It will soon be Easter, but let’s not rush too quickly to the story of Jesus’ resurrection. Let’s walk with
Him oward the cross, let’s listen to the words He spoke, let’s contemplate His suffering and allow our souls to
feel the sorrow of His death. Easter falls late on the calendar this year, so let’s take time to remember all Jesus
endured to become our Savior.
Several people played small but important roles in Jesus’ passion, including some whose names are not
recorded in scripture, like the centurion who was moved by watching Jesus die and the criminal who professed
faith as he was crucified next to Jesus. Then, there were three people whose stories teach us about our Savior
and what it means to follow Him. We do know their names.
The first and most enigmatic was Barabbas. During the Passover festival, Roman authorities often released
a Jewish prisoner to show good-will to the people of Jerusalem. As Jesus stood on trial, Pilate initially
wanted to release Him, but the crowd insisted that Barabbas be released instead. Barabbas was a rebel and a
murderer. Those who opposed Jesus preferred to save Barabbas and condemn Jesus.
Pilate eventually agreed, and Barabbas was set free in place of Jesus. A violent criminal and condemned
sinner was released, and Jesus was put to death.
We believe Jesus’ death saves us. He died in our place. He took the punishment for our sin. Jesus suffered
and died so we don’t have to. Like Barabbas, we are set free.
Then, there was Simon of Cyrene. He happened to be walking into Jerusalem just as the Roman soldiers
led Jesus out of the city to be crucified. They stopped Simon and ordered him to carry Jesus’ cross.
We don’t know why they chose Simon or if he had ever met Jesus before that moment. We do know
that he carried the cross behind Jesus, helping our Savior bear that terrible burden on the way to His life-giving
death. All four Gospels record Simon’s name, so it’s fair to assume he became known by the early church and
perhaps even became a believer.
Simon did in a literal, physical way what Jesus asks all His followers to do: carry the cross and follow
Him. We serve Jesus in obedience, sometimes even suffering for the sake of His name. We follow where He
leads, going often into places of need and sorrow. Like Simon, we carry the cross faithfully, remembering that
Jesus suffered even greater pain and sorrow.
Third, we read about Joseph of Arimathea who buried Jesus’ body. Joseph was a follower of Jesus and
what he did for our Lord’s body was an act of faith. It was also an act of courage. Joseph sat on the ruling
council of religious leaders, the same group that put Jesus on trial and sent Him to Pilate to be executed.
After Jesus died on the cross, Joseph asked Pilate for His body so he could bury it in accordance with
Jewish custom. Joseph showed love for his Savior despite what his peers would think of him. Like Joseph, we
stand up for Jesus when others reject Him. We tell His story and profess faith even in the face of persecution
or ridicule. We love Jesus no matter the cost.
I hope you will take time to read the story of Jesus’ suffering and death. Walk with Him to the cross
and give thanks for God’s saving grace. Then, your heart will be ready for Easter morning as we rejoice in the
resurrection.
