Main Thought
The Bible doesn’t tell us much about Simon of Cyrene, the (other) man who carried the cross of Christ. But the brief glimpse we get at Simon’s life is enough to remind us that life isn’t fair. Simon was forced to bear a burden that didn’t belong to him - and we don’t know why. In a similar way, we might not know why unfair things happen to us or other people. Yet we can find comfort in the fact that Jesus, who was treated unfairly to a degree that’s impossible for us to comprehend, understands and wants to help us. His death on the cross addressed the root cause of the world’s unfairness - sin - and secures an eternal future in which sin, suffering, and unfair things are eliminated. Until then, He invites us to confidently seek Him for compassion and help.
Jesus can also show us a way forward in spite of the difficulty we face. If we want to follow Him forward, then we’ll need to carry our own crosses too. Carrying our crosses can be summarized by three things: 1) we deny sin, temptation, negative mindsets, harmful mindsets; 2) we desire God and pursue new life in Christ; and, 3) we endure by continuing in that direction. If we carry our crosses with endurance, God will carry us. We’ll experience impactful lives on earth on our way to life in eternity.
Main Passages
'And as they led him away, they seized one Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, and laid on him the cross, to carry it behind Jesus.'
- Luke 23:26
'For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.'
- Hebrews 4:15-16
'Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
- Matthew 16:24-25
Discussion Questions
What stands out to you in the Main Thought or Main Passages above?
Think about the three things that summarize a lifestyle of “carrying our crosses.” Which of those things speak to you most right now? Why?
Are there any difficult or unfair situations in your life, or in the life of someone you love, right now? Pray for one another, forming groups in whatever way is most appropriate for you.