Have you ever had one of those conversations that divides your life into “before” and “after”? A midnight family crisis, an unexpected diagnosis, or that promising one-to-one meeting with your boss that suddenly becomes a redundancy conversation.
You had your week planned, your goals set, and suddenly – without your permission – you are carrying a heavy, frightening weight you never asked for.
Usually, when we hear the word “stewardship” in church, our minds immediately go to offering plates, spreadsheets, and annual budgets. But what if true, biblical stewardship is about far more than managing our money? What if stewardship also includes how we manage the heavy, unexpected burdens that derail our carefully planned lives?
No one understands this better than Simon of Cyrene.
A Father on a Journey
When we read Simon’s story in the Bible, we quickly realise he was not a famous disciple or recognised hero. He was simply an ordinary man – a father from North Africa who had travelled a long distance to Jerusalem for the Passover.
The Gospel of Mark tells us he was merely “coming out of the country and passing by” (Mark 15:21, NKJV). He was likely tired, navigating a noisy and crowded street.
Then suddenly, he walked into the darkest moment in human history.
Jesus was being led to Golgotha, physically shattered and collapsing under the weight of a massive wooden cross. The Roman soldiers needed someone strong enough to carry it. Their eyes fell on Simon.
Luke 23:26 tells us they “seized him” and forced him to carry the cross.
Simon did not volunteer. His plans, his strength, and even his dignity were suddenly commandeered. Without warning, he was forced to steward a burden connected to the suffering of the Messiah.
The Cost of Compassion
Ellen G White provides a moving insight in The Desire of Ages. She suggests Simon was not chosen randomly – he was singled out because he showed compassion while others mocked.
Because he paused to show empathy, the soldiers forced the cross upon him.
What began as humiliation, however, became transformation.
Ellen White notes that Simon’s sons were already believers, but Simon himself had not yet embraced faith. Walking step by step behind a bleeding Saviour changed him.
She writes that the bearing of the cross to Calvary became a blessing to Simon, leading him to willingly take up the cross of Christ.
What We Do with the Weight
Simon’s experience reshapes our understanding of stewardship.
Stewarding our interruptions: When our plans are disrupted because someone needs help, it may be an opportunity to bear another person’s burden.
Stewarding our strength: Each of us has resources – time, compassion, skills, or simply the willingness to listen – that can lighten the load for others.
Stewarding our pain: Sometimes the very burdens we struggle to carry bring us closer to Jesus.
An Invitation to Follow
Simon of Cyrene had no choice. He was compelled to carry the cross.
But Jesus extends an invitation to us: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me” (Matthew 16:24, NIV).
Taking up the cross is an act of stewardship. It means entrusting our lives, struggles, and ambitions to God.
During the Easter season, as we reflect on Christ’s death and resurrection, we are reminded of the God who loved the world so much that He gave His only Son (John 3:16).
Simon was forced to carry the cross. But we are invited.
Will you take up the cross today?