POPULARITY
Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Today's shout-out goes to Jim Kuhn from Sun City West, AZ. Thank you for your generosity and partnership in Project 23. This one's for you. Our text today is Mark 15:21–32: And they compelled a passerby, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross. And they brought him to the place called Golgotha (which means Place of a Skull). And they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it. And they crucified him and divided his garments among them, casting lots for them, to decide what each should take. And it was the third hour when they crucified him. And the inscription of the charge against him read, “The King of the Jews.” And with him they crucified two robbers, one on his right and one on his left. And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads and saying, “Aha! You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself, and come down from the cross!” So also the chief priests with the scribes mocked him to one another, saying, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. Let the Christ, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross that we may see and believe.” Those who were crucified with him also reviled him. — Mark 15:21–32 Jesus is weak beneath the weight of the cross. He stumbles. The soldiers seize a bystander, Simon of Cyrene, and thrust the heavy wood onto his back. Simon carries a burden not his own—step by step—toward Golgotha. This is more than a historical detail. It's a vivid picture: God himself, bowed under sin's weight, and a stranger pressed into service to share that load. Then the mockery continues: The crowd taunts, “Save yourself!” The religious leaders scoff, “He can't even save himself.” The criminals beside him jeer in scorn. And yet, Simon, an unwilling participant, bears the cross so that Jesus can advance toward Calvary, where every sin would be nailed away. Simon's forced compassion begs a question for us: Whose burden should we willingly bear? The lonely neighbor? The struggling friend? The newcomer in church? The oppressed, the overlooked, the rejected? We're not called to carry Christ's cross—that's done. We're called to carry one another's burdens as he carried ours (Gal. 6:2). When you see someone bowed under life's weight, don't pass by. Step in. Accept the unexpected call. Shoulder their load—if only for a moment. Because in that act, you reflect the One who bore the world's sin. So, who will it be today? #CarryBurdens, #Mark15, #CompassionInAction ASK THIS: Why do you think Simon was compelled rather than volunteered? What keeps us from stepping in to share another's burden? Who in your life needs you to “carry their cross” today? How does bearing burdens reflect Christ's love? DO THIS: Reach out today to someone under pressure—send a text, make a call, offer a meal, or simply say, “I see your burden. How can I help carry it?” PRAY THIS: Jesus, you carried the cross for me. Show me who around me needs someone to bear their burden. Give me willing hands and a compassionate heart. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Burdens."
In this week's sermon we dive deep into the story of Simon of Cyrene - a man who gets just one verse in Scripture but whose brief encounter with Jesus changed everything. Pastor Stephen Mizell explores how sometimes we're chosen to carry something sacred when we least expect it, and how these divine interruptions can transform our lives and draw us closer to Christ. The difference between carrying our own crosses and being forced to carry others' How proximity to Jesus through suffering changes our perspective Why some of life's greatest lessons come through inconvenient interruptions The generational impact of one man's unexpected encounter with Christ Practical insights for when you're carrying burdens you didn't choose Key Scripture: Mark 15:21-32, Romans 16:13 Discussion Questions: Have you ever been "volun-told" to carry someone else's burden? How did it change you? What crosses are you carrying right now that you didn't sign up for? How has God used unexpected challenges to give you a new perspective? About Our Church: Open Door Church is committed to reaching Northeastern North Carolina with the good news of Jesus Christ. We are an independent, non-affiliated fellowship with a love of Jesus that connects us to a larger purpose in life. www.visitopendoor.com
Mike Blackhall shared about Tychicus, a faithful friend of Paul who was trusted to carry messages and encourage others. He reminded us that we can also be like Tychicus—faithful, helpful, and willing to share the Good News with those around us. When we choose to be encouragers, we help others stay strong in their faith. Michael Brown shared how Simon of Cyrene, an ordinary man just passing by, was chosen to carry Jesus' cross—a powerful reminder that God often uses those who seem forgotten. He reminded us that God still works through “nobodies” today to do unforgettable things. When we say yes to God, our faith can leave a lasting impact on future generations.
