How would you react if you had an unexpected encounter with Jesus? Luke 23: 26 As they led Jesus away, a man named Simon, who was from Cyrene, happened to be coming in from the countryside. The soldiers seized him and, put the cross on him, and made him carry it behind Jesus.[1]
Like Simon, sometimes we encounter the Lord when we don’t expect it. At this time, those condemned had to take the cross on their shoulders through the streets of Jerusalem to the execution site outside the city. As Jesus carried His cross to the place of crucifixion, He could bring it no further after being severely beaten. Although Jesus was not guilty, carrying the cross was a sign of guilt. This showed how God placed our sins on Him.
Thousands of Jews from many nations came to Jerusalem to celebrate the Feast of Passover, and Simon was one of them. He would have traveled over 800 miles from Cyrene in modern-day Libya to celebrate Passover. As Simon observed what was going on, he saw Jesus struggling, and soon Roman soldiers seized him to carry His cross.
Surprise of Sharing
The last thing Simon thought he would do that day was to carry the cross of a prisoner, but that is what happened. This incident shows how God can use unplanned and challenging moments in our lives to bring about His purposes and blessings. Perhaps there was a time in your life when God showed up unexpectedly.
A friend has been struggling with cancer, but through this illness, the Lord has drawn him into a closer relationship with Him. Although he prayed for God’s healing, God chose to walk with Him through the valley and shared the burden.
Simon shared the burden of Jesus and gives us a model. We, too, may be called to assist in the burden of those around us. Paul gives us perspective on the importance of helping others. Galatians 6:[2]
God’s Redemptive Plan
In helping Jesus, Simon becomes part of God’s redemptive plan, showing that when we help others, we join in God’s work. Helping others can be a divine appointment we see in hindsight when we see how the Lord used us. A word of encouragement, sharing the Good News of Jesus, or unexpected assistance can be life-changing.
Philippians 2:3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. [3] When we encounter Jesus, it transforms us like clay on a potter’s wheel, helping us become more loving, gracious, patient, and kind.
To learn more about an unexpected encounter with Jesus, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/the-ultimate-sacrifice
[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.