.

During the trek, one might pray and think on the Lord’s arduous journey to the Place of the Skull.

Why Did Jesus Need Help Carrying His Cross?

It is a well-known narrative that appears in three of the four gospel accounts: Soldiers confronted a man called Simon of Cyrene on the way to the cross and forced him to carry Jesus’ cross the entire way to Golgotha, also known as the “Place of the Skull,” where he was cruelly executed by nailing him to the cross in broad daylight. While the details of each narrative varied slightly (one informs us the names of Simon’s sons, another says Simon was on his way into town from the country), the underlying themes remain consistent.

Why did Jesus require assistance in bearing His cross?

What Does the Bible Say about the Carrying of Jesus’ Cross?

The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, together known as the Synoptic Gospels, include the biblical narrative of this event.

• Among the shortest versions is Matthew’s, which merely informs readers that “while they were heading out, they came upon a man from Cyrene, called Simon, and they forced him to bear the cross.” The Bible says (Matthew 27:32)
• “A particular man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to bear the cross,” according to Mark’s gospel narrative. They took Jesus to a spot known as Golgotha (which literally translates as ‘the place of the skull’).” 15:21-22
• (Matthew 15:21-22)
• Luke also records that as the soldiers were leading Jesus away, they apprehended Simon of Cyrene, who was on his way into town from the country, and forced him to bear the cross behind Jesus, according to the Gospel of Luke. His followers included a significant number of ladies who wept and mourned for him.” (Luke 23:26-27
• Matthew 23:26-27)

Only the Gospel of John does not include Simon of Cyrene, instead emphasizing that Jesus carried His own cross on His own initiative (John 19:17).

Who Is Simon of Cyrene?

Despite the fact that the Bible doesn’t say much about him, we do know that Cyrene was a seaside city in northern Africa, at the border with eastern Libya. Given the inclusion of Simon’s sons Alexander and Rufus in Mark’s book, it is safe to assume that they were well-known to people who read it. Rufus is mentioned later in the book of Romans (16:13), and his mother is credited as being “similar in character to the author of that book,” though we are not certain if this is the same Rufus from the previous chapter.

• According to some scholars, the inclusion of the sons implies that they eventually became disciples of Christ and were involved in the early church, possibly as a result of their father’s involvement in the cross-bearing procession.
• What’s the deal with Simon?
• Some believe he may have been a Jew who had recently relocated to Cyrene and was now on his way to Jerusalem, and that the soldiers chose him for the task because of his Jewish appearance.
• No one can tell what race, nationality, or religion he belongs to based on these verses.

Why Did Jesus Need Help with the Cross?

We don’t know if Jesus need assistance; all we know is that the soldiers compelled Simon to assist him. Researchers believe that, following the thrashing Jesus experienced, He would have been in poor physical condition to carry anything so heavy all the way to the cross, at least from the perspective of a human being. According to historians, the majority of the time, the condemned were compelled to carry their crossbeam, which weighed between 30 and 40 pounds on average. In the days leading up to his death on the Via Dolorosa, often known as the “road of sorrows,” a meandering route that runs from Jerusalem to Golgotha, the Bible tells us that Jesus was beaten with fists and whipped, and he was crowned with thorns and pounded repeatedly with a rod (Mark 14:65;Mark 15:15,19,Matthew 26:67;Matthew 27:29).

But, clearly, Jesus is more than a human being; as God’s Son, he is a member of the Holy Trinity, the Triune God, who is three in one, co-equal and co-eternal, and as such, he is more than a human being.

The reason many academics feel Jesus “needed” aid was not because he was weak, but rather for a variety of causes unrelated to his own personal frailty. A walking symbol, an actual cross-bearer, was required in this terrible time. This was the person who came to the rescue.

What Did Simon of Cyrene Symbolize?

First and foremost, Simon is of Cyrene, which means he is a foreigner. It doesn’t matter if he’s Jewish or not; he comes from somewhere other than this region, and his sheer existence pulls “the other” into the picture. The Holy Spirit swiftly convinced the apostles that their message was not only for Israel, but for everyone—Jews, Gentiles, and everyone else—very soon after the church’s founding in Jerusalem. Second, Simon serves as a bodily example of discipleship for us. The following is what Jesus said to His followers in Luke 9:23-24: “Whoever wishes to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross everyday and follow me.” It is true that anyone wishes to preserve their life will lose it, but whoever wishes to risk their life for me will save it.” This depiction shows a person really picking up the cross and walking behind Jesus to the location of his crucifixion.

• It’s a fantastic illustration of what it means to be a disciple.
• It’s also not always simple to take a position against popular culture, which pushes for “an eye for an eye” or “do what seems right,” among other things.
• Because of this, we carry the cross for him and spread the gospel because he has commanded it of us.
• According to the Bible, Simon of Cyrene walked alongside Christ as he was bearing the cross (Luke 23:26).
• The act of carrying the cross was also imposed upon Simon of Cyrene, indicating yet another crucial truth: we are not always given the option of choosing to do so.
• He, on the other hand, did not.
• He had been “compelled” to bear the cross.

For us as Christians, it is reassuring to know that the cross is more than a memorial to Jesus’ death.

We bear that cross with Christ, bearing that load in remembrance of what Jesus has done for us on the cross.

Further reading may be found at: What Is the Importance of the Cross in Our Lives?

Why Did Jesus Become Sin When He Was Completely Sinless?

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Her novel, The Memory Garden, was nominated for the 2018 American Christian Fiction Writers Genesis Award, which she received for her work as a Christian novelist.

Jessica Brodie’s fiction may be found at jessicabrodie.com, as well as her religious blog.

She also does a weeklyYouTubedevotional on her channel. You may also find her on social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and others. She’s also written a free eBook, A God-Centered Life: 10 Faith-Based Practices for When You’re Anxious, Grumpy, or Stressed, which you can get here.

Fifth Station – The Cyrenian helps Jesus carry the cross

Matthew 27:32 and 16:24 are two passages from the Gospel of Matthew. In the course of their travels, they came upon a man from Cyrene by the name of Simon, whom they coerced into carrying his cross. The following is what Jesus taught his disciples: “If anybody wishes to follow me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.”

MEDITATION

Simon of Cyrene is on his way home from work when he comes across the mournful parade of individuals who have been condemned – a scene that, for him, may have been familiar from his previous experiences. When the troops arrive, they compel this tough man from out of the country to carry the Cross on his own shoulders. What a nuisance it must have been for him to find himself suddenly entangled with the fate of those convicted individuals! He performs what he is required to do, but he does so unwillingly.

Faith was conceived as a result of this fortuitous meeting.

His heart was struck by the mystery of Jesus, who was silent and suffering.

By showing kindness to the afflicted, the persecuted, and the defenseless, as well as by sharing in their pain and suffering, we are assisting in the carrying of the Cross of Jesus.

PRAYER

Lord, you opened the eyes and heart of Simon of Cyrene, and you bestowed the grace of faith upon him as a result of his participation in your Cross. Help us to provide assistance to our neighbors who are in need, even when doing so conflicts with our own goals and wishes. As we recognize that it is a mercy to be able to bear the cross of others, may we be reminded that we are traveling with you on this journey of faith. Help us to recognize with gratitude that, by sharing in your sorrow and the sufferings of this world, we are transformed into servants of salvation who are able to contribute to the building up of your Body, the Church.

Simon of Cyrene and Signifying Race in Early 20th Century African-American Theatre on JSTOR

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Matthew 27:32 Along the way they found a man from Cyrene, named Simon, and they forced him to carry the cross of Jesus.

New International Version (New International Version) As they were about to leave, they came upon a guy from Cyrene called Simon, whom they compelled to carry the cross for them. New Living Translation (New Living Translation) During their journey, they came across a man named Simon, who was originally from Cyrene, and the soldiers compelled him to bear the cross of Jesus. Version standardized in English As they walked out the door, they came upon a Cyrenean guy named Simon. They obliged this man to bear his cross on his shoulders.

1. The Literal Bible of the Bereans And as they traveled farther, they came across a Cyrenean called Simon.
2. The King James Version of the Bible And when they came out, they discovered a man from Cyrene, whose name was Simon, whom they made to wear the cross.
3. As they emerged from the cave, they came upon a Cyrenean guy named Simon.
4. The New American Standard Bible is a translation of the New Testament into English.
5. NASB (National Association of School Boards) 1995 Just as they were about to leave, they came upon a man from Cyrene called Simon, whom they pushed into service to carry His cross for them.
6. The Bible with an amplification system As they were making their way out, they came upon a man from Cyrene called Simon, whom they compelled to serve as the bearer of the crucifixion of Jesus.
7. As they were about to leave, they came upon a Cyrenian guy named Simon.

Holman The Christian Standard Bible is a translation of the Bible in the Christian tradition.

They coerced this guy into carrying His cross for Christ.

And as they got out, they encountered a man from Cyrene, whose name was Simon, whom they obliged to accompany them so that he may wear his cross.

Version in the Present Tense of the English Language During their journey, they came across a man called Simon, who was from Cyrene, and they forced him to bear Jesus’ cross.

Translation of the Good News As they were about to leave, they came across a man from Cyrene called Simon, and the soldiers forced him to bear Jesus’ cross for them.

Standard Version in its literal sense And as they came out, they found a man, a Cyrenian by the name of Simon, and they inspired him with the idea of carrying His cross; The New American Bible is a translation of the New Testament into English.

NET Bible is an abbreviation for Networked Information Technology.

Revised Standard Version (New Revised Standard Version) As they made their way outside, they came upon a Cyrenean called Simon, whom they forced to carry his cross.

As they made their way out, they encountered a Cyrenean named Simon, whom they forced to accompany them so that he might bear his cross.

The English Bible for the Whole World As they made their way out, they encountered a Cyrenean named Simon, whom they forced to accompany them so that he might bear his cross.

Translations in addition to the above.

