Author Darlene J. Conard
In my personal time of devotion, I have asked myself, how would I have felt if I had been in the place of Simon of Cyrene? Would I be able to stand behind the Master as he carried the cross? It is heartbreaking to imagine being in such a place.
The Experience of being involved with such a brutal judgment would be devastating. Jesus rebuked Peter for objecting that He would be crucified. (Matthew 16:22-24) Honestly, I don’t know how to answer.
Do you believe that after such an experience, Simon of Cyrene could go back to his normal life? The Bible does not say much about it. This is one of the Biblical events with little written about Simon of Cyrene.
Fill his shoes. How would you act, think, or feel if you were walking behind Jesus to help Him carry the cross on which He would soon hang from?
The story you are about to read is how I imagined it to be.
With the rest of my strength, I regained as I watched the brutality. Taking deep breaths, I placed my palms upon my chest, feeling the throbbing of my heart. The core of my soul stirred to the uttermost. Breathing seemed to be impossible. I looked away. Although I closed my eyes, an imprint remained in my mind. The usual beauty of the sun hid itself today. His feet bore into the heated Palestinian sand.
The days that the sun shone her light were very enjoyable, but not today. Today is a day that will haunt me as long as I live.
This Man called Jesus is being falsely accused! What wrong has He done? I have seen Him with my very own eyes heal the lame, open deaf ears, heal those afflicted by incurable diseases, and so much more. Mostly what has cleaved to my soul is His refusal to walk away. I have never recalled experiencing heartache in such a manner. His very own people mocked Him without conviction. “Hail, King of the Jews!” religious leaders burst out in laughter. The reed that Jesus was being smote with was the same as those used by believers joyfully praising Him, saying, “Hosanna, Hosanna in the highest!”
Upon the head of the One who carried wisdom and spoke, knowledge sat a crown of thorns. He spoke not a word, in doing so wisdom and knowledge arose in defense against false witnesses but spoke volumes to believers.
The ripping of His linen garment echoed through the air on which angels took flight. “He bowed the heavens also and came down; and the darkness was under His feet. As the psalmist wrote “And he rode upon a cherub, and did fly; yeah, he did fly upon the wings of the wind.” (Psalm 18:9-10)
His olive skin hung like raggedy ribbons. Continuing in a mocking laughter they raised their whips beating Him with pleasure. Spittle mingled with blood dripped from Jesus’ badly bruised face. Trickling down His chin upon His olive torso, which once had a fair complexion, became brutally beaten and broken. One day out of my life became unordinary. The course of my life completely changed, pulled right into the path behind Jesus Christ. I no longer became a part of the crowd standing by. Pressed by the crowd in the path Behind Him, I helped carry the end of the cross. Immediately after the cross-fitted upon my shoulders, its weight drove splinters deep into my skin. If it is just a small amount of pain and weight for me, my question is, how great is the load for Him. It should have been me. Nevertheless, I am not worthy only Jesus of Galilee.
Jesus must have a great love for the world to go through this, I thought. Marching toward Golgotha Hill Jesus stopped. Discerning my thoughts, He replied, looking deep into my eyes without hatred, bitterness or even regret but passion burning in His eyes. “You’ve seen Me heal the lame, open blinded eyes, heal the broken hearted, delivered those bound by affliction, today Simon is the day you find yourself in need and the need is met. Behold redemption is at hand. In His entire affliction, He had enough passion to smile laying His palm on my forehead to pray for me.
Tears fell from my swollen eyes for I felt compelled by the cross. Reconciliation bonded my soul to the foot of the cross where I first recognized repentance marching forward behind my Redeemer, He being God stands before me as a witness. Yes, the sight truly is disturbing, but then my eyes were enlightened to the power of His death, burial and resurrection, Emanuel God here with us in the flesh. The Lamb pure, holy, and spotted defied the works of darkness as His side soldiers pierced with forth blood and water. No weakness has been involved but a victorious battle won! I denied myself taking up the cross to follow Him. I know my Redeemer liveth!
The word of God is full of possibilities. Jesus wants us to walk with Him. These are not just stories told at Easter, they are for every day. Through faith we will reach the heart of God. The horror of the brutal acts of mockers didn’t end that way. We that are believers know He is alive and well in our hearts.
(Matthew 27:32-44/ Mark 15:21-32/ Luke 27:26)
You can read about Simon of Cyrene by clicking the link below:)
WRITING GOD'S VISION----AUTHOR DARLENE JUANITA CONARD 