8: Simon helps carry the cross
A moment of respite and recovery for Jesus as Simon of Cyrene is made to help him carry the cross, but the burden returns before long.
“As they led Jesus away, they seized Simon of Cyrene, who was coming from the country, and laid the cross on him, making him carry it behind Jesus.”
Luke 23:26
Jesus, weakened by the lack of sleep and flogging, is unable to carry his cross without help; Simon, a stranger from out of town, is conscripted to help him carry the cross.
Commentary by Revd Catherine Shelley