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The Cross Bearer, November 15
Matthew 27:26-33
And as they led him away, they laid hold upon one Simon, a Cyrenian,
coming out of the country, and on him they laid the cross, that he might
bear it after Jesus.
Luke 23:26
.
Jesus had hardly passed the gate of Pilate’s house when the cross which
had been prepared for Barabbas was brought out and laid upon His bruised and
bleeding shoulders. He had borne His burden but a few rods, when, from loss of
blood and excessive weariness and pain, He fell fainting to the ground. When
He revived, the cross was again placed upon His shoulders, and He was forced
forward. He staggered on for a few steps, bearing His heavy load, and then
fell as one lifeless to the ground. The priests and rulers felt no compassion
for their suffering victim, but they saw that it was impossible for Him to carry
the instrument of torture farther. They were puzzled to find anyone who would
humiliate himself to bear the cross to the place of execution
The crowd that followed the Saviour to Calvary taunted and reviled Him
because He could not carry the wooden cross. They all saw the weak and
staggering steps of Christ, but compassion did not reveal itself in the hearts of
those who had advanced from one step to another in their abuse and torture of
the Son of God....
A stranger, Simon, a Cyrenian, coming to the city from the country, hears the
crowd pass the taunts and ribaldry; he hears the contemptuous repetition, “Make
way for the King of the Jews.” He stops in astonishment at the scene, and as he
expresses his compassion in words and deeds, they seize him and compel him to
lift the cross which is too heavy for Christ to bear.... That wooden cross borne
by him to Calvary was the means of Simon taking upon himself the cross of
Christ from choice, to ever cheerfully stand beneath its burden. His compulsory
companionship with Christ in bearing His cross to Calvary, in beholding the
sad and dreadful work and the spectators beneath the cross, was the means of
drawing his heart to Jesus. Every word from the lips of Christ was graven upon
his soul.... And the heart of Simon believed
[326]
35
Undated
Manuscript 127
.
36
Manuscript 103, 1897
.
338