Following his conviction and condemnation to death on the cross, the Lord Jesus was on his way to Golgotha. According to the law and to custom, the crucifixion had to take place outside the city. Also, the one who was condemned had to carry his own cross, because of the shame associated with the act. Jesus too had to carry his own cross.

But then something happened on the way. Jesus must have faltered and weakened so that He could no longer carry the cross. At that point, the soldiers forced a man named Simon (of Cyrene) to carry the cross for Jesus. Simon appears to be minding his own business, passing by on his way in from the country (Mark 15:21), when suddenly he became a participant in the crucifixion. Luke tells us that Simon was made to carry the cross behind Jesus.

Some commentators suggest that Simon is an example of discipleship. ¹ They point to the Lord’s earlier words in Luke, that people ought to take up their cross and follow Him.

Luke 9:23, If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.

Luke 14:27, And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.

But we agree with those who consider such an interpretation “forced.” Simon is not an example of discipleship. Far from it. He did not know the Master. There is no indication of sacrifice or loss on Simon’s part. In addition, he was forced to help, which is the opposite of discipleship.

When considering this incident on the way to Golgotha, we must focus on what the Lord Jesus was doing and what He was experiencing. He was the Lamb of God, being led outside the camp to the slaughter. He was being treated as a vile criminal, made to carry his cross like the two murderers who were with Him. He was being subjected to extreme cruelty. In addition, think about what He had already suffered in the twenty-four hours prior to the cross-bearing: the betrayal of Judas, the sorrow of Gethsemane, the confrontation of the mob, the scattering of the disciples, the denial of Peter, the injustice of the Sanhedrin, the false conviction of Pilate, the horrible treatment of the soldiers. He was mocked, beaten, spit upon, and rejected. His body was tender and striped from scourging. His head was scarred and bloody from the crown of thorns. Then came the latest humiliation: Jesus had to drag a heavy cross on his weary shoulders, like He was some kind of murderer who deserved no compassion or pity. Is it any wonder that Jesus was at the end of his human strength? That He could muster no more? He had become so weak from all his suffering that He could no longer bear the cross. He was unable to walk any farther. He needed the help of a passerby. Even then, not one was found willing to help Him. He was all alone. Jesus therefore had to accept the further humiliation of forced assistance. He became the image of the deepest human misery and weakness. It was one more step into humiliation along the path to his death on the cross. That’s our Saviour! That was his suffering! That’s what He did for us! He was humiliated so that we might be exalted. He was made a curse for us, so that we might receive God’s blessing.

The gospel writer Mark, when describing this event, identifies Simon as “the father of Rufus and Alexander” (Mark 15:21). Apparently his sons were known in the early Christian church. Some draw a connection to Romans 16:13, “Greet Rufus, outstanding in the Lord, and his mother and mine.” Since Mark’s audience was the Roman Christians, this may very well be true. It means the service Simon rendered for Jesus, which was at first “forced” by the soldiers, eventually turned out to be a genuine blessing for himself, his family, and many others. The one who at first was forced to serve Jesus, later became a willing follower and disciple.

Every incident describing the life of Jesus, including the final moments before his death, teaches us about the love of our Saviour. Also, the account of Jesus carrying his cross teaches it. The Lord’s further humiliation of having to accept forced assistance impresses upon us what He was willing to suffer for our sake. In the full realization of that suffering, let us, with gratitude, follow the Lord Jesus in true discipleship.