Sermons

This passage deals with the event in which, as Jesus carried the cross toward the hill of Golgotha, Simon of Cyrene, who happened to be there, was compelled by Roman soldiers to carry the cross. Simon had come to Jerusalem to keep the Passover and was caught up in a sudden situation that made him share in Jesus' suffering, and along the way he gradually came to understand Jesus' endurance and the meaning of his atonement.

The sermon points out that the cross Simon was compelled to carry became the occasion that opened his spiritual eyes and led him to meet Jesus as Savior. Though it began in fear and against his will, Simon, having witnessed Jesus' death firsthand and experienced the resurrection, was changed into a devoted believer, and his family too became a household of deep faith, greatly loved by the apostle Paul. This shows how an event that seemed like chance, contrary to human intentions, can lead within God's plan to remarkable blessing and spiritual change.

We must meditate deeply on what grace comes when, like Simon, rather than moving according to our own will or circumstances, we take on the suffering and mission God has prepared, even unwillingly, and obey. Today's passage asks how great a blessing returns to a life that keeps an unchanging faith even in the face of the world's temptations and fears, and carries out the mission God has given.

This passage deals with the scene in which the Roman governor Pilate puts Jesus on trial. The Jewish leaders give false testimony and press Pilate in order to have Jesus put to death, and Pilate, fearing a riot, finally hands down the sentence to crucify the innocent Jesus. Through all of this, Jesus keeps silent to the end instead of defending his innocence or pleading his case.

The sermon points out that Jesus' silence was not a mere lack of response, but a necessary choice he had to bear for the sake of God's plan of salvation. Pilate could have made a good decision, but committed sin for his own interest and safety, and Judas, though he regretted what he had done, could not make a spiritual judgment and came to ruin. The crowd too, not knowing the truth, joined with the wicked and shouted for Jesus to be killed, which warns of the judgment that comes when we go along with the crowd without wisdom.

Even amid mockery and pain, Jesus could not explain how his silence would save them. Understanding this heart of Jesus, we must think deeply about how we should answer those who mock us, and what patience and silence are needed for the salvation of souls.