31 After they had humiliated Him, they stripped Him of His garment and dressed Him in His own clothing.

32 They came upon a man from Cyrene called Simon along the route, and they forced him to carry the cross of Jesus.

References to Other Sources 15:21 (Matthew 15:21) Now, Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus, happened to be passing by on his way into town from the country, and the soldiers compelled him to carry the cross of Jesus with them.

19:17 (John 19:17) Then He walked out to the Place of the Skull, which is known in Hebrew as Golgotha, and carried His own cross with Him.

However, the Synagogue of the Freedmen, which included Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and men from the regions of Cilicia and Asia, rose up in opposition to the Synagogue of the Freedmen.

Acts 11:20 is a verse from the Bible that says A few, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, traveled to Antioch and began preaching the gospel of Christ to the Greeks as well, bringing the good news of the Lord Jesus to them as well.

The Scriptures are a treasure trove.

as.

15:35 and 36 are the numbers to remember.

And then take him out into the street and stone him so that he will die.

Matthew 16:24 (KJV) As a result, Jesus told his disciples, “If someone wishes to follow me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” Then they urge one Simon a Cyrenian, who was passing by on his way out of the country and was the father of Alexander and Rufus, to take up his cross and follow Jesus.

• Cyrene.
• Phrygia and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the areas of Libya around Cyrene, and foreigners from Rome, Jews and proselytes, were among those who came to Rome.
• Then there emerged several members of the synagogue, which is known as the synagogue of the Libertines, Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, as well as those from Cilicia and Asia, who engaged in a heated debate with Stephen.
• (32)They came upon a guy from Cyrene by the name of Simon.
• (Acts 11:20).
• The fact that St.
• Is it not reasonable to infer that he was suspected of being a secret disciple even at the time of his death, and that this contributed to the people seizing on him and making him a co-conspirator in his Master’s humiliation?

Mark continues.

– The term refers to compulsory military service in a technical sense (see Note onMatthew 5:41).

Verse 32 is a proverbial slam dunk.

They came upon a guy from Cyrene by the name of Simon.

Cyrene was an area in northern Africa that was under Roman power and had been settled by a significant number of Jews (Josephus, ‘Cont.

No doubt Simon became a disciple of Christ, as evidenced by the fact that St.

His services were most likely sought because they recognized in him some signs of sympathy with Christ and compassion for his sufferings; or they sought him out simply because he was an outsider unlikely to be offended by being assigned to a task that a native-born Hebrew would consider to be of the lowest depravity.

• In the English translation, the word “compelled” comes from the Persian language, and it refers to the mandatory authority that couriers have in requisitioning horses and carriages for the purpose of transporting dispatches (seeMatthew 5:41).
• Despite the fact that it was not as tall as it is commonly depicted, we are told that creatures of prey were able to chew the carcasses that were hung on it.
• Nailings were driven through the hands and feet, with the body resting on a protruding pin of wood known as the seat, which was also supported by nails in the hands and feet.
• Because of decency, only a small amount of clothing was allowed to be worn over the rest of the body, and the condemned was left to die in the scorching sun, bleeding from the cruel scourge, and suffering unimaginable agonies.
• In order to form an inverted V, it is possible that the two were tied together at one end with a rope, which was then fastened in the proper position at the site of execution, before being executed.
• The soldiers gladly seized on Simon to relieve the Prison’s suffocating conditions, perhaps out of a momentary sense of pity or more likely out of impatience with the poor Sufferer’s slowness in moving through the rough and hilly streets.

Greek Along the road, there’s 1161 from (de)ConjunctionStrong: They discovered a main particle, but they also discovered more particles, and so on (heuron) The Aorist Indicative Form of the Verb 3rd Person Pronoun – Active PluralStrong’s 2147:A prolonged form of a primary heuro, which heureo is used for it in all tenses except the present and imperfect to find, which heureo is used for it in all tenses except the present and imperfect to find.

• a person who is male ἄνθρωπον(anthrōpon) Noun – Accusative Masculine Form of the word SingularStrong’s 444:A man, a member of the human race, according to the dictionary.
• From Kurene, which means Cyrenaean, which means a Cyrenean or a Cyrenean-born person.
• Inferred from ginosko’s presumed derivative; the word is translated as “name.” Simon,Σίμωνα(Simōna) Noun – Accusative Masculine Form of the word SingularStrong’s 4613:Simon.
• they forcedἠγγάρευσαν(ēngareusan) Verb – Aorist Indicative Active – 3rd Person PluralStrong’s 29: Of foreign origin; properly, to be a courier, i.e.
• himτοῦτον(touton) Demonstrative Pronoun – Accusative Masculine SingularStrong’s 3778: This; he, she, it.
• Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.
• theτὸν(ton) Article – Accusative Masculine SingularStrong’s 3588:The, the definite article.
• crossσταυρὸν(stauron) Noun – Accusative Masculine Form of the word SingularStrong’s 4716:A cross.of.αὐτοῦ(autou) (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun – Genitive Masculine 3rd Person SingularStrong’s 846:He, she, it, they, them, same.

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