“As they went out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name. They compelled this man to carry His cross.”
(Matthew 27:32 ESV)
I wonder what it was like for Jesus, watching another man carry His cross. That’s a bit of a reverse, isn’t it? We’re so used to Him carrying our cross—along with all our sins, guilt, and shame. But on the day He died, someone else had to help Him. And He was okay with that.
A lot of people have trouble with that—accepting help, I mean. They see it as a sign of weakness. But Jesus Himself was not afraid to let His weakness show. Through His weakness He saved us all. His death for us gave us life forever. How much weaker could He get than to die?
I am glad we have a God who knows weakness, who has experienced it for Himself. Because that means that when I am weak, I can be sure He understands what I’m going through all the way to the bottom. He knows the fear and shame it causes me; and He is there to hold on to me while I’m feeling it. And if Jesus Himself can allow others to help Him and feel no shame, then maybe—just maybe—I can learn to do that, too.
We Pray: Lord, You know my weakness. Help me to bear it just as You bore Yours for love of me. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
* Why do people hate to appear weak? Give as many reasons as you can.
* Why do you think having someone else carry Jesus’ cross was part of God’s eternal plan?
* How do you think Simon of Cyrene felt about that episode years in the future?
Lenten Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Originally published in The Lutheran Hour on March 31, 2023
Used by permission from International Lutheran Laymen’s League, all rights