385. MAT 27:32. SIMON OF CYRENE

Mat_27:32. Simon of Cyrene

"And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear the cross."’97Mat_27:32

The day of Christ’s death, and Easter, or the day of his resurrection, may be easily and correctly ascertained. These events being connected with the great annual festival of the Jewish passover, removes all doubt and difficulty in the matter. It is very different as to the period of Christ’s birth, although it is certain it was not on our 25th of December, as kept. But whether in September or October, cannot be decided. The subject of which this day reminds us, is of the greatest possible moment. It is the basis of the whole super structure of our religion. It is the great centre of the Christian system Without it, we have no redemption; for we have no redemption except in his blood, even the forgiveness of sins. This theme should be the leading one in our thoughts and contemplations. It is ever important, and ever interesting. We can consider only some one point within the limits of a discourse.

I. Lee us contemplate the Condition of the Saviour.

II. The Circumstances stated respecting Simon.

And,

III. The Instructions suggested by the Whole.

I. Let us contemplate the Condition of the Saviour.

1. Jesus had been condemned to die.

The history of this mock trial is familiar to all of you. Innocence had been associated with all that was vile. The prince of peace had been falsely accused of sedition; and the devotional Jesus had been treated as a blasphemer; and he, whose life had been expended in miracles of mercy, was declared to be the common enemy of man, and not worthy to live.

2. Christ had been condemned to die by crucifixion.

This was a Roman punishment, and was associated with all that was shameful and excruciating. None but the very basest were ever put to death in this way. Beheading was the common mode of Roman punishment. In this, then, Christ was reduced to the level of the vilest Roman slave; and thus it was intended that perpetual infamy should be connected with his name. It was a cruel and excruciating death. It sometimes happened that life was not extinct for days. It is said that Andrew lived two days upon the cross. Now, only think of the muscles torn by nails driven through the most tender parts of the hands and feet. Then of the succeeding inflammation and burning fever, scorching up all the moisture of the body, until delirium and death ensued. Now, this was the death to which Christ was adjudged.

3. Christ was now on the way to crucifixion.

As such, it was common for the transverse beam, or cross, to be laid upon the shoulders of the criminal, so that the spectators might consider the criminal as the sole cause of his infamy and death. However this might apply generally, it was utterly inappropriate on this occasion. Ever Pilate had found no fault in Jesus; and had attested his innocence by washing his hands before all the people. On his sacred shoulders, however, they had laid the cross; and it is obvious, he had borne it for some distance, when it became evident he could sustain it no longer. Nature was exhausted, and he fainted beneath the load. Doubtless, his enemies feared he might die before they reached Golgotha, and that they might be deprived of the horrid scene fox which they so maliciously thirsted. Need you wonder that Jesus fainted? Just take a retrospect of the twelve preceding hours. Go back to the room where Jesus was sitting with his disciples, around the sacramental board. Follow him into the garden of Gethsemane’97think of his unutterable agony there. See him prostrate on the ground, &c. Then see him rudely dragged to the hall of the highpriest, where he is buffeted, and smitten, and mocked. Then see him led to Pilate, from thence to Herod and back again to Pilate, overpowered by the clamors of the people. See Pilate giving him up to be crucified. Behold what succeeded, Mat_27:27. And after this train of sorrows both of soul and body, do you wonder that he could sustain the cross no further? Now, this leads us,

II. To consider the Circumstances stated respecting Simon.

Simon was a native of Cyrene, a chief city of North Africa. Most likely he was a Jewish proselyte and had come to the annual festival at Jerusalem. It appears, that accidentally he met the cavalcade ascending the hill of Calvary; and, at once they seize him, and compel him to bear the cross of Jesus. But why did they compel him to bear the cross? Because, none could do so without being branded with ignominy; and the lowest soldier would have felt himself irreparably degraded by it. The Romans dared not seize a Jew, and even Simon could not have been bribed to the task; seeing, however, from his color, that he belonged to the race doomed to be the servants of servants, they seized him; and only by the power of the glittering spears was this African forced into this degrading service. Now, let us consider,

III. What are the Instructions suggested by the Whole.

1. We see in the death of Jesus the great antitype of the ancient sacrifices.

No sacrifice so completely pointed to the death of Christ as the passover. The victim’97its being roasted with fire; its being eaten with bitter herbs, &c, all pointed to Christ, &c. So also the scapegoat, on the great day of expiation, was led into the wilderness by the hand of any man they met with; and that it was generally a foreigner. So here Jesus, when going forth to bear the sins of the world, had his cross borne by Simon, the Cyrene.

2. We see Providence overruling events, so as to secure the divine glory.

It was necessary that Christ should have aid. Here a bearer of the cross is provided. Besides, it seems clear that it was the means of Simon’s conversion. His office brought him into direct contact with Jesus, and the miracles accompanying the crucifixion. He saw, and heard, and felt, as the centurion did, who exclaimed, "Truly this was the Son of God." His sons, Alexander and Rufus, are often mentioned with Christian honor. How diversified are the ways of Providence! "God moves in a mysterious way," &c.

3. Every Christian must be a crossbearer, and have fellowship with the sufferings of Christ.

"If any man will be my disciple," &c. "If ye suffer with him," &c. See Heb_19:12-13.

"Shall Simon bear the cross alone,

And all the rest go free?

No! Christ has a cross for every one,

He has a cross for me."

4. Let the sinner learn the only way of salvation.

Christ has died for our sins, &c. "Whosoever believeth in him," &c. We have all we need in him. Ease from his toil. Health from his wounds. Honor from his shame. Life from his death; and salvation from him who was made a curse for us, &c.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS