The crucifixion of Jesus was a public event carried out in public beside a public road. Even though it was a gruesome way to die, many people were at the cross. Some were there as part of their job; others were there as passers-by and others there because they had a connection to Jesus. As we think about people who were at the cross, we can find numerous lessons and maybe even personally identify with one of those present.
Simon of Cyrene – When the mock trial was over early on the crucifixion day, the soldiers left the praetorian with Jesus “bearing His own cross” (John 19:17; Matthew 27:31). “As they were coming out, they found a man of Cyrene named Simon, whom they pressed into service to bear His cross” (Matthew 27:32). Luke adds these details. “They seized a man, Simon of Cyrene, coming in from the county, and placed on him the cross to carry behind Jesus” (23:26).
The common thought today is that they had to get someone to carry Christ’s cross because He fell under the weight of it. It would have been heavy and Jesus should have been in a weakened condition from being scourged and up all night. But, no where in the Bible does it say that Jesus fell because of the weight and had to have someone else carry His cross.
Because the Jews were under the authority of the Roman Empire, soldiers had the right to demand anyone to carry the soldier’s burden for a mile (Matthew 5:41). For whatever reason, the soldiers could have invoked this law. We just don’t know why Simon was commanded to carry the cross of Christ.
Mark gives the most intriguing information about this event. He wrote that Simon was “the father of Alexander and Rufus” (15:21). Why would he say that? When one writes or speaks and mentions the name of someone without giving the reason for mentioning them, it is because the people to whom he is writing or speaking, knows the connection.
It is agreed by most scholars that Mark wrote to the Romans. Interestingly, when Paul wrote his letter to the Romans he said, “Greet Rufus, a choice man in the Lord, also his mother and mine” (16:13). Was this the “Rufus” to which Mark referred? Rufus became a Christian and his mother had such an influence in Paul’s life that he said she was just like a mother to him.
Does that mean that Simon became a Christian? It might! Think about that for a moment. Simone was from Cyrene, a city in north Africa, hundreds of miles from Jerusalem. At just the moment Simon entered Jerusalem from that far-away city, he was called upon to carry the cross of Christ. Simon was probably coming to Jerusalem because it was the Passover period of time and just by the providence of God, he carried the cross. Maybe that made such a big impact on him that he became a follower of Christ.
Is your connection with Christ due to some providential event that God put in your life?
A Large Crowd of People – After Luke wrote about Simon carrying the cross, he also said, “And following Him was a large crowd of the people” (23:27). That is not surprising because during the Passover time, the population of Jerusalem swelled to about two million people. This crowd probably had no idea what was happening. They probably didn’t realize that this man, Jesus, was going to be crucified so that they could be restored to fellowship with God. That scene describes today’s events so vividly. Millions of people today are rushing through life not realizing that Jesus died for them! Are you one of those who has not yet realized the importance of Christ’s death?
Women Who Were Mourning – In contrast to the people who were rushing by Luke noted a great contrast when he wrote, “Women who were mourning and lamenting Him” (23:27). These were some who had already made a connection with Jesus. They were grieving!
Isn’t it remarkable that even though Jesus was in such terrible shape because of the beatings He had endured, He took notice of those who were mourning? That is the kind of God we serve – a compassionate one who is concerned for the well-fare of others!
Jesus not only noticed their concern, He responded to them (23:28-31). He tells them that as bad as it was that day, it was going to be worse in the future. He probably had reference to the sorrow and heartache that was going to befall people when Jerusalem was destroyed by the Romans in 70 A.D.
Are you a person who weeps and mourns because of the death Jesus had to die?
Two Criminals – Among Christian people the person who is most remembered for being at the cross is one called “the thief on the cross” but there was another one and both were hurling insults at Jesus (Matthew 27:44). There is so much to be said about the thief who was saved that will lead to a separate article soon. But, to make a brief point, both robbers were in the presences of Christ, and both could have been saved. The sad fact is that only one chose to believe in Jesus and be saved.
Again, what an accurate picture of thousands of people today. Many are hearing the gospel preached to them, but only a few are willing to submit to the commands of Christ and be saved. No doubt as soon as the other thief’s soul entered torment, he regretted the decision he had made (See Luke 16:19-31 as an example).
Are you one who has been taught the gospel, but for some reason you have rejected Christ’s great invitation (Matthew 11:28-30; Revelation 3:20). If you are reading this, it’s not too late to change your decision.
Soldiers at the Cross – Roman soldiers usually worked in groups of four. There seems to have been four assigned to crucify Jesus. To them, this was just “another day at the office.” They drove the nails through His hands and feet, lifted up the cross and let it fall into the hole in the ground and then sat at the foot of the cross to watch Him die. As a reward, they “took His outer garments and made four parts, a part to every soldier and also the tunic; now the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece. So they said to one another, ‘Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it, to decide whose it shall be’; this was to fulfill the Scripture” (John 19:23-24).
The man on the cross meant nothing to them. All they were thinking about is the gain of another garment. Seeing Him suffer and die did not touch their emotions. Seeing men die was a common occurrence for them.
Unfortunately, for many people today, their only connection to Jesus is “What physical blessing is in it for me today?” They take all the physical goods they can from the church and from Christian people without ever expressing appreciation and without the generosity of Christians leading them to Christ.
Everyone in the world is either a giver or a taker. Which are you?
“People at the Cross – to be continued.”
Wayne Burger
