Today we conclude our teaching series called “The Untold Jesus Stories.”

Throughout this series we will have been looking into stories that are not literally “untold,” but some of the lesser known or lesser understood accounts that we find in the gospels.

This series has simply focused on some stories that perhaps we haven’t paused to consider very often.

Paul wrote to Timothy with the instruction: "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."

Our “untold” or lesser-known story today is found in Luke 23:23-27

Jesus was so weary from the beating he has received that he cannot continue to bear the weight of his cross. The Roman guards instructed Simon to carry the cross for Jesus.

Simon came to the Passover with his family to remember when God delivered the Children of Israel from the death grip of the Egyptian empire and their bondage there. But the story Simon found himself thrust into was different.

This was a new kind of redemption, a new kind of deliverance. This is the story of Christ crucified for the sins of the whole world.

Here’s the question: What does Simon the Cyrene have to do with you? With me?

We don’t know a lot about Simon even though his story appears in 3 of the 4 gospel accounts.

By Cyrene, it means that he’s from an area of Northern Africa known by that name.

The gospel of Mark records that he is father to Alexander and Rufus, and he has come to Jerusalem to worship at the Passover Festival.

Simon disappears from the story as the crucifixion continues. Jesus is crucified between two criminals.

There’s little doubt that this procession, this moment specifically, never faded from Simon‘s memory.

1. Simon is demonstrating what faith would look like 2,000 years later.

We must choose to take up our cross and follow after Christ.

Jesus never hid the true cost of discipleship. To join Christ, is to die to ourselves. To surrender our hearts, our desires, our attitudes to him. It is giving Jesus all authority in our lives. And unlike Simon of Cyrene- nobody will ever force you to bear that cross.

You must accept the call of Christ. You have to choose to follow after him. It’s the only way that truly leads to life.

2. The cross Simon carried didn’t belong to Jesus, but to him (and to you and to me).

Jesus bore the penalty of sin for you and for me. Now he calls us, to bear our cross. Not that we literally die for our sins, no, that work has been done. But we are invited to lay down our right to ourselves, and follow Christ.

Scriptures for further study/reflection:
Luke 19:28-44
Matthew 27:27-32
Mark 15:20-24
Mark 15:21