Sunday 24 March 2024
They compelled a passer-by, who was coming in from the country, to carry his cross; it was Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus. (v. 21)
Background
As we journey through Lent we come to the darkest part of Mark’s Gospel. Mark tells of the moment that Jesus is handed over to the Roman governor of Judea, Pontius Pilate, and the crowds call for Jesus to be crucified. Mark describes the soldiers’ mockery: they clothe Jesus in a purple cloak and a twisted crown of thorns and then salute him with the cry "Hail, King of the Jews." And finally, Mark describes the crucifixion and death of Jesus. This makes for difficult reading unless we are aware of the good news to come: the news of Jesus’ resurrection and reappearance, and the joyful celebration of Easter Sunday. The conciseness of Mark’s report is striking and it speaks deeply of Jesus’ suffering, humiliation and abandonment.
Crucifixion was a death sentence given to criminals such as the thieves placed on either side of Jesus. It was given to those considered to be the dregs of society. The victims were forced to carry the heavy transverse beam of the cross through the streets where they were humiliated, taunted and spat upon, until they reached the place of execution, where the beam would be fixed to the upright post ready for the crucifixion.
Mark doesn’t say why Simon of Cyrene was commandeered to carry Jesus’ cross. Perhaps, after the beatings he’d sustained, Jesus was just incapable of bearing the load and so Simon was picked out of the crowd. Did Simon know who Jesus was? Perhaps he offered his services as an act of compassion. I wonder what thoughts were running through Simon’s mind as he dragged his heavy load through the noisy streets.
After Jesus was placed on the cross, offered sour wine and left to die, darkness covered the whole area. There must have been an atmosphere of doom in that moment. A coldness that could not be explained, a heaviness for those who cared deeply for Jesus. As Jesus called out to God, his father, the curtain of the Temple was torn in two and the centurion said, “Truly this man was God’s son!” (v. 39)
I wonder if Simon of Cyrene knew that he had carried the cross for the son of God?
To Ponder:
- If possible, find a small wooden holding cross or a small piece of wood. Hold it in your hand and close your eyes. Note the shape and the texture of the wood. Now reflect on Simon carrying Jesus’ rough, heavy wooden cross through the streets. What thoughts come to mind?
- What does it mean for you personally to take up and carry the cross, particularly through the season of Lent?
- Do you sometimes carry the cross for someone else? How does that make you feel? Can you think of others who have carried the cross for you?
Prayer
Gracious God, we give thanks that we are never left to carry the burden of the cross alone. You are there to walk alongside us and to shoulder the load. Give us the strength that you gave to Simon of Cyrene to help us to carry the cross for others. Amen.
Bible notes authors: Deacons Marie Poole and Tessa Bennett
Marie Poole is a probationer deacon in her second year and is based in the Sutton Circuit. Tessa Bennett is a deacon in the West London Mission Circuit and is based at King's Cross Methodist Church.