Mark 15:21
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.
One of the worse things we can do when studying the Bible is to assume the text mirrors our present day and time, and not the other way around. More often than not, the text speaks to us concerning the errors of our present thinking. To fully grasp the richness of the text, we have to immerse ourselves in the subject matter and envision each situation at the time the holy script was written. The reason this is vitally important is in failing to do so we risk missing the most poignant and purposeful moments in the lesson.
Let’s take a deep dive into this account of Simon the Cyrene. Aside from his possible heritage, race and political background, please note that this man Simon is forever tied to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The story of Jesus giving his life for humanity can never be fully told without the inclusion of the man that helped Christ carry his cross to Calvary. And not only is he included, but his children as well. Our focus on how Simon got there, why he was selected, and where he was from, often obscures the more important fact. The fact is, he’s the one that helped Jesus in his time of need.
I can only imagine some of you saying, ‘so what’, ‘what’s the big deal?’ May I tell you? The exclusion of pertinent facts and significant people can become a habit that follows all our studies if we aren’t careful. And how do I know these people of important and the facts pertinent? Because the Father impressed upon the writers to include them for our review!!! We must never overlook any person, situation or circumstance that God has purposely and divinely placed in his Holy Word. This man Simon was mentioned over and over in the word.
What is so compelling about him? Let’s go over the facts. Simon was drafted to serve. He found himself in a position where his services were needed and his ability matched the need. Additionally, he was in the right place at the right time. Jesus needed help. He was there and could help. Not impressed yet? Okay how about this? Simon was a prototype of the followers of Christ yet to come. Followers like you and me. Followers that had no preconceived notion we would be carrying a cross for Jesus. Followers that would otherwise be doing something else, but we were drafted. We were compelled. Now is it starting to make sense?
Prior to his crucifixion, Jesus made a statement few understood. Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me”. Luke 9:23. This statement was lived out at Calvary with the aid of a Cyrene native named Simon. Not only did he pick up his cross, but the cross of Christ. And in doing so his name is blessed. His family was blessed. And we all are blessed.
And there’s one more detail to this account I must remind us of. As we gather this morning to take the communion of Jesus Christ, let us not rehearse the same mistake of thinking this blessed sacrament is simply a ritual or observance. The admonishment of the Apostle Paul to the Church at Corinth that many are weak and sickly among you, and even some asleep (dead) is not to be taken lightly. This warning is not to get us to become more religious, ceremonious or ritualistic. This warning directly ties to our treatment of one another. The weakness, sickness and even deaths were a reference to how the folk in Corinth treated their fellow brothers and sisters…the literal Body of Christ. It wasn’t that the ceremony was wrong. Their hearts toward the struggling people of God was all wrong. And that’s what the punishment was all about. It was all about how we treat one another.
Perhaps someone is stumbling this morning. Maybe someone has fallen and is finding it hard to get back up. Yes, there might be a few discouraged, depressed, angry, upset and just downright mean folk. But that doesn’t mean we exclude them. That’s the perfect time to ask, “May I help You With That Cross?” Let Me Know If I Can Help You!
God Bless
