Bearing His cross

They compelled a certain man, Simon a Cyrenian, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear His cross. – Mark 15:21

In the eyes of most people in the crowd, Jesus was a common criminal going to the place of execution. So to help Him bear His cross was both degrading and humiliating.

Simon of Cyrene was pressed into this service (Mark 15:21). Yet this was perhaps the most glorious day in his life. It is possible that he believed in the Savior, and that his wife and children did also. Some Bible teachers come to that conclusion because many years later, when the apostle Paul sent his greetings to the Christians in Rome, he referred to a man named Rufus and his mother (Romans 16:31). I believe that he was the son of Simon mentioned by Mark in his gospel (15:21), which probably was written in Rome. This is likely the reason Mark said that Simon was the father of Rufus and Alexander.

When we walk with Jesus and "take up the cross" (Luke 9:23), we too will experience the ridicule of the world for identifying ourselves with the Savior. Yet through it all, like Simon of Cyrene, our lives will be transformed, and our testimony will have an influence on the lives of family and friends around us.

Simon was "compelled" to bear the cross (Mark 15:21), but Jesus invites us to take up our cross. Have you? – Henry G. Bosch

"Take up thy cross and follow Me,"

I hear the blessed Savior call;

How can I make a lesser sacrifice

When Jesus gave His all? – Ackley

READ: Mark 15:16-21

Following Jesus costs more than anything – except not following Him.