Jesusis finally condemned by Pilate and sent to be crucified on Golgotha. Accordingto John's Gospel, Jesus is forced to bear His cross. “And He, bearingHis cross, went out to a place called the Place of a Skull, which is called inHebrew, Golgotha" (John 19:16-18). (By the way, Johnis the only Gospel that does not mention Simon of Cyrene by name.) Matthew'sGospel tells it this way: “Now asthey came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name. " (Matthew 27:31-33). Mark'sGospel gives us some additional information about Simon of Cyrene. “And whenthey had mocked Him, they took the purple off Him, put His own clothes on Him,and led Him out to crucify Him. Then they compelled a certain man, Simon aCyrenian, the father of Alexander and Rufus, as he was coming out of thecountry and passing by, to bear His cross. And they brought Him to the placeGolgotha, which is translated, Place of a Skull” (Mark 15:20-22) Historyalso gives us some information about the country of Cyrene where Simon wasfrom: Jews began migrating to Cyrene as early as the 3rd century BCE, primarilyunder Ptolemy I's policy to strengthen Cyrenaica, with further migrationsoccurring during the Roman period. The reasons for migration included politicalstrategies (Ptolemaic resettlement), economic opportunities (Cyrene'sprosperity and trade), religious connections (ties to Jerusalem), and, in laterperiods, escape from persecution or instability in other regions. By the timeof Simon of Cyrene in the 1st century CE, the Jewish community in Cyrene waswell-established, influential, and closely linked to Jerusalem, as evidenced bytheir synagogue and presence at major Jewish festivals. Cyrene was located inpresent day Libya next to Egypt. Itwas a part of the prisoner's humiliation that he carry his own cross to theplace of execution, so when Jesus left Pilate's hall, He was carrying eitherthe cross or the crossbeam (John 19:17). Apparently, He was unable to go on,for the soldiers had to "draft" Simon of Cyrene to carry the crossfor Him. (This was a legal Roman procedure. See Matt. 5:41.) When you considerall that Jesus had endured since His arrest in the Garden, it is not difficultto imagine Him falling under the load. But there is something more involved:carrying the cross was a sign of guilt, and our Lord was not guilty! Thousandsof Jews came to Jerusalem from other nations to celebrate the feasts (Acts2:5-11), and Simon was among them. He had traveled over 800 miles from Africato celebrate Passover, and now he was being humiliated on a most holy day! Whatwould he say to his family when he got home? But might have looked to Simon like a catastrophe turned out to be awonderful opportunity, for it brought him in contact with Jesus Christ. Simonprobably had come into the city of Jerusalem to attend the 9 a.m. prayermeeting in the temple, but got caught up in the crowd following Jesus to Hiscrucifixion. But God's providence place him in the right place at exactly theright time. It was then that the soldiers “compelled” him to carry the cross ofJesus. Wehave good reason to believe that Simon was converted because of this encounterwith Jesus. Mark identified him as "the father of Alexander andRufus" (Mark 15:21), two men that Mark assumed his Roman readers wouldknow. A Christian named Rufus was greeted by Paul in Romans 16:13, and it ispossible that he was the son of Simon of Cyrene. Apparently Simon and his twosons became well-known Christians who were held in honor in the church. BeforeSimon met Jesus, he had religion and devotion; but after he met Jesus, he hadreality and salvation. He did both a physical and spiritual "aboutface" that morning, and it transformed his life. God can still useunexpected and difficult situations, even humiliating situations, to bringpeople to the Savior. What is your story?
Series: N/AService: Sun AM WorshipType: SermonSpeaker: Kevin Kay
See sermon notes and more at stlukesumc.com/sermons Subscribe to receive our latest messages:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ2n... To support St. Luke's in our mission to be an open, antiracist, justice-seeking church, visit http://stlukesumc.com/give. We are an open community of Christians helping people find and give hope through Jesus Christ - regardless of their gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, nationality, disability or socioeconomic background. —— STAY CONNECTED Website: https://stlukesumc.com St. Luke's UMC Facebook: https://facebook.com/stlukesindy St. Luke's UMC Instagram: https://instagram.com/stlukesindy St. Luke's UMC TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@stlukesindy St. Luke's UMC Twitter: https://twitter.com/stlukesindy St. Luke's UMC YouTube: https://youtube.com/stlukesindy St. Luke's UMC Vimeo: http://vimeo.com/stlukesindy
1. An unexpected encounter2. A sanctified encounter3. A fruitful encounter
Experience the transformative journey of Simon of Cyrene, an ordinary man whose life changed forever when he was forced to carry Jesus's cross. From marketplace bystander to witness of the crucifixion, discover how this unexpected encounter impacted not only Simon but his entire family. Learn about faith, divine appointments, spiritual transformation, and the power of unexpected moments with God. This powerful message explores themes of conversion, family faith, spiritual growth, Christian discipleship, and God's perfect timing. Understanding cross bearing, following Jesus, spiritual awakening, and family ministry through the lens of Simon's extraordinary experience. Perfect for those seeking inspiration, spiritual guidance, or understanding of biblical narratives. Keywords: Simon of Cyrene, Jesus Christ, crucifixion, spiritual transformation, family faith, divine encounters, Christian living, biblical teaching, spiritual growth, cross bearing.
The Life of Jesus Christ in a Year: From the Visions of Anne Catherine Emmerich
Father Edward Looney reads and comments on The Life of Jesus Christ and Biblical Revelations: From the Visions of Anne Catherine Emmerich.Day 275Volume 4THE DOLOROUS PASSION AND DEATH OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRISTChapter 42: The Weeping Daughters of Jerusalem. Jesus' Fourth and Fifth Falls Beneath the Cross.Chapter 43: Jesus on Golgotha. The Sixth and Seventh Falls of Jesus. His Imprisonment.Chapter 44: Mary and the Holy Women Go to Golgotha.LEARN MORE - USE COUPON CODE ACE25 FOR 25% OFFThe Life of Jesus Christ and Biblical Revelations: From the Visions of Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich Four-Book Set - https://bit.ly/3QVreIsThe Dolorous Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ: From the Visions of Anne Catherine Emmerich - https://bit.ly/4bPsxRmThe Life and Revelations of Anne Catherine Emmerich Two-Book Set - https://bit.ly/3yxaLE5The Life of the Blessed Virgin Mary: From the Visions of Anne Catherine Emmerich - https://bit.ly/3wTRsULMary Magdalen in the Visions of Anne Catherine Emmerich - https://bit.ly/4brYEXbThe Mystical City of God Four-Book Set - https://bit.ly/44Q9nZbOur Lady of Good Help: Prayer Book for Pilgrims - https://bit.ly/3Ke6O9SThe Life of Jesus Christ in a Year: From the Visions of Anne Catherine Emmerich is a podcast from TAN that takes you through one of the most extraordinary books ever published. Follow along daily as Father Edward Looney works his way through the classic four-volume set, The Life of Jesus Christ and Biblical Revelations, by reading a passage from the book and then giving his commentary. Discover the visions of the famous 19th-century Catholic mystic, Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich, a nun who was privileged by God to behold innumerable events of biblical times.Anne Catherine's visions included the birth, life, public ministry, Crucifixion, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, as well as the founding of His Church. Besides describing persons, places, events, and traditions in intimate detail, she also sets forth the mystical significance of these visible realities. Here is the infinite love of God incarnate and made manifest for all to see, made all the more striking and vivid by the accounts Blessed Anne has relayed.Listen and subscribe to The Life of Jesus Christ in a Year: From the Visions of Anne Catherine Emmerich on your favorite podcast platform or at EmmerichPodcast.com.And for more great ways to deepen your faith, check out all the spiritual resources available at TANBooks.com and use Coupon Code ACE25 for 25% off your next order.
Part 2 in the sermon series, "In the Shadows"
Mar. 30 - 18 Hours: Simon of Cyrene | Emily Wright by WHPC
Join Fiona, Neil and Jen as they explore the Easter story from the point of view of some lesser known Bible characters. This episode is more devotional in format. You will hear the verses read three times with space to reflect, a short discussion and a prayer to conclude. This episode was produced by Fiona Stewart and engineered by Aimee Higgins. ------- Show Notes Easter 2025 resources from SBS. Join Neil, Jen and Fiona every fortnight on The Outspoken Bible podcast. ------- Get in touch by emailing outspoken@scottishbiblesociety.org.
The battle for the believer… “And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear His cross.” - Matthew 27:32 (KJV)
"The Carrying of the Cross”—3rd Sunday of Lent. Lenten preaching series: “The Way to Calvary” Fr. Steve will be preaching a 6-part homily series during Lent called "The Way to Calvary". Homilies will be posted on my website, www.FatherSteve.net. The series will contain the following topics: 1.) Judas and St. Peter 2.) The Agony in the Garden 3.) The Carrying of the Cross 4.) The Crucifixion, the Blessed Virgin Mary, & St. John 5.) Words from the Cross 6.) A Meditation on the Wounds of Jesus
God is orchestrating the circumstances of your life to bring you to a face to face encounter with Christ and his cross. His call is to follow him on his way, surrendered to the Father's will for the sake of the world. He will provide everything needed for you to see it through. Speaker: Sean … Continue reading Simon of Cyrene →
In this sermon, Pastor Nick Jones considers Simon of Cyrene's encounter with the cross and how it brought him from being a bystander to becoming a cross-bearer. Our guest, Nick Jones, is the Associate Director for Every Nation Campus North America. Subscribe to stay updated with the latest content from Grace City! CONNECT WITH GRACE CITY EUGENE HERE AT: - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gracecityeugene/ - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GraceCityEugene - Website: https://www.gracecityeugene.com
Simon of Cyrene was just passing by when Roman soldiers compelled him to carry Jesus' cross, forcing him to take a massive detour. How should we respond when things do not go as we expect?
Simon of Cyrene - Bystander to Cross-Bearer | The Cross Sermon Series | Week 3 | Ps Chris Chipeio by Every Nation Dorado
This week Pastor Neli lets Simon of Cyrene's story remind us that God can use even the briefest moments of obedience to create ripples of transformation. Just as Simon, an unexpected bystander, carried the cross for Jesus and became part of a greater story, so too can the everyday steps of faith and compassion you take be used by God to impact lives. Whether your role seems small or goes unnoticed, know that God is still writing your story, weaving it into His grand design. Trust Him to author your path, and step boldly into the purpose He has for you. 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. - Luke 23:26 (ESV)
Carrie Stephens
The Bible study given at Calvary Chapel Corvallis on Sunday, December 1, 2024.
Latte and Laundry: A home for Catholic women, moms, and hearts
Want to connect? Send me a quick message here!"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the day approaching." Hebrews 10:24-25.If this episode blessed you, I would be so honored if you shared it with a friend, rated it, or left us a review! Support the show!!If you want to come join our community and help support the show I'd be so blessed! www.patreon.com/latteandlaundrypodcastI always love to connect :suzanne@latteandlaundry.com
Today on Women of Grace, Johnnette talks about her morning rosary - being drawn to St SImon of Cyrene. We hear from a listener who is struggling due to infertility, along with a host of listeners who step in to encourage and help this woman, and embody the work of St Simon of Cyrene. Plus, a caller who tells of how he "died in 1969".
Today on Women of Grace, Johnnette talks about her morning rosary - being drawn to St Simon of Cyrene.
Latte and Laundry: A home for Catholic women, moms, and hearts
“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.” Luke 23:26. This week I explore the reality of watching another struggle under the weight of their cross. Perhaps, we are called to be "Simon" in the lives of those we love. Could Simon of Cyrene have known the pivotal part that he would play in the story of salvation? Relevant Radio:I'm now chatting monthly with John Morales on the Morning Air show on Relevant Radio! Can you believe it? Check out the showSample interview:https://omny.fm/shows/morning-air/why-of-the-faith-be-more-do-less?t=32m51sIf this episode blessed you, I would be so honored if you shared it with a friend, rated it, or left us a review! I always love to connect :suzanne @latteandlaundry.com
Featuring being at the right place at the right time, according to God's plan, from Mark 15:21. Don't forget to check out our website! https://treasurehuntpodcast.wixsite.com/realtreasure --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/treasurehuntintheword/message
It is Holy Week and for my christian brothers and sisters this week marks the culmination of our faith, the days in which Jesus Christ died and rose again. One year ago we released a pair of PICK UP THE SIX episodes, one with Catholic Priest (and Air Force chaplain) James Hamel, and the other with my friends Rob Renzi and Dom Raso, a former Navy SEAL. Our conversations centered around a man thrust into the story as Christ took his final steps. That man's name was Simon, and he in that moment had to pick up the six and help Jesus carry the weight of that cross. Here are both of those conversations. God bless, happy Holy Week, and happy Easter.
Are you struggling to help someone carry their cross? Let us help ease your burden. Dr. Greg and Lisa will help you solve your problems with relevant, relatable and achievable tools and solutions straight from the genius of the Theology of the Body.
Are you struggling to help someone carry their cross? Let us help ease your burden. Dr. Greg and Lisa will help you solve your problems with relevant, relatable and achievable tools and solutions straight from the genius of the Theology of the Body.
Apparently entering Jerusalem as part of the preparations for the Passover celebration, Simon of Cyrene finds himself caught up in a story that would involve the sacrifice the true Passover Lamb—and change the world as well as changing Simon's own family. WAYS TO LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE:
The unexpected help from Simon of Cyrene on the way to the cross gives vast insight into the message and method of God in ways we might not have considered.
The unexpected help from Simon of Cyrene on the way to the cross gives vast insight into the message and method of God in ways we might not have considered.
Long before His arrest, Jesus told His disciples that if they wanted to follow Him, they would have to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Him. It is doubtful the disciples fully understood what Jesus meant. Even two thousand years after His crucifixion, understanding what it means to bear Jesus' cross can be difficult. Join us for a series exploring the Cross Walk that leads to the Kingdom.