Simon of Cyrene
'And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross.' Matthew 27:32
The saddest and most terrible procession in recorded history is approaching Jerusalem's Gate of Gardens. Led by a mounted Roman centurion and small company of soldiers, and followed by a mixed crowd of jeering, curious and sympathetic spectators, three men drag heavy crosses toward the Hill of Skulls where they are to be crucified. Two are convicted thieves. The third is Jesus of Nazareth whose crime was defining the law of love claiming to be the Son of God.
Weak from the night long interrogation, floggings and inhuman torture, this Man of Sorrows staggers under the weight of the cross. Finally, unable to go further, He falls to the ground exhausted. The Centurion who leads the group sees Him falling beneath the cross realizing it is impossible for Him to take another step.
He looks into the following crowd seeing Simon, a Greek Jew. He is from Cyrene located on the north coast of Africa. 'You', commands the Centurion, 'Take up this man's cross and follow us.' The Cyrenian has no choice in the matter. Scripture does not confirm whether the task was performed willingly and with pity for Jesus, or sullenly and with resentment for Jesus and the Roman authorities.
For Christians over the past two thousand years, Simon of Cyrene, was the most important man in the New Testament story. Because in the most important moment in history, he was chosen to bear upon his shoulders the burden of the Lord.1
The saddest and most terrible procession in recorded history is approaching Jerusalem's Gate of Gardens. Led by a mounted Roman centurion and small company of soldiers, and followed by a mixed crowd of jeering, curious and sympathetic spectators, three men drag heavy crosses toward the Hill of Skulls where they are to be crucified. Two are convicted thieves. The third is Jesus of Nazareth whose crime was defining the law of love claiming to be the Son of God.
Weak from the night long interrogation, floggings and inhuman torture, this Man of Sorrows staggers under the weight of the cross. Finally, unable to go further, He falls to the ground exhausted. The Centurion who leads the group sees Him falling beneath the cross realizing it is impossible for Him to take another step.
He looks into the following crowd seeing Simon, a Greek Jew. He is from Cyrene located on the north coast of Africa. 'You', commands the Centurion, 'Take up this man's cross and follow us.' The Cyrenian has no choice in the matter. Scripture does not confirm whether the task was performed willingly and with pity for Jesus, or sullenly and with resentment for Jesus and the Roman authorities.
For Christians over the past two thousand years, Simon of Cyrene, was the most important man in the New Testament story. Because in the most important moment in history, he was chosen to bear upon his shoulders the burden of the Lord.1
Welcome to Tongues of Fire-Pastor Paul's Podcast-Episode #35 Hero at the Cross
- Scriptures within the message are:
- Hero at the Cross was originally recorded August 27, 1989
- Running Time: 1:06 File Size: 60.4 MB
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Tongues of Fire-Pastor Paul's Podcast-Episode #35 Hero at the Cross
Next Friday Listen to Episode #36-Outlaw at the Cross. Next Sunday Listen to Episode #37-The Great Outlaw at the Cross. Two Episodes Weekly in March to Celebrate Easter
1 Jesus Loved Them, Sam Patrick and Omar Garrison pg 45
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