As they led him away, they seized a man, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming from the country, and they laid the cross on him, and made him carry it behind Jesus. Luke 23:26

While standing among crowds at a street's edge in the city of Jerusalem Simon gawked out of curiosity to see what caused a loud ruckus in town. Coming from the country, he, along with others, gathered to witness soldiers torturing three prisoners. Three convicts sentenced to death, struggled, while they shouldered beams for their crucifixions at The Skull or Golgotha located at the edge of town.

Drenched in sweat and blood, Jesus stumbled under the weight of the cross he carried. Soldiers beat him, weakening him so he was unable to complete the task of dragging his cross the whole distance. Instead, when Jesus fell, soldiers assigned the arduous task to Simon.  

Perhaps impatience at the commotion caused by the falling beam, forced soldiers to yank Simon of Cyrene, from the crowd. Perhaps the suddenness of the soldiers' commands gave Simon no time to consider options. Perhaps fear motivated Simon to grab the beam. Perhaps Simon obeyed to save his own life. Regardless, Simon of Cyrene picked up a bloodstained cross and dragged it forward following footsteps of the doomed man called Jesus.   In the midst of turmoil, Simon met a challenge and saw a task through. I wonder. Did he realize he followed in the footsteps of the living Son of God?

Like Simon, we each face unexpected challenges and crises. Are we willing to address them and 'pick up our cross' to follow the footsteps of Christ?

Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank you for the sacrifice of dying on the cross.   During this holy time of year, make us mindful of the cost you paid for our sins. Teach us to accept challenges sent our way. Help us to trust and obey and lean into you during times of crisis. Amen.

Pidge Boyles

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