Moment of Meditation: Simon of Cyrene (Matthew 27:32)

''As they went out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name. They compelled this man to carry his cross (Matthew 27:32).''

Have you ever been at the wrong place at the wrong time? Simon of Cyrene was definitely at the wrong place at the wrong time on Good Friday. Minding his own business, the Roman soldiers "compel" him to carry Jesus' cross. Most infamous example of wrong place, wrong time.

But God continues His great pageant of irony in Jesus' Passion. Simon isn't the one in the wrong place. Jesus is the one who is in the wrong place at the wrong time. Jesus isn't carrying His cross. He's carrying '''YOUR''' cross. He's carrying Simon's cross. The Almighty Son of God is so weakened that He cannot carry the cross anymore. Now, Simon, a sinner for whom Jesus is dying, must carry it.

Jesus must accept help in order to make your salvation happen. Not that Simon cooperated in any way other than carrying the cross. That doesn't merit him anything. Salvation only comes through Jesus crucified. And Jesus couldn't physically carry the cross to Golgotha. But He continued to carry your sins all the way down the road. He carried them and crucified them so that they are dead to you and you are dead to them. All through Jesus' death. Amen.