How can we apply the lesson of bearing burdens from Luke 23:26 today? The Snapshot from Calvary “As they led Him away, they seized Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, and put the cross on him to carry it behind Jesus.” (Luke 23:26) Simon’s unexpected assignment was real, physical, and heavy. The Lord of glory accepted human help, and Scripture preserves the moment so we can imitate it today. What Simon’s Act Teaches Us about Burden-Bearing • Burdens are often thrust upon us without warning. • True help meets the need in the moment, not after the crisis passes. • Serving Jesus frequently looks like serving the people in front of us. (cf. Matthew 25:40) • The most meaningful ministry may feel inconvenient, awkward, or costly. Why Bearing Burdens Matters • It fulfills “the law of Christ.” “Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2) • It imitates our Savior, who carried the heaviest burden—our sin. “Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His footsteps.” (1 Peter 2:21) • It displays love in action. “Little children, let us love not in word or speech, but in action and truth.” (1 John 3:18) Everyday Expressions of Cross-Carrying • Offer practical help: meals, childcare, errands, transportation. • Shoulder emotional weight: listen patiently, weep with those who weep (Romans 12:15). • Provide financial relief when others are overwhelmed (Proverbs 3:27; 1 John 3:17). • Step into physically demanding tasks for the elderly, sick, or exhausted. • Stand publicly with the marginalized or persecuted (Hebrews 13:3). • Intercede faithfully in prayer, treating another’s burden as your own (Colossians 1:9). Attitudes That Keep Us Ready • Availability – keeping schedules flexible enough for divine interruptions (Luke 10:33-34). • Humility – recognizing that any strength we have is God-given to serve others (1 Peter 4:10-11). • Empathy – “looking to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4). • Gratitude – remembering how often the Lord and His people have lifted our loads. Strength Supplied for Burden-Bearing • Jesus promises rest and partnership: “Take My yoke upon you… My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:29-30) • The Spirit empowers endurance (Isaiah 40:29; Acts 1:8). • God notices and rewards even hidden service (Hebrews 6:10). Encouragement to Step Forward Today Like Simon, you may be “coming in from the country” with other plans when a cross is placed on your shoulders. Do not resist the opportunity. Someone near you is staggering, and the Lord is still writing testimony through willing burden-bearers. Step in, lift up, and walk behind Jesus—your strength, your pattern, and your reward. |
    |