Matthew 27:32 New International Version (NIV)
The Crucifixion of Jesus
32 As they were going out, they met a man from Cyrene, named Simon, and they forced him to carry the cross.
You ever have one of those moments in which you ask, “What did I do?” Being in the wrong place at the wrong time is difficult. I am sure in the beginning Simon of Cyrene probably had one of those moments.
In the back of Mark, we get a little more of the story. In Chapter 15 Verse 21 it says that Simon was coming from the countryside. To me, he was minding his own business when he comes along to a parade of people walking alongside just another crucifixion.
This past year, I was able to go and see the AFC Championship game with the Chiefs and the Titans. It was a great game and the Chiefs won. After the game there were a few Titan fans there, and I noticed these two guys wearing Titan jerseys. Just two innocent men just trying to leave the game. Next this you know, a group of Chief’s fans were trying to pick a fight. This was one of those wrong place at the wrong time moments. But, helping them out would be a right place at the right time event.
Now, the Bible does not give us any of the answers about Simon and his wrong place at the wrong time moment, but I think Simon was impacted by Jesus. Jesus was beaten so badly, blood was everywhere. Simon had to look into his eyes. I believe Simon saw Jesus’ love and compassion. Maybe it was not a wrong place and wrong time for Simon, but a day of salvation for him. His name was put in the Bible for carrying Jesus’ cross. A wrong time and the wrong place could be a right time and a right place. We never know when we could be there for another person. Make it a right time and a right place.
Strength and Courage
Michael
