PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 27:32-37
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“A man from Cyrene named Simon, and they forced him to carry the cross” (Matthew 27:32)
I want to be a servant of Jesus, my King.
But do I want to join Him if it means helping Him carry His cross?
Jesus called His disciples to join him in cross-carrying (Matthew 16:24).
For Simon this was literal (tradition says for Peter too) but what about us?
For Paul, knowing Jesus is more than enjoying the victory of the resurrection.
It involves sharing in His suffering and death, as well as resurrection (Philippians 3:10).
We do not save people by our sacrifice, but we point them to Jesus Who did save them!
Do I want to know Jesus like this?
To follow Jesus is more than salvation, it is to join Him in His mission for others.
I have been rescued from a burning building, will I join Jesus in rescuing others?
It was Jesus’ willingness to sacrifice Himself that led to His victory over Satan.
He now calls me to join Him by carrying the cross with Him.
This means sacrifice, giving up my own comfort, time and hope and dreams…
Do I want to know Jesus like this?
PRAYER
Lord, help me to focus on You, and the people You love, rather than on me and on what I love. I want to know You better!
Jesus’ body was completely weakened (he needed Simon’s help to finish carrying the cross) and he was totally stripped of all dignity, yet he refused to take anything that might dull the pain. Though this scene is unbelievably tough – it testifies to the ‘lamb’ being led to the slaughter – and then Pilot’s proclamation at the top – topped it all! Jesus was not only prophet – through his ministry, priest – by sacrificing himself, but he was also King! The immensity and horror is real and is as real as the sin that stands in the way! The way that Jesus cleared for us to allow us to go beyond the ‘curtain’ to the Father! In gratitude I’m motivated to serve – but it can mean pain too!
Simon was compelled to carry the cross. As a Jesus follower, what will I do?
And the sign above Jesus’ head read the King of the Jews. However He was more than that. He was and is and continues to be the King of all. This world belongs to God. It is His. He made it. And as His follower I need to serve Him in all I do and say which will also mean taking up my cross- in times of self sacrifice, going out of my way to serve Him where He has placed me. I must please Him in my living for Jesus.
This my only comfort in my life and in my death
You have fully paid for all my sins and all debts
With your precious blood you’ve set me free
With your precious blood you’ve set me free
I am not my own
But belong body & soul
In my life and in death,
To you Lord, Christ my Lord
You preserve my life in such a way that without you
Not a hair can fall from me unless you will it to
All things work together for my salvation
All things work together for my salvation
I am not my own
But belong body & soul
In my life and in death,
To you Lord, Christ my Lord
Therefore by your Holy Spirit you assure me
Of eternal life and make me willing and ready
From now on to always live for you
From now on to always live for you