Everyone Needs a Simon
I was reading a friend’s blog yesterday and they were talking about friends who help in times of need. For some reason, this immediately made me think of Simon of Cyrene from the Bible. He doesn’t get a whole lot of press, but he’s a very interesting character if you stop and think about him. He is the guy who carries Jesus’ cross for him.
Now think about that. The Bible clearly says that we will all have “crosses” to bear in this life. Now, when Jesus was talking about each of us carrying our own cross, I know he was being metaphorical. He was talking about dying to our selfishness and inwardness and ego-centrism, and learning to live with a true revelation of the lives of others around us. Love, in other words (or word as the case may be).
Isn’t it interesting, though, that even Jesus didn’t carry his own cross? Now don’t get me wrong. I’m not taking anything away from Jesus—he alone died for our sins and rose again. And truly, he could have carried the cross the whole way. So if he could have, that means he chose not to. And that’s the sticking point. Why didn’t he?
Herein lies the valuable lesson (at least for me). While on earth Jesus showed us how to live perfectly as humans. Perfect dependence on God. But also, perfect dependence on others. He was never above receiving help or blessings from other people. And I think this example is so cool. In his final moments, in his greatest anguish, on the greatest stage the world has ever known—Jesus receives the help of a no-name Jewish man. . .who carries Jesus’ cross. Jesus’ cross! Think about that!
And it makes me think—I have had so many Simon of Cyrene’s in my life, and I am so very thankful for them. Faced with a cross I never knew I’d have to carry, and a hill that was certainly too big for my legs to conquer, so many Simons (and Simonesses!) have come alongside of me and lifted my burdens onto their shoulders. They have carried my burdens.
So often people look for God in the clouds, or in science, or complain about lack of proof. When really, maybe we just need to look at each other sometimes. Do you feel abandoned by God? Maybe he’s has just shown you love through the hug of a friend. Feel discouraged by God? Maybe that kind word was actually sent by him.
So anyway, that’s what I’m thinking about tonight. And also I ‘m thinking about all the chances I have to be a Simon in other people’s lives, and what a profound blessing that is. Simon of Cyrene entered into the greatest story every told and unknowingly helped God save the world. When we let ourselves become Simon’s in other people’s lives, we too are entering into great and wonderful stories. Because often the greatest stories begin in great pain, don’t they? And when we become Simon to that person, we play a part in seeing that story go from pain to victory.
And I’m not sure there are many greater blessings on earth than that.
So go find someone who needs a Simon today . . . and pick up that cross.