Cross- a call to Action

Simon of Cyrene: He carried Jesus’ burden, when he was unable. Jesus was bleeding and weak and blood was coming from his back and feet and face. He couldn’t carry it, so the Roman soldiers pressed an onlooking sympathizer to carry it. Simon could have ran away. Maybe he was under pressure from the soldiers, but he did it. He didn’t say, someone else can do it. He didn’t call for volunteers, hey who is strong enough here. You..one of his disciples, you carry it. No, he just picked it up and bore it all the way to Calvary.

Simon saw Jesus up close and personal, what he saw impacted him forever and even his family. Later on we see that his children Rufus and Alexander became leaders in the early church, and that is why he is mentioned as Simon of Cyrene, father of Alexander and Rufus. 

The one who gave him a drink: Jesus said, I thirst. There were people theorizing, if Elijah will come or not. But an ordinary guy, took a sponge, dipped it in the vinegar there, ran and got hold of a stick and put it up to Jesus mouth so that he could sip the drink. Jesus quenched his thirst, and then breathed his last.

Are you the theorizing type, the theological types who indulges in much discussion when the call is to do something. What is it that the Holy Spirit is prompting you to do. I had to finish a few long pending tasks on which I was dragging my feet. At least this week, do it.  

Joseph of Arimathea: he was a local leader, and when Jesus was dead, he came forth to ask for his body. He was a councilor, a member of the Sanhedrin. (like a Member of Parliament). The leader was dead, the movement was gone in a blink, and it was quite a shameful time to be a Christian. But he came forth keeping aside the fears, sorrow and shame and stood up for Christ. He stood up for a dead body, will you not stand up for a living Jesus today.

In return, he had the unthinkable privilege of hosting the entire Resurrection in his garden. What a privilege! For a lifetime he would perhaps pace up and down the garden, see the tomb where Jesus was laid. Push the stone a bit. Walk where the Risen Jesus appeared to Mary and so forth. Imagine the number of house guests he would take around in that garden. Whenever his faith was low, I can imagine him thinking of how he saw Jesus on the Cross and the Resurrection in the backyard! 

John the disciple: he was good friend of Jesus. He followed the Lord into the High priests palace after his arrest. And he followed him all through. Next we see him at the Cross, very close. His friend was dying, the entire faith he believed in was dead, ye he didn’t abandon his friend. Because he was so near, Jesus could entrust him with his mother.

Today how close are you to the Lord. If you are far, he can’t give you instructions and tasks. 

Mary of Magdala, women: Fast forward to the empty tomb on Easter Sunday. The Lord was gone, dead and buried. All hope was totally shattered. Still a few women, prepared spices and burial ointments and wanted to do some additional embalming. It was their personal devotion to the Lord. Early in the morning they rose and went in a group. Imagine the risks for a few women to venture out so early. Also they clearly couldn’t push the stone, but still they went.

They were actually adoring a dead Lord, but He rose and appeared to them. He consoled and strengthened them and sent them forth as messengers to the apostles and to all the world. Imagine the number of times, Mary would tell this story to friends, neighbours, children and grandchildren endlessly etc. What a testimony? Who can stop such a beautiful testimony? And this season, tell someone about Jesus.

A few women took a small risk for Jesus that morning. Their faith was shattered, and they had no theological answers, but still they left out of devotion and gratitude for Jesus.