Stations of the Cross: Simon helps Jesus carry the Cross

Station Three

Simon helps Jesus carry the Cross

Luke 23:26

All: Dear Heavenly Father, let Your goodness lead us to repentance. Let the heart of a Father displayed for us on Calvary so overwhelm us that we can only turn to you, laying aside every weight, and the sin that clings so closely, and run with endurance the race set before us.

Leader: "Do not hide Your face from me; Do not turn Your servant away in anger; You have been my help; Do not leave me nor forsake me, O God of my salvation." (Psalms 27:9 NKJV)

Scourged, beaten, Jesus accepts help from a stranger. Heavenly Father, you  have

been our Helper from before time and forever. But not today. You left it to Simon to lighten Jesus' burden lest it be said that Jesus' sacrifice was somehow mitigated by Your mercy. So you became the man beaten by the side of the road. Today you let the “Samaritan” minister to You.

Silent prayer

All: Dear Heavenly Father, how You must have struggled to hold back Your hands as the weight of that cross drove Jesus to the ground. How much harder not to help than to help. But somehow Your love for me was even stronger than Your ache to lessen His load. I am that precious to You. I am that precious to You.

Chris Koelle is the illustrator of several books, including John Piper's JŌB, The History of Redemption, and The Book of Revelation graphic novel. His visual work also includes hand-crafted album artwork and design.
32 X 42  Graphite / digital / archival gicleé print on Somerset Velvet paper $600 
hi@chriskoelle.com / www.chriskoelle.com