The Two Simons: Lessons from the Cross
As we approach Palm Sunday, Passion Week, Good Friday, and Resurrection Sunday, I wanted to write a quick piece on “The Two Simons;” as we read the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ crucifixion, two men named Simon appear at pivotal moments — Simon Peter and Simon of Cyrene. Their stories invite us to reflect on the ways we encounter the cross: unexpectedly, willingly, fearfully, or even triumphantly.
Both men, in their own way, teach us that proximity to Jesus demands a response — and that regardless of whether we have failed, or feared, or faced unexpected circumstance that we can become the like plentiful soil discussed in the gospel of Matthew, chapter 13, yielding 100-fold.
Simon Peter: The Willing Yet Weak Disciple
Simon Peter was no stranger to Jesus, as Jesus called him through his brother Andrew, as the first disciples. He had left everything — nets, boats, family — to follow the Jesus the Nazarene. He was bold and brash, the disciple who swore he would never leave Jesus' side.
"Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you!" (Matthew 26:35)
And yet, as Jesus was arrested and the cross was looming, Peter’s courage crumbled despite being foretold of the impending suffering and death of the Messiah.
In the flickering firelight of the high priest’s courtyard, Peter denied Jesus three times. Fear gripped the one who had once stepped out of the boat onto stormy waters at Jesus’ command. When the rooster crowed, Peter wept bitterly (Luke 22:62).
Peter’s failure is not hidden from me, it reminds me just how often I fail to have the faith Jesus commands me to have. His story also reminds me that zeal alone cannot sustain faith. It is grace that restores us.
After the resurrection, Jesus seeks Peter out — not with condemnation, but with a gentle invitation:
“Do you love me?” (John 21:15-17)
Peter’s three denials are met with three affirmations. Peter is not only forgiven; he is fully restored — and commissioned.
The man who once ran from the cross becomes the rock upon which the Church is built (Matthew 16:18). The fisherman becomes a fisher of men.
Tradition tells us Peter remained faithful until the end, crucified upside down because he felt unworthy to die in the same manner as his Lord.
Failure is not the end of the story when grace rewrites our hearts.
Simon of Cyrene: The Cross-Bearer
Though not as much is written about Simon of Cyrene — his story is no less profound.
What we do know about him is he was a Jewish pilgrim from North Africa, likely in Jerusalem to celebrate Passover. A man going about his day, caught up in a drama he had not chosen.
Roman soldiers, enforcing their brutal power, seized Simon from the crowd and forced him to carry the cross for the condemned Jesus (Mark 15:21).
I can imagine myself in that situation, just there to celebrate, all of a sudden in a moment of total confusion, I am forced to bear the symbol of humiliation with no ability to “punt” on the situation, I can hear the thoughts running through my mind, “oh, just my luck . . .”
And yet, Simon touched the suffering wood that bore the Savior of the world. He stood nearer to Jesus in His most agonizing moment than nearly anyone else. Not luck or unlucky at all but rather sovereignly, providentially selected by God to pick up the cross and deny himself that day.
Through the Gospels we get small mention that speaks volumes: Mark mentions Simon’s sons, Alexander, and Rufus, by name (Mark 15:21). Why? I would surmise they were known to the early Church.
Paul even greets a man named Rufus in Romans 16:13, calling him "chosen in the Lord." Was this Simon’s son? If so, then Simon's encounter with Jesus not only changed his life — it changed his family’s destiny. Now that is a God story, a story that could only be written by an omni-potent, omniscience God.
Sometimes the cross finds us before we find Christ — but grace can transform reluctant moments into a lifetime of discipleship.
Conclusion: Two Simons, Two Journeys, One Savior
Peter and Simon of Cyrene offer us a picture of two kinds of encounters with the cross:
Peter chose to follow but faltered under fear.
Simon of Cyrene was forced to the cross but found himself drawn into redemption.
One denied and was restored. One carried the burden and was remembered.
Both remind us that whether we come to Jesus willingly, fearfully, or unexpectedly, His grace is sufficient and live triumphantly through the power of the cross. His call remains the same:
“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23)
A prayer for this passion week
Father God,
I see myself in both Simons — full of zeal yet prone to fear, caught up in life's burdens and distractions yet You are in the midst of them. Help me to carry the cross You have set before me, whether chosen or unexpected, remind me that Jesus triumphed over sin and death, and that power is now mine through the cross. Teach me that Your grace redeems my failures and transforms our interruptions. Make me as faithful Peter became and make me as willing as Simon of Cyrene. In Jesus Name, Amen!
Here at Reverent Awe, we wish you and yours a Happy Easter – He Is Risen!
Thoughts? Or in need of prayer? We would love to hear from – email us at info@reverentawe.com