The verse says several things:
1) It is historically accurate, for the condemned was often made to carry his cross. Jesus was depleted already. He had been scourged prior, a massive bloodletting and musculature destroying event. Unlikely in most cases to have been followed by a crucifixion. Jesus was probably incapable of lifting or dragging the beam far.

2) The other gospels all mention that Simon of Cyrene was pressed into service to carry the cross. John took time to tell us that Jesus started off his "green mile" carrying his own cross, and John passes by Simon's assistance. But, whether you knew about Simon or not, you are reminded that it was Jesus' own cross (not the Cyrenian's).

3) Theologically, the phrase "take up the/his cross" (not found in John; Mt. 16:24, Mk. 8:34; 10:21; Lk. 9:23) is given to us by John here by way of Jesus' example.

__________________
Rev. Bruce G. Buchanan
ChainOLakes Presbyterian Church, CentralLake, MI


When posting friends, kindly bear those words of earthly wisdom in mind:
Oh, that God the gift would give us
To see ourselves as others see us.
--Robert Burns, 1786 (modernized) ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ Click to get: Board Rules -- Signature Requirements -- Suggestions? --