In the Bible you can find different situations in which God, in some way, blesses people. Even when you are least expecting it. Dear reader, in this opportunity we will know what happened in the meeting between Simon of Cyrene and Jesus Christwho experienced a change in his life, even without being his disciple.
Considered today as one of the greater privileges that a Christian could experience, at that time, Simon of Cyrene did not understand what was happening, much less imagined everything that his action would cause, although God already had everything established.
Of the four gospels recorded in the Holy Scriptures, only three mention Simon of Cyrene. For those who do not know him, he was the one who helped Jesus, encouraged by the guards, to carry the cross out of .
Among the gospels that mention Simon of Cyrene are: Matthew 27:32, Mark 15:21 and Luke 23:26.
What happened in the meeting between Simon of Cyrene and Jesus Christ?
According to the gospel of Mark 15:21, it establishes that Simon of Cyrene was the father of Rufus and Alexander.
It is estimated that Rufus It could be the same person mentioned by Paul who, moreover, is called as the chosen one of the Lord and his mother. She is considered by Paul to be a mother to him as well (See Romans 16:13).
At that time, after Jesus was condemned, having received a merciless punishment and already on the way to crucifixion, he found himself without the strength to carry the cross. The annoying guards and ill-intentioned made him suffer all the way, whipping him to speed him up.
Simon helps Jesus with his Cross
At the same time, Simon of Cyrene, who was preparing to go to the celebration of the Easter in Jerusalembelonging to the synagogue of the Cyreneans, meets a crowd and Roman soldiers, along with three men who were carrying their cross, and were on their way to crucifixion.
Later, the time comes when Jesus, meeting Simon of Cyrene, he falls to the ground without the strength to continue, and a soldier orders Simon to help him carry his cross.
At first confused and saying he didn’t know him, he refuses, though he eventually agrees to carry the load.
Simon drops the cross
At the end of the journey, Simon of Cyrene drops the cross and is separated by the guards, however, from that moment he began to change his life in a drastic way. He, his family and his friends were being transformed after living that experience with Jesus.
It is estimated that this whole event was due to his wife, who was already converted and who, moreover, remained in constant prayer to God for her husband. God responded by allowing Simon of Cyrene to carry the cross of Jesus.
God’s plans are unknown
Without a doubt, it was an unforgettable experience for Simon of Cyrene, imagine what he thought when What else testimony than that of Simon, who helped Jesus Christ carry his cross. Action for which he did not feel worthy, but God’s plans were completely different from what he had in mind.
The meeting between Simon of Cyrene and Jesus Christ, he allowed a hope of a chance encounter to be born; in addition, that it remains in force since then, until today.
What does it mean to carry the cross of Jesus Christ?
What to this day means carrying the cross of Jesus Christ is taking his testimony to every corner of the world. Preach the gospel As many times as necessary, it is to praise him at all times, the fruit of lips confessing his name. (See Hebrews 13:15).
It is being the salt of the Earth and the light of the whole world, expanding his work among people, especially in those places where no one speaks of God, where the need of christ.
Regardless of whether they condemn you or persecute you, it is to carry and present that truth before humanity, everything is for the glory and honor of the Lord. For this reason, everyone who accepts him as Savior will be cleansed of everything that is not of God.
Your sins will be nailed to the cross of calvaryachieving a change in hearts in a supernatural way.