Matthew 27:32-35

Matthew 27:32-35

And while going out, they found a Cyrenian man by the name Simon.  They pressed this one into service in order that he should carry His cross.  And after arriving in the place being named Golgatha – that which is spoken of as the Place of the Skull – to Him they gave wine while being mixed with gall to drink.  And after tasting it He did not desire to drink it.  And after crucifying Him they divided His outer clothing while casting lots.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

I think we have another place of hidden irony.  Simon Peter – Jesus’ disciple – had proclaimed that He would never leave Jesus, even if he had to die with Him.  Yet we know that Peter fled in the garden and even denied being a part of Jesus’ circle of influence.  Yet here we find that there is indeed a Simon who does actually carry the cross up for Jesus.  It isn’t Simon Peter, but it is a Simon!  Yes, I realize that Simon is a fairly common name, but I also think that this is another place that we can find the subtle influence of God.  God could have had those soldiers draft anybody into service.  But their choice was a man named Simon.  A Simon from a foreign land, even!  Only God could have brought Simon from Cyrene to this moment in time to figuratively take the place of Simon Peter.  God’s hand is subtly here at work, if we are willing to look.

Are you amazed at how many places you can see the subtle influence of God?  Do any of these small influences prove anything on their own?  Why is their power fully realized only when we take them all together and see God at work?

Second Thought:

Two customary acts happen as the crucifixion draws near.  Jesus is offered a drink designed to numb His senses.  Jesus refuses the drink.  He desires to choose obedience to the Father in full control of His faculties.  The soldiers also cast lots for His clothing.  This was to be their share of the crucifixion process.  They were obedient to that roll as well.  While Jesus went to the cross to give of Himself for the sake of others, the soldiers gathered around Him and only thought of their own benefit.  In this death of an innocent man we have such a perfect picture of the self-centeredness of the human.  They do not even realize what they are doing!

Is it important to you that Jesus was crucified without taking the drink designed to make the process easier to bear?  Have you ever been like the soldiers: so quick to take what you can get for yourself that you don’t even think of the cost to the one who gave it to you?

Third Thought:

I’ve always been amazed by something whenever I read through the actual parts about the crucifixion.  I’m amazed at how little attention is put on the actual process of crucifixion.  Here’s the sum total of what Matthew tells us.  The soldiers beat Him, strip Him, dress Him in a robe, mock Him, spit on Him, re-dress Him in His own clothes, get Simon to carry His cross, and crucify Him.  We aren’t told how they beat Him, or how many times they beat Him, or how bloody His body was, or how many times He stumbled along the way, or how much He groaned in agony, or even exactly how they crucified Him.  {Ever get into a “ropes” vs. “nails in the wrist” vs. “nails in the hand” discussion?}  Unfortunately, we as human beings tend to put the emphasis upon Jesus’ pain.  I know I’m certainly guilty of that!  But to the Gospel writers, the focus wasn’t on how much He suffered.  To the Gospel writers, the focus was the crucifixion as atonement.  We don’t hear about how much Jesus suffered because it’s simply not the main point of the story.  Yes, He suffered.  There is no doubt that He suffered.  But the main point of the story is that this is God’s plan.  The main point of the story is Jesus’ obedience to the Father, not his pain as He endured the brutality of mankind.

Why is it important to remember what the main point of the story is?  Why do human beings like to dwell on the more gory aspects or even the pain and suffering?

Passage for Tomorrow: Matthew 27:36-40