He Carries Our Burdens

Simon of Cyrene is only mentioned in the books of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Yet, he illustrates a profound example of how Jesus treats us. Matthew 27:32 is one of the verses that mentions Simon of Cyrene. Matthew writes, "As they were going out, they met a man from Cyrene, named Simon, and they forced him to carry the cross."

Let's go ahead and set the scene. Simon did not volunteer to carry the cross with Jesus. He was forced into carrying the heavy weight of the cross. The people who praised Jesus as He entered Jerusalem on a donkey where also the ones that mocked Him as he carried the cross to Golgotha. Simon was probably mocked as well. Jesus was in an extreme amount of pain, and Simon probably struggled to carry the heavy weight.

Simon is a reminder of what Jesus does for us. Jesus knows the burdens you carry, and He knows it can weaken you. Psalm 55:22 says, "Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken."

What has weakened you right now, and what burdens are you carrying? Have you released them to God?

Jesus prayed for this cup to be passed but wanted to be in the Father's will (Matthew 26:37-39). Because Jesus went to the cross, you can lay your burdens at the cross. In His weakened state, He related to you. He knows that you are not strong enough to carry your burdens. Therefore, Jesus carries them with you. He carries your burdens to the cross, where they are put to death.