Simon of Cyrene is mentioned in three of the four Gospels as the man who was compelled to carry Jesus’ cross on the way to Golgotha. His account is brief, yet deeply significant in Christ’s crucifixion. The Gospel accounts are as follows:
Matthew 27:32 – “Now as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name. Him they compelled to bear His cross.”
Mark 15:21 – “Then they compelled a certain man, Simon a Cyrenian, the father of Alexander and Rufus, as he was coming out of the country and passing by, to bear His cross.”
Luke 23:26 – “Now as they led Him away, they laid hold of a certain man, Simon, a Cyrenian, who was coming from the country, and on him they laid the cross that he might bear it after Jesus.”
Simon was from Cyrene, a city in North Africa (modern-day Libya), which had a large Jewish population. This means he was likely in Jerusalem for the Passover feast, like many Jews who traveled from distant lands to celebrate. His encounter with Jesus was unexpected and forced upon him by Roman soldiers, yet it has deep spiritual implications.
Why Did Simon Carry the Cross?
The Roman practice of crucifixion required the condemned to carry their own crossbeam (patibulum) to the place of execution. But Jesus, already severely beaten, scourged, and weakened, struggled under the weight of the cross. The Roman soldiers, unwilling to slow the execution process, compelled Simon to carry it for Him.
This moment is significant because:
It showed Jesus’ physical suffering – Even God the Son, in His humanity, endured extreme weakness for our sake.
It fulfilled prophecy – Isaiah 53:4-5 states, “Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows… But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities.”
It became a symbol of discipleship – Simon literally did what Jesus commands all His followers to do: “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” (Matthew 16:24)
Who Were Alexander and Rufus?
Mark’s Gospel mentions that Simon was the father of Alexander and Rufus (Mark 15:21). This suggests that Simon’s family became well-known in the early Christian community.
Paul later writes in Romans 16:13, “Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine.” Some believe this Rufus is Simon’s son, meaning Simon’s family may have become devoted followers of Christ after this event.
Could Simon Have Been a Black Man?
Since Cyrene was in North Africa, some believe Simon may have been of African descent. This is uncertain, as Cyrene had both Jewish and Gentile populations. However, if he was a Black man, his inclusion in the Passion narrative highlights the universality of Christ’s mission—salvation is for people of all nations.
My Final Thoughts
Simon of Cyrene was a bystander caught in the most critical moment of all time. Though he did not volunteer to carry the cross, he unknowingly became part of God’s redemptive plan. His example is a powerful picture of discipleship: sometimes, following Christ can seem as a burden, but it always leads to glory.
Simon may have begun as an unwilling participant, but by the end, he had carried the very cross of salvation. What started as a burden became an eternal blessing.
