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

Wednesday, December 4, 2024

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

Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'The Word of the Lord Holds True'
"Praise the Lord with melodies on the lyre; make music for him on the ten-stringed harp. Sing a new song of praise to him; play skillfully on the harp,..."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Proof We've Moved from Death to Life'
"If we love our brothers and sisters who are believers, it proves that we have passed from death to life. But a person who has no love is still dead......"
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Without Limit' (Jn. 3:34-35)
"For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit. The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands. "
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'A Fresh Start' (Acts 16:1)
"Paul went first to Derbe and then to Lystra, where there was a young disciple named Timothy. His mother was a Jewish believer, but his father was a....."

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!