8. Simon carries cross. Luke 23:26

26 As the soldiers led him away, they seized Simon from Cyrene, who was on his way in from the country, and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus.

“SIMON TOOK UP THE CROSS…”

Wooden cross

John and Gayle Rose

We all want to follow Jesus. Then, sometimes, we become aware of just exactly what that means. To take up the cross, to follow Him, is just as easy as picking up this heavy timber. Even if we are able to physically lift this off the ground, there is more to it than that.

Just as He sacrificed his life for us, we have to give up something, and even many things in some cases. There are other burdens we carry, other things that get in our way of being able to take up His cross.

What is it that is in your way from being able to follow Him? If you care to, take a moment to identify what is in the way. Write it down. Nail it to the cross. Leave it behind. You just might find the cross becomes even lighter as you place more burden on it.

- John and Gayle Rose