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Journey to the Cross

Mark 15:21 A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross.

This verse brings so many questions to mind.  What must Simon have been thinking as he carried Jesus' cross?  Why did the soldiers force him to carry it in the first place?  How far did he carry the cross?  Why is this mentioned in three accounts, but it is only one sentence in each?  What are we to learn from this statement? For me it is the symbol of what we do during the season of Lent.  We walk alongside Jesus and carry the cross.  It is the one way for us to get a glimpse of what it must have been like for Jesus to walk that road.  We are fortunate and so very loved that we will never have to experience this for ourselves.  During this time before Easter, I find myself pondering the depth of love Jesus has for each of us and the incredible pain that he endured so that we never would.  It seems almost unfathomable at times, that someone loves me that much.  As you journey through Lent with Jesus, take time to notice the incredible sacrifice he endured for you.  May you feel the love he showed for you when he completed the journey of the cross.

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