Simon The Cyrene

Luke 23:26-31
Luke has set out to create written records of a historical person, Jesus the Christ. Luke’s records are careful, intentionally chosen, and are meant to document the life and teachings of Israel's long-awaited Messiah and all of humanity’s welcome into God’s redemption story. Here, we have followed Luke to the very moment for which he has been preparing his readers.
In Luke’s record of Barabbas (shared last week), we arrive at the climax and focus of the whole gospel. “All sinners, all rebels, all the human race are invited to see themselves in this figure of Barabbas, and, as we do so, we discover how Jesus takes our places, under condemnation for sins and wickedness, big and small.” (see N.T. Wright's Luke for Everyone (www.christianb...) )
This morning, we’re introduced to a second character, likely never expecting an enduring place in history. Simon, on pilgrimage to Jerusalem from one of the Jewish communities in North Africa, becomes a model for all those who, “in devotion, holiness, and service,” follow behind King Jesus in humility and in pain. Simon of Cyrene’s activity, in this brief retelling, teaches those following Jesus today that small labors and sufferings for the Kingdom are not meaningless.