Jesus Christ carried the cross for our sake, bearing our sins and suffering out of immeasurable love. But today, an important question remains for every believer: are we willing to carry God in our hearts and follow Him faithfully? The phrase “Carried the Cross of Jesus” is not only a historical moment in the Bible; it is also a powerful spiritual call for every Christian’s life.

To carry the cross of Jesus means choosing a life that reflects heavenly values rather than worldly desires. As Jesus said in Matthew 16:24, those who wish to follow Him must deny themselves, take up their own cross, and walk in His footsteps. Each believer has a personal cross to carry, a daily choice to live for Christ without compromise. In a world filled with temptations, pressure, and opposition, carrying the cross of Jesus is not easy. It may bring trials, rejection, and sacrifice. Yet, the Bible reminds us that living for Christ is our greatest purpose and eternal gain. Let’s explore the deeper meaning of carrying the cross of Jesus and highlight biblical examples of those who faithfully carried Him and His message to the world.

After the Sabbath was over, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. (Matthew 28:1)

Mary Magdalene saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance of the tomb. (John 20:1)

She ran and came to Simon Peter and the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put Him.”

So Peter and John ran toward the tomb. They went inside and saw the linen cloths lying there, but Jesus was not there. By that time, the Lord had already risen from the dead.

Mary Magdalene, who loved Jesus deeply, could not bear His absence. With a troubled heart, she bent down and looked into the tomb. There she saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the