The Way of the Cross
Jesus and Simon of Cyrene (Matthew 27:31–32)
A devotional reflection on Matthew 27:31–32, exploring Jesus’ suffering, Simon of Cyrene, and how carrying the cross transforms faith and life.
In life, we often find ourselves carrying burdens we never chose.
Unexpected hardships, unplanned responsibilities, and overwhelming trials can suddenly appear, leaving us confused and weary. How should we respond in such moments?
The story found in Matthew 27:31–32, describing Jesus and Simon of Cyrene, offers a profound spiritual message for times like these.
Mocked Yet Crowned as the True King
“And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him.”
(Matthew 27:31, KJV)
Before Jesus carried the cross, He endured humiliation and mockery from the Roman soldiers. They placed a crown of thorns on His head, clothed Him in a scarlet robe, and sarcastically hailed Him as “King of the Jews” (Matthew 27:28–29).
Yet the One they mocked was no ordinary man—He was the King of kings.
“And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”
(Revelation 19:16, KJV)
This scene echoes the prophecy of Isaiah:
“He is despised and rejected of men…
But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities.”
(Isaiah 53:3–5, KJV)
Jesus was not a helpless victim. He willingly chose the cross, embracing suffering out of love for us.
Simon of Cyrene: Carrying an Unchosen Cross
“And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross.”
(Matthew 27:32, KJV)
We know very little about Simon of Cyrene. He was not one of Jesus’ disciples, nor did he volunteer to carry the cross. He may have simply been visiting Jerusalem when soldiers suddenly forced him into this moment.
Yet Simon became part of one of the most significant events in human history—sharing the burden of Christ’s cross.
This moment reminds us of Jesus’ earlier words:
“If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.”
(Matthew 16:24, KJV)
Following Christ does not always mean choosing a comfortable path.
Sometimes it means carrying a cross we never expected.
When an Unwanted Burden Becomes a Blessing
Simon carried the cross unwillingly, but that encounter likely changed his life forever. Church tradition suggests that his family later became believers, and his son Rufus is mentioned in the early Christian community (Romans 16:13).
This reminds us of a powerful truth:
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God.”
(Romans 8:28, KJV)
What feels like an interruption or burden today may become a channel of God’s grace tomorrow. God can transform even forced hardships into blessings.
What Cross Are You Carrying Today?
Each of us carries a cross in some form—
a responsibility we did not choose,
a struggle we did not plan,
or a season we do not understand.
This passage invites us to reflect:
- How deeply do I reflect on the suffering Jesus endured for me?
- What cross has God allowed me to carry in this season?
- Can I trust that God is working good through this burden?
The way of the cross is never easy.
But it is the way of life, redemption, and glory.
May we fix our eyes on Jesus and walk faithfully, carrying the cross entrusted to us today—with trust, humility, and hope. 🙏✨