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 #40 Simon
Please note due to web hosting services technical difficulty transferring files, this podcast was originally due to air on Friday April 4, 2008. Very sorry for the delay.
- Scriptures within the message are:
- Simon was originally recorded October 8, 1989
- Running Time: 1:04 File Size: 58.8 MB
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Tongues of Fire-Pastor Paul's Podcast-Episode #40 Simon
Sunday Listen to Episode #41-No Hearts.
Please note due to web hosting services technical difficulty transferring files, this podcast was originally due to air on Friday April 6, 2008. Very sorry for the delay.
Next Friday Listen to Episode #42-The Over Confident
1 Jesus Loved Them, Sam Patrick and Omar Garrison pg 45
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