March 27 Take Up Your Cross

John 19:17 He went out, carrying his cross.
 
IS it not enough that his back is a mass of blood and broken skin, that blood streams off his forehead from the excruciating crown of thorns, that his wrists and arms are numb from the ropes that tied him to the lashing pole? Is he not broken and weakened enough? Now he must carry his own cross.
    Jesus, the Son of God, the Son of Man, the Messiah, bears his cross to the place where he will be crucified. He bears his cross to demonstrate the truth of his own words, Mark 8:34 “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”
    Yes, these words are figurative, symbolic of perseverance through trial and difficulties that come against many of us from the world as we follow Christ. But our Lord sets for us a real cross-carrying example. He shows us in the reality of his walk to the cross, that bearing a cross is impossible without help.
    See how Simon of Cyrene is forced to help Jesus when Jesus can bear the wooden beam no longer. In a like manner, we must face our cross and bear it forward. And as we do, our Lord will step in to say, “Here, I know this is too heavy for you alone. Let me help you.”
    When we face a difficulty in our lives, a cross to bear, we know we can trust our resurrected Lord for his help. He has borne his cross for you and for me. He knows you cannot bear it alone.
    Living into Jesus’ resurrection is turning to Jesus and calling to him for help. He will come alongside you to strengthen you. You don’t have to go to Golgotha. Jesus already did.
 
Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for bearing your cross, that I would be free of sin’s burden’s forever. Strengthen me to bear the crosses you give to me, so I will help others know you. Amen.