“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” (Mark 15:21; Matt 27:32; Luke 23:26).
When we think of the crucifixion of Christ, we often think of His sacrifice; His pain from the beatings of the Romans and the heartbreak of abandonment. We think of His death. However, this verse was so important that it was included in three of the four Gospels. Why?
We don't know if Simon even knew about Jesus. Cyrene is located in Libya, originally a Greek colony conquered by Rome and consecrated to Apollo. Perhaps he had travelled from Cyrene to Jerusalem for the Passover since his journey would have taken a month or more. We can assume, then, that Simon was a devout Jew. The disciples note in the Gospel that he was simply “passing by.” He probably had no idea of what was going on, nor did he want anything to do with it. Yet he was forced to carry the cross. Weak from blood loss, Jesus had no physical strength left to carry the cross on which He was about to die. He needed Simon's help to fulfill the will of God. Jesus died for our sins, yet this verse is so important for us today. It reveals the concern we should have for everyone we meet in this life.
I once met a man outside a hospital. He began talking to me of his troubles. I didn't know him, but a still voice urged me to listen. His step-daughter was in critical condition from a drug overdose. I could see the pain in his eyes as he told his story, the worry and tears making his voice break. The Spirit within me compelled me to simply ask, “Can I pray with you?” He immediately held out his hand to me, and I prayed. The stranger was heartbroken, tears streaming down his face. He thanked me, and I have never seen him again. Yet, the Holy Ghost compelled me to carry the stranger's cross.
There are many people we pass by in our lifetime; perhaps we cross each other's path only once. Maybe, as Simon, we are just passing by, and have no idea of the heaviness of another's burdens. But God knows. We never know what a difference it could make if we never step out and help them carry their cross a little while. In so doing, just as Simon carried the cross for Jesus, we carry the cross for others, stranger or friend.
As we carry their crosses, we also share in carrying the cross for Christ.