What Jesus Did! 'Carrying the Cross!' — Mark 15:21

Wednesday, December 4, 2024

Multiplication of Ministry: Year-End Information

Key dates and details about our year-end ministry transition and financial support.

 See Details
A passerby named Simon, who was from Cyrene, was coming in from the countryside [as Jesus was led away to be crucified], and the soldiers forced him to carry Jesus' cross. (Simon was the father of Alexander and Rufus.)
— Mark 15:21 NLT

Key Thought

Jesus told his followers, including those of us who follow him today, that we need to pick up our crosses and follow him. [1] While Simon was forced to physically carry Jesus' cross to Golgotha, he also apparently picked up the cross spiritually because his sons, Alexander and Rufus, were known in the Christian community Mark was addressing. Paul also seems to have known one of the sons, Rufus, whom Paul described as one "whom the Lord picked out to be his very own." [2] This situation with Simon and his sons is a great reminder that if we want to share our faith with our children, "carrying the cross" is a powerful example that helps them follow in our footsteps as we follow in Jesus' steps!

[1] Mark 8:34.
[2] Romans 16:13.

Today's Prayer

O Father God, please help me live as a powerful example before those in my family. May they clearly see that I don't just "talk the talk," but that I also "walk the walk." Give me courage as I genuinely commit to carry the cross each day. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

1 Related Resource by Heartlight

Cruciformed #6: The Gamble
Article by Phil Ware
As Jesus journeyed into Jerusalem that last time, he had reached the point where he was going to gamble everything on the cross. Phil Ware continues his series of insights on living the CRUCIFORMED life Jesus calls all disciples to live on his way to the cross.

Illustration

Illustration of Mark 15:21 NLT — (Simon was the father of Alexander and Rufus.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Wednesday, December 4, 2024

Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Evening Thought: Psalms 119:53
"My soul, feelest thou this holy shuddering at the sins of others? for otherwise thou lackest inward holiness. David's cheeks were wet with rivers of....."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Be Holy!'
"Dear Holy One, You are a saint! The term means "holy one." That is what you are because of your redemption purchased with My blood. I have made you a..."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'The Spirit of Christ Helps Me' (Ph. 1:19-20)
"For I know that as you pray for me and the Spirit of Jesus Christ helps me, this will lead to my deliverance. For I fully expect and hope that I will never be....."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'A Clean Life' (Ep. 5:6-7)
"Dear Father, Don't let me be deceived by the empty words of worldly people. It is because of these things that your wrath will come upon the sons of...."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!