Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
What Simon does is more than what he says. I was in the fifth grade (1965) when Sidney Poitier was cast as Simon of Cyrene in “The Greatest Story Ever Told,” directed by George Stevens.
Consequently, isn’t it amazing how life gives us the opportunities to love and show compassion toward others. And isn’t it amazing how many times we miss those opportunities. How many times do we sit in judgement and call it out as if it is God’s way. Hence, we must ask, “Does this celebrate and represent that the compassionate one?”
The Gospels of Luke 23:26, Matthew 27:32-33, and Mark 15:21 mentions a very special character whose name is Simon. As the soldiers led him (Jesus) 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. A large number of people followed him, including women who mourned and wailed for him, Luke 23:26-43 NIV. Poitier’s portrayal certainly is that of a passionate character.
Simon of Cyrene – Simon, rise up and go forth.
The background of Simon is not fully recorded in the Scriptures. However, one important detail is that his sons, Rufus and Alexander, were disciples. They were followers of Jesus. What a story that these sons must have heard directly from their father concerning Christ’s crucifixion. Simon, could testify that “I was there.”
What Simon Says
It is easy to say what you may have done under Simon’s circumstances. Hindsight is a wonderful thing. But when you are going through, you must exhibit faith. Simon can say, “I was there at a time. My faith prevailed.”
Moreover, today, if I had the opportunity to sit at my table with Simon, I would want to hear and learn from his experience -because he was there. “First, Simon, I want to know how you encouraged your sons not to give up as servant leaders under such world conditions?” Second, what were your thoughts toward Jesus as you were compelled to carry that cross? Third, how did your life change as a result of this experience? Despite this, are you encourage even by what you see or now know? Finally, what do you think of the way history represents you?
A Legacy
I would like to think that I could have rose to the challenge as Simon did. The fact is, I don’t know. What I do know is that it would take Jesus to get me through. Today, there are those who has called out Simon as a pagan fellow. This, of course, is quite a different portrayer in the film, The Passion of the Christ. Ironically, this would be somewhat against the grain for a father of two followers of Jesus.
In the film, Simon is a Jew. The Romans forced him to carry the cross of Jesus. But it is Simon’s compassion that we must remember. The Scripture tells of this compassion. Moreover, today, because of his compassion, a number of organizations have taken their name in honor of Simon, the compassionate one.
The Stain
The physical stains did not compare to the spiritual stain. Perhaps Simon can witness that there is no detergent or substance that can wash away the dirty stains in our lives. Undoubtedly, there are some dirty stains in our lives that we are so glad that only God knows. In fact, we are so glad that we do not have to reveal such things in man’s “open court.”
The Response
Verily, I believe that Simon would make a compelling witness about the stain of the cross. The definition of stain is a dirty mark that is not easy to remove. Furthermore, we all have stains. Have you ever tried to remove a stain (s)? Did you switch to different substances and still the stain was unremovable? I have. For true believers of Christ, we know that the shed blood of Jesus removed the stain of sin and death. Which means, sin can not hold you hostage.
The Portrayal of Simon
The portrayal of Simon by Poitier is a reflection of who we often think we are. Compassion was his way. Even though we want compassion, we should first show compassion. Yes, showing compassion takes love and listening. These are the things that Jesus exhibited.
Even your assignment and my assignment must lead us to a compassion and love that exemplifies His best. On any day, Simons and Simonettes, must show up. The weight of any load can be lighter when we choose to show up and help.
How Compassionate ?
How compassionate should we be? Generally, do you really want God to shed the light upon all your stains? Perhaps now. Emphatically, I believe you prefer the new mercy that you received for this day? I know that I do.
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