Day 3

Listen to the Podcast

Join us for Day 3 of Journey to the Cross as we remember the faithfulness of Jesus as he suffered alone. 

In all of His divnity and supremacy as our Saviour, Jesus also willingly identified with us in His suffering. He understood the pain of abandonment and rejection from those He loved, and He still delights in comforting us through these feelings today. 

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.” Hebrews 14:15-16

Scripture Reading: Psalm 31

Because of all my enemies, I am the utter contempt of my neighbors and an object of dread to my closest friends—those who see me on the street flee from me.

And from the Gospel of Mark chapter 14
Then everyone deserted him(Jesus) and fled..

Gospel Reading: Mark 15

They compelled a passer-by, who was coming in from the country, to carry his cross; it was Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus.

Reflection Time

In Gethsemane, the disciples couldn’t stay awake with Jesus. Following His arrest, they scattered in fear. And then as Jesus walked the road to Calvary, the feeling of abandonment must have intensified as His strength failed, and His only assistance came not from a loved one, but from a stranger and foreigner, compelled to help.

Questions for Reflection

Think of a time when you have been abandoned or betrayed. No doubt the pain is easy to remember.

Now consider a time when you have abandoned Jesus out of fear. Picture Him, still walking up the hill to take your sin upon Him.

Many scholars believe Simon’s son Rufus was a member of the early church of Christ.
Do you think Simon, too, came to believe Jesus is the Messiah? He would have been close enough to hear Jesus’ ragged breathing, would have seen Him stumble, would have had Jesus’ blood on His hands and clothes. He had been made to identify with Jesus in His suffering. 

But here we see the sinless Christ willingly identified with us. What is your response to this?

Take a moment to consider everything Jesus gave up so He could gain salvation for you. Pray a prayer of thanksgiving and adoration to Him.