Let’s read Mark 15:16-32. Last week we learned that even though Pilate knew Jesus was innocent, he eventually gave in to the pressure of the crowd who wanted Jesus crucified. Verse 15 says: “Pilate, wanting to satisfy the crowd, released Barabbas for them. But he flogged Jesus and handed him over to be crucified.” The phrase “he flogged Jesus” seems like a simple thing, like someone getting lashed once or twice. But in those days, this punishment was brutal.
Here’s a picture of it. The wooden handle of the whip was wrapped in layers of leather. Sharp pieces of bone, stone, and metal were tied to the ends of the rope. The beating was done by two scourges taking turns, and they kept going until the flesh on the back was torn, so the muscles were torn and the skin was destroyed. Historically, this resulted in the exposure of deep veins and arteries, and sometimes the entrails and organs, leading to death before the crucifixion could take place.
Jesus underwent such a scourging. That is why the state of Jesus as depicted in the film “The Passion of Christ” is not an exaggeration. In such a state, Jesus was taken to the Roman courthouse as mentioned in verse 16. Hundreds of Roman troops were called to ensure the smooth running of Jesus’ crucifixion. They thought Jesus was like other people who were executed by crucifixion, namely slaves, major criminals, or rebels.
According to historians, during that period, about 30,000 people were crucified in Israel. The soldiers did not know who the Man in front of them was. They did not know that Jesus had not committed any crimes. On the contrary, during His life, He helped and healed many people. He never encouraged His followers to rebel against the Roman government. Instead, He taught about love, forgiving enemies, and paying taxes to the government.
In verses 17-20 it is told how the soldiers treated Jesus very rudely; they mocked, ridiculed Jesus, spat on His face, and hit Him on the head. In short, they bullied Jesus badly. They saw Jesus as a mentally disturbed, delusional person who thought He was a Jewish King. If the soldiers had known who Jesus was, they might not have done that.
Today, many people are like those soldiers. They mock Jesus, insult Him, and even curse using the name of Jesus Christ, both in Hollywood films and in everyday conversation. Of course, we feel sad and upset to hear our Lord being treated like that. I have always hoped that there would be Christian figures who would dare to protest so that they would stop using the word Jesus Christ to curse. Didn’t they curse by mentioning the names of prophets of other religions?
For us, Jesus Christ is more than a prophet. He is the God we worship. So, why haven’t any prominent Christians protested? It seems that we need to learn from Jesus Himself how He responded to those who treated Him like that and even crucified Him. Before He died, Jesus prayed for them. Luke 23:34 records: “Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
After that, the soldiers took Jesus out to be crucified. Jesus was so weak and in pain. He had not slept all night because he had undergone six trials. After that, He was flogged. So that Jesus was not strong enough to carry the cross to Golgotha. Verse 22 tells us: “At that time a man named Simon of Cyrene, who had just come in from the country, passed by and they compelled him to carry the cross of Jesus.”
Simon came from the city of Cyrene, or the country of Libya today, to Jerusalem to attend the Passover celebration. He happened to meet Jesus who fell because he could no longer carry the cross so he was forced to carry Jesus' cross. We do not know whether Simon knew who Jesus was and why He was crucified. But as a Jew or a follower of Judaism, Simon knew that the crucified person was cursed so he did not want to carry Jesus' cross. But he was forced by the Roman soldiers to carry Jesus' cross to Golgotha ??which was about three-quarters of a mile away. It is likely that he only had the crossbar which weighed about 90 - 100 pounds. The total weight of the cross is about 300 pounds. The distance was not too far, but a load of 100 pounds going uphill certainly exhausted him. Maybe in his heart, he grumbled and was upset with the soldiers: “Why me? I just arrived here. I am tired!”
However, without him realizing it, it was a blessing in disguise. According to historical records, Simon did not immediately leave after arriving at Golgotha. While he was resting, he saw what was happening there: how Jesus was mocked but He was not angry but instead forgave them. He may also have heard Jesus' conversation with the criminal crucified next to him. Also, hear the last seven sentences Jesus spoke before His death, like “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.”
Those ultimately made Simon believe Jesus was the Messiah and become His follower. This Simon carried the real cross and followed Jesus, as Jesus said: "Whoever wants to come after Me must deny himself, take up his cross and follow Me" (Matthew 16:24). But what Jesus meant was the cross of each of us and not a wooden cross, but the suffering we experience because of our faith in Jesus and the service we do. Carrying the real cross, Simon truly experienced later.
According to church history, Simon later went to Egypt to preach the gospel and was martyred there, where his body was cut in two. Mark mentions the names of his two sons, Alexander and Rufus because they were probably already known to Christians. In Romans 16:13 the Apostle Paul says: “Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother to me, too.” Perhaps Rufus was Simon’s son. Simon may have died by then, so Paul only greeted his wife and son.
The story of Simon of Cyrene is interesting for us to reflect on. If Simon had not been forced to carry Jesus’ cross, he might not have known Jesus and received His grace. His life, his family circumstances, and his path would have been different. However, because he was forced to carry Jesus’ cross, his name was recorded in the Bible and known to billions of people for two thousand years.
Sometimes, as Simon experienced, some things are unpleasant or that we do not like that God allows to happen in our lives. Let us learn to believe that God allows it because there is something beautiful that He has prepared for us. Remember what Romans 8:28-29 says.
Remember Joseph's painful experience because he was sold by his brothers and became a slave for years. However, he did not give up, with faith in Yahweh he did not let himself sink into disappointment and anger. He rose and fought with Elohim so that in the end, he became Prime Minister of Egypt.
Are you experiencing unpleasant or even painful things right now? Are you starting to lose heart, become disappointed, or even angry with God? Believe that God allows all of that. Didn't the Lord Jesus say, "Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father"? (Matthew 10:29). That sentence is to tell you that you and I are much more valuable than birds.
You are always under God's supervision and care. He works in your life to make you more beautiful in His sight. Therefore James 1:2-4 says: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you fall into various trials because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. And let perseverance have its perfect effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing."
Let's continue to believe in God's love, power, wisdom, and beautiful plan in our lives. Amen!
