From John 19:
Is the 'bearing his own cross' simply mentioned in passing, or was it not common for those being crucified to carry their own cross to the destination of crucifixion?

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Josh Hicks, Chloë's Daddy
Member of TRBC. My Blog
The Puritan Pub (Team Blog)
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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.

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


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