THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 15:21-24
“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)
We don’t know who Alexander and Rufus are, but Mark thinks his audience does.
This implies they were a part of the community of Jesus followers.
We don’t know details but it’s likely the impact of what happened led to their faith.
Simon not only witnessed the horrible death of Jesus, he helped carry the cross!
This would make Jesus’ words to His disciples very personal to him.
“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” (Mark 8:34)
And the impact was not lost on his sons either, for it seems they joined those following Jesus.
Witnessing the crucifixion would not be a pleasant experience.
I have forced myself to watch Mel Gibsons “The Passion” to face the horror of what happened.
Honestly, I cannot stomach it… but it does move me to tears, to repentance, and to love Jesus more.
Maybe this is what happened to Rufus and Alexander, and their father Simon.
(Ray Boltz tells a story in his song ‘Watch the Lamb’, you can watch it below).
But for yourself, make a commitment to pay attention to Jesus path of suffering, as much as you can.
For some of us, we think we already know, and it would be good to face it deeper.
For others, we may not realize how disturbing it was, and is, and that He did this for us!
There are lots of tribute videos to Jesus crucifixion on YouTube (some better than others).
Walk with Jesus along this path of sorrow, carry the cross (imaginatively) with Him.
Let it impact you, as it did Simon and his sons Alexander and Rufus.
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, may the thought of Your suffering strengthen my faith, my hope and my love. May thoughts of Your crucifixion impress on me BOTH the seriousness of sin AND the awesome wonder of Your love.