“So they took Jesus and led him away. Carrying the cross by himself, Jesus went to the place called Skull Hill (in Hebrew, Golgotha) John 19:16-17
Place Number 6-The streets of Jerusalem to Skull Hill (Golgotha)
Criminals had to carry their own cross down through the streets of Jerusalem to Skull Hill. The crowds would make a path for the criminal to walk, and as a warning to the people they would have them walk the longest route to Golgotha.
On this particular day the person bearing the cross was Jesus. Beaten, bloody, and weak they practically threw the cross upon Him and kicked Him to get going. He was so weak that half way to Golgotha Jesus collapsed and was not able to carry His cross. “A man named Simon, who was from Cyrene, was coming in from the country just then, and they forced him to carry Jesus’ cross.” Mark 15:21
I have no idea the weight of the cross, but, I do know the weight of my cross is heavy. So I can only imagine the weight of Jesus’ cross plus the weight of the world’s sin He alone carried would have crushed us. Not only that, but, He walked through the streets of Jerusalem hearing people yell, laugh, and mock Him.
This thought is so much for me, and as I think about Simon from Cyrene being called out “You, carry His cross” I wonder what was going through his mind, how fast was his heart racing? What was that moment like when he walked over and looked at Jesus all bloody and disfigured straight in the eyes? When he bent down to pick up Jesus and His cross what feelings flooded his heart?
The emotion that is stirring within me as I place myself in Simon’s shoes leaves me paralyzed. To look at the face of Jesus in rare form and know that He is doing it all for me-how could I be anymore loved? Right now, standing in Simon’s shoes I am on my knees weeping not even able to look at Jesus anymore, because of the sickness and shame of knowing that it is my sin He is carrying. I am loved, you are loved!
They are now approaching Skull Hill (Golgotha) and Simon knows very well what happens next and so does Jesus. I can’t help but to think at this point Jesus is thinking, “It is almost done, it is almost done. This suffering is almost over!” Simon drops the cross, looks at Jesus one last time and their eyes meet sending chills down Simon’s spine as he walks away.
Jesus how crazy am I to think for one minute I am not loved. What You did for me …there are just no words. Jesus thank You for the mercy You gave through God’s love. There has never been a more beautiful or greater love displayed. Nor will there ever be! Thank You Jesus. Amen
