Cross Bearer
Apr 2, 2026 | by Dr. Darren M. McClellan
As they went out, they came upon a man from Cyrene named Simon; they compelled this man to carry his cross.
—Matthew 27:32
Dear Friends,
Of all the spectators to the passion of Christ, Simon of Cyrene has always captured my attention. I’ll never know what he expected when he joined that crowd, or what else he might have had on his mental to-do list for later on in the day. But somehow, he was ready and willing to step up and play a significant role in this divine drama.
Frequently, I have prayed that my spirit would be that flexible in the midst of a crisis. We never know exactly when the Lord will ask us to carry his cross, but we are assured that it will happen at some point.
How do we respond? Sometimes I miss my chance. Other times I have to consider my options before I find clarity. I always try to count the cost.
How do we make sure that we are close enough to Him at that critical moment to notice His need? I am still learning how difficult it is to follow well while keeping my distance.
Many Easters ago at APUMC, Dr. Wesley H. Wachob stood in the pulpit and proclaimed, “do you know something? If Jesus Christ had not been raised from the dead, I wouldn’t be here. If Jesus Christ hadn’t been raised from the dead, I’d be at the beach. I’d be at the hunting camp. I’d be on the golf course. I’d be somewhere else where no one else could find me. If Jesus Christ hadn’t been raised from the dead, I wouldn’t bother with worship this morning.
But he did…so I’m here.”
Some of you remember that Sunday, too. God bless that memory. It still rings true!
I hope to see you this Sunday, come rain or come shine.
Darren
Let me be Simon of Cyrene,
and carry your cross,
and embrace my death.
Draw me to bear the weight of it,
to walk with you in your suffering,
not a spectator but a companion
yoked with you under the cross.
Jesus, let me come into your life:
your miracles, your suffering,
your prayer, your death,
your rising.
A poem by Steve Garnaas-Holmes