Simon Of Cyrene - From Bystander To Cross-Bearer

Praise be to the wonderful name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Simon’s story is found in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Let’s take a closer look at who he was and what we can learn from his remarkable encounter with Jesus.

Simon was from Cyrene, a city located in the northern part of Africa, which is modern-day Libya. It was a significant city during Roman times, an ancient Greek colony. Simon traveled all the way from Cyrene to Jerusalem to take part in the annual Passover Feast. This shows his dedication to his faith, as the journey was long and difficult.

A By-Stander’s Encounter:

Imagine Simon arriving in Jerusalem, excited to celebrate Passover. Little did he know that his life was about to change forever. He was simply a by-stander, watching the events unfold. Jesus was carrying His cross to Golgotha, and the Roman soldiers forced Simon to carry the cross for Him. Let us read

Matthew 27:32: "As they were going out, they met a man from Cyrene, named Simon, and they forced him to carry the cross."

Mark 15:21: "A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross."

Luke 23:26: "As the soldiers led him away, they seized Simon from Cyrene, who was on his way in from the country, and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus."

This moment was not something Simon had planned. He was there to observe, to be a part of the Passover celebration, but suddenly, he found himself carrying the cross of Christ. He could have refused, but he didn’t. He obeyed.

Simon’s act of carrying the cross, although seemingly small, was significant. He could have chosen to walk away, to avoid the humiliation and the burden. But instead, he took up the cross. This act of obedience and humility is a powerful lesson for us.

In that moment, Simon was in the presence of the Lord. And in the presence of the Lord, everything changes. Simon’s life was transformed. After this event, tradition tells us that Simon went back to Cyrene and shared the Gospel. He was the father of Alexander and Rufus, who were significant figures in the early Christian community.

On the Day of Pentecost, people from Cyrene were among the first Christian believers. Acts 2:10 tells us, "Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome."

Transformation through the Presence of the Lord:

Simon’s encounter with Jesus had a ripple effect, influencing not just his life, but the lives of many others. The presence of the Lord brings about significant change.

Acts 11:20 states, "Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus." This shows how the people from Cyrene, including Simon’s family, became ambassadors of Christ.

Acts 13:1 mentions, "Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul."

Just as Simon had a turning point, we too can experience transformation in the presence of the Lord. The presence of the Lord can break down barriers, bring freedom, peace, joy, understanding, and deliverance.

Conclusion:

Simon of Cyrene’s story reminds us that being in the presence of the Lord can change everything. His encounter with Jesus transformed him from a by-stander to a significant figure in the early church.

As we reflect on Simon’s journey, let us seek the presence of the Lord in our lives. Let us embrace obedience, humility, and allow the transformative power of Jesus to work within us.

Today, as we stand in the presence of the Lord, let us ask ourselves, “What is our turning point?” May the Lord bless us as we seek His presence and find our own moments of transformation. Amen.