Daily Devotion 18 - Who is this man? It's not who you think!

In Matthew's Gospel account of Christ's death & resurrection, incredible detail is given to the describing the time leading up to His crucifixion. Beginning in Matthew 27:27, a description of the time of mocking & hurting Jesus is given. Although it can be difficult for us to read in this section, it is important for us to remember this part of His time on earth. When we endure hurting or teasing, we can remember that Jesus understands & empathizes with us. He knows! It is also so very important to remember what He did for you & I. He did that for us...to pay the price for OUR sins. That is one of the many reasons why we praise Him.

In verse 32, an interesting figure stumbles on this cruel scene. He is catapulted into the middle of this torture scene. His name was Simon (pictured). Mark's Gospel tells us in Mark 15:21 that he was from Cyrene and was just passing through when the soldiers forced him to help carry the cross of Jesus. You see, the cross typically weighed somewhere around 30-40 pounds, and Jesus was weak from all of the beatings & blood loss. It is a very sad and somber scene, and Simon's introduction to the scene seems so interesting.

The truth is that Jesus is a miracle worker. He is a healer, sight giver, dead raiser...He could have carried the cross without any human assistance. Jesus is God. But why? Why then does this Simon from Cyrene need to even enter this important scene? I often wonder if God is showing you & I something about His nature in order that we can learn. God does not need our help to carry out His plans, but He USES us in His plans in order to allow us to participate in HIS work. It is a message for us to be ready! You & I never know when God will call on us to help in His work. Simon most certainly did not know. They pulled him out of the crowd and there he was...playing a part in one of the most important scenes humankind would ever witness. Wow!

Be ready! Be willing! Have a positive attitude! And trust that God is using you in ways that are making a difference!

Coach Matt