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As Roman soldiers led Jesus to be crucified, the Gospel writer describes how They pressed into service a passer-by coming from the country, Simon of Cyrene (the father of Alexander and Rufus), to bear His cross (v. 21). This detail highlights the intense reality of Jesus’ burden at this moment, showing that He was physically weakened after enduring trials and brutal scourging. Those in power commanded Simon, who had just arrived in the area, to take the beam Jesus had been carrying and follow the procession toward the crucifixion site.
Simon came from Cyrene, a city in what is now modern-day Libya in North Africa. The mention of his hometown points to the diverse mix of people present in Jerusalem at this time. Cyrene was a significant hub of Greek and Jewish learning, and many Jews journeyed from there to worship in Jerusalem during major feasts. Simon’s identity as the father of Alexander and Rufus suggests that his family was known to the early Christian community, possibly indicating that his experience at the cross left a lasting impact (see Romans 16:13 for another mention of Rufus).
The act of carrying Jesus’ cross connects Simon to the profound sacrifice unfolding. By shouldering this weight, he foreshadows the call to all believers to take up their own cross and follow Christ (Matthew 16:24). It serves as a vivid illustration of sharing in the sufferings of Jesus and demonstrates how even a seemingly random encounter in history can hold deep spiritual significance. Through these details, readers see the powerful interplay of divine sovereignty and human participation in God’s redemptive plan.
Used with permission from TheBibleSays.com.
You can access the original article here.
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