Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow Me. Mark 10:21
The Saviour's burden was too heavy for Him in His weak and suffering condition…But when after the second scourging the cross was laid upon Him, human nature could bear no more. He fell fainting beneath the burden.
The crowd that followed the Saviour saw His weak and staggering steps, but they manifested no compassion. They taunted and reviled Him because He could not carry the heavy cross. Again the burden was laid upon Him, and again He fell fainting to the ground. His persecutors saw that it was impossible for Him to carry His burden farther. They were puzzled to find anyone who would bear the humiliating load. The Jews themselves could not do this, because the defilement would prevent them from keeping the Passover. None even of the mob that followed Him would stoop to bear the cross.
At this time a stranger, Simon a Cyrenian, coming in from the country, meets the throng. He hears the taunts and ribaldry of the crowd; he hears the words contemptuously repeated, Make way for the King of the Jews! He stops in astonishment at the scene; and as he expresses his compassion, they seize him and place the cross upon his shoulders.
Simon had heard of Jesus. His sons were believers in the Saviour, but he himself was not a disciple. The bearing of the cross to Calvary was a blessing to Simon, and he was ever after grateful for this providence. It led him to take upon himself the cross of Christ from choice, and ever cheerfully stand beneath its burden. DA 741, 742
The Majesty of heaven revealed before the world a sinless character, that His salvation might be revealed in the lives of His disciples, bearing witness to the world, to angels, and to men of the grace and glory that will be revealed to all who will deny self and take up the cross of Christ. Through His grace, they are justified, made righteous. And every soul to whom Christ has imparted His righteousness is under solemn obligation to practice that righteousness. The imputed righteousness of Christ will become implanted righteousness, if they will continually follow in His steps. Ms 116, 1904
