One of the most touching parts of Jesus’ passion is the scene in which Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus to carry his cross. Do you and I love Jesus enough to help him carry his cross?

I’m continuing the series of Scripture reflections and prayers that go back to the ancient Stations of the Cross. This meditation will help you understand how in your life today you can help Jesus to carry his cross and be drawn into a surprising and sweet intimacy with your Lord and Savior.

What grace there is in the cross of Christ! Reflecting deeply on this gospel scene has encouraged me so much in my walk with Christ — may it do the same for you. I invite you to join me on the life-changing journey of my 68-page booklet: Unforsaken: With Jesus on the Stations of the Cross.

Jesus Receives Simon’s Help to Carry the Cross

Read Scripture

“And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led Jesus out to crucify him” (Mark 15:20).

“I am bowed down and brought very low… My back is filled with searing pain… My strength fails me… My friends and companions avoid me because of my wounds” (Psalm 38:6-7, 10-11).

“A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross” (Mark 15:21-22).

“I want to know Christ and… the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead” (Philippians 3:10-11).

Pray Scripture

Lord Jesus Christ, you were bruised and bleeding after the scourging that nearly killed you and still you pressed on and carried the weight of the cross for us. Simon had to be forced to take on the pain and shame of carrying your cross with you. But when he and his sons discovered that you were the Savior of the world and you extended God’s mercy even to those who crucified you, they apparently realized that they had been given the greatest honor and put their trust in you (Romans 16:13).

O Jesus, forgive us for the ways that we have not helped you to carry your cross. Your mercy sets us free and gives us strength for life and so we want to join with you in loving our enemies and blessing those that curse us (Luke 6:27-28).

Reflect

What mistreatment or suffering are you experiencing? How did Jesus experience something like this in his life or the way he died? What would it mean for you to trust him in this situation?

Take up your Cross to Follow Jesus

Thank God for the ways that you have experienced (or will experience) the fellowship of Christ’s sufferings which bring a surprisingly sweet intimacy with him and the opportunity to be his witness.

Breathe a Prayer

“To live is Christ… to suffer _____ for him is gain” (~Philippians 1:21).

The Gospel in Miniature

“Be Still and Know Christ” features the power of the gospel in a one sentence “Echo Prayer” I wrote based on Psalm 46:10. This show you a refreshing way to meditate on Scripture and it will help you participate in God’s love, joy, and peace through Christ.

At the Cross of Christ You are Forever Unforsaken!

You can go deeper in your appreciation for Christ Jesus. Forgiveness, unfailing love, and the power to become like the Lord are available.

The path is laid out for you in the Gospel stories, meditations, and prayers of Unforsaken: With Jesus on the Stations of the Cross by Bill Gaultiere.