Luke 23:26-49 - Take Up Your Cross

People often say, “We all have our cross to bear,” usually meaning a personal burden or hardship. At Easter we see what it truly means.

Simon of Cyrene unwillingly becomes the first to ‘take up his cross and follow Jesus’ (Luke 9:23). How did he feel - resentful, afraid, confused? And yet this unexpected encounter seems to have borne fruit in his family’s life (Mark 15:21). What began as an imposed burden became a life-changing moment. Have there been times when following Jesus led you down a hard road? Is God permitting this to draw family or friends to Christ?

Beside Jesus hung two criminals. One hurled insults. The other, hearing Jesus pray, “Father, forgive them,” realised his need. In a moment of revelation, he feared God, confessed his sin, declared Jesus’ innocence and kingship, and pleaded, “Jesus, remember me.” The reply was golden and certain: “Today you will be with me in paradise.”

On what basis does this promise and forgiveness rest? At the cross, the ‘Chosen One’ (v.35) became the forsaken One (Matthew 27:46) for our sins. “Save yourself,” they taunted. Yet the irony is wonderful: the Man who would not save himself - saves others. Thank Jesus for His salvation today.

Jesus calls us to take up our cross. He practised what he preached. “When Christ calls a man, He bids him come and die” (Dietrich Bonhoeffer).

Take time to read or sing, ‘When I Survey the Wondrous Cross’ - and follow Him.