Luke 23:26 – 26 And as they led him away, they seized one Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, and laid on him the cross, to carry it behind Jesus.

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The soldiers who were leading Jesus away had some mercy on Jesus, finding someone else to carry the cross. Simon of Cyrene, which is in modern day Libya in northern Africa, had made the trip to Jerusalem to celebrate Passover. As he was entering the city he came across what likely seemed to be a parade of sorts. As he got closer, he realize it wasn’t a joyous occasion at all. He was the misfortunate one to be chosen to carry the weight of the cross.

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Pick up the cross. Feel the weight of it. As you do, reflect on Paul’s words in Galatians 2:20, “20I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

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Station 9