It was a day much like today when we arrived in Jerusalem for the Passover. It was a journey that would change our lives and those of many others for centuries to come. Father wanted my brother Alexander and I to join him in this annual celebration. We came from Cyrene – a thriving trade community founded some 600 years ago by the Greeks. Even though Father reminded us that we still had many lessons ahead, we were already grown men with families of our own. The journey from Cyrene, spanned over seven hundred miles. We had to set out a good month in advance to make it in time. As you know, long family journeys can eventually get on your nerves. Not only was it difficult traveling by land, but there were the usual problems of stopping to mend a broken wheel or getting additional water for the mules and us – not to mention sharing close quarters with each other for a long time.

When we arrived, we found a city full of people from foreign lands. I was amazed at the diversity – the many languages – the food. We arrived just in time to witness three men being led out of the city to be executed. Part of their punishment was to carry the weight of the instrument which would eventually take their lives. We knew about Roman oppression and their brutal customs, but this was almost too much. One of the men wore a crown woven with thorns which pierced through his skin. He was dressed in a seamless robe of crimson. We later discovered that he claimed to be the King of the Jews. We heard from those following the parade, that He’d been arrested, tried, tortured, set before both Jewish and Roman courts, was sentenced, denied, betrayed and abandoned by those he called friends. This all happened within hours. Now he was on his way to die along with two thieves.

Prior to this, he’d been mocked, smitten, beaten and bloodied. In spite of wounds resulting from severe scourging, he managed to carry his cross. His hair was matted with blood mixed with sweat. His eyes were swollen, his face bruised and flesh hung from his open wounds. He was pestered by insects buzzing incessantly around him. He continued on without complaint, until he could no longer carry the weight of his cross. A Roman guard came to the crowd. His eyes landed on Alexander and me but moved swiftly to our father. There was no questioning Roman soldiers. My father obeyed, but I think he would have taken the task upon himself anyway. My brother and I followed the crowd and watched as our father carried the burden of the willing lamb being led to the slaughter.

What followed was a gruesome scene. The crowd that once praised and honored Jesus, had now deserted him. They scattered as the skies opened and tears from Jehovah poured down . The earth shook and we later learned that the heavy temple curtain and been torn in two. A soldier pierced the side of the dead man and his body was carried off to be buried. The experience didn’t end there. Our father, Simon was saturated with the blood from the cross he carried to Golgotha. We encouraged him to come with us and change into clean clothing, but he didn’t seem to mind being covered in the blood of Jesus.

A few days later we returned home. The events following the death of Jesus would demonstrate that he’d conquered death. He came back to life and was seen by many. It was a promise fulfilled to perfection. We saw the unselfish compassion of one man who loved the world so much, he took on the pain we should’ve suffered. His death provided the necessary payment for our redemption. We went home to share the good news with our countrymen. That news would spread like wildfire. Our sins are forgiven, because of the lamb who has been slain for our iniquities. Hosanna to the King of Kings.

This short story ends my series on some of the characters that may have lived during the time Jesus walked the earth. The story of Simon of Cyrene can be found in the Bible in the accounts of the crucifixion of Jesus. Through these short stories, I’ve learned a lot about the history of that time. I’ve discovered much about the diversity of people, their habits, occupations, lifestyle and much more. Most of the stories I’ve shared are fiction, but some are taken from the actual story of the passion. I hope you’ve enjoyed this walk with me. Jesus was a human being, just like you and me. He was also the Son of God in flesh who came to abolish sin and promise us eternal life after death. God loves us so much, he gave the ultimate sacrifice.