Sermon Notes
Matthew 27:32
Now as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name. Him they compelled to bear His cross.
Mark 15:21
Then they compelled a certain man, Simon a Cyrenian, the father of Alexander and Rufus, as he was coming out of the country and passing by, to bear His cross.
Luke 23:26
Now as they led Him away, they laid hold of a certain man, Simon a Cyrenian, who was coming from the country, and on him they laid the cross that he might bear it after Jesus.
What is the cross? From a Christian perspective the intersection of God’s love and His justice.
The Cross is an Imposition
The cross was imposed upon Simon the Cyrene. Simon was a bystander. He was forced to help carry the cross of Jesus. He HAD to do it.
“In our lives, sometimes, there are crosses that are forced upon us…” – Pastor Billy Johnson
The Cross is an Interruption
Simon was passing by. Carrying a cross was never on his agenda.
When a cross comes your way ask for God’s cross.
The Cross Identified Simon with Jesus
The cross was something of suffering and shame. Used to keep people in line.
Give God the glory in cross-like situations.
“Are you identified with Jesus?” – Pastor Billy Johnson
The Cross is Where We Have Been Invited
Matthew 16:24; Luke 14:27
“There is no such thing as a cross less disciple.” – Pastor Billy Johnson
We cannot avoid the cross. Jesus clearly has told us to take up His cross.
No cross. No crown.