March 4th, 2026 Daily Devotion

A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW 

BRIEF ENCOUNTERS

Matthew 27:32 “As they were going out, they met a man from Cyrene, named Simon, and they forced him to carry the cross.”   

One of the many indignities of Roman justice was they made the condemned man carry his own cross from the judgment hall to the place of crucifixion. Jesus was not spared! However, probably caused by the flogging Pilate ordered, Jesus was unable to physically carry his own cross all the way to Calvary. One of the Roman soldiers yanked a man from Cyrene by the name of Simon out of the crowd, forcing him to pick up Jesus’ cross and carry it for him. 

Little is known about Simon. Scripture makes no direct mention of Simon of Cyrene after the Resurrection. His brief encounter with Jesus, though unplanned by him, inserted him into God’s salvation plan. He carried Jesus’ cross when Jesus no longer could do so for Himself. God did not permit anything to keep His Son from shedding His blood for the salvation of sinful humanity.   

Nothing more is known about Simon. There are some traditions that have arisen, but there is no historical proof that any of these traditions have any merit. What Simon’s role does say to you is though Simon’s encounter with Jesus was brief, nevertheless, as unplanned as it was it happened.   

The Holy Scriptures tell you, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – (Jeremiah 29:11) “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” – (Romans 8:28)  

Prayer: Help me, O Lord, to recognize the plans you have for me granting me faith to do as you desire. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Take my life and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee;
Take my moments and my days,
Let them flow in ceaseless praise. 

Take my hands and let them move
At the impulse of Thy love;
Take my feet and let them be
Swift and beautiful for Thee. 

Take my voice and let me sing
Always, only for my King;
Take my lips and let them be
Filled with messages from Thee. 

Take my silver and my gold,
Not a mite would I withhold;
Take my intellect and use
Ev’ry pow’r as Thou shalt choose. 

Take my will and make it Thine,
It shall be no longer mine;
Take my heart, it is Thine own,
It shall be Thy royal throne. 

Take my love, my Lord, I pour
At Thy feet its treasure store;
Take myself, and I will be
Ever, only, all for Thee.  (LSB 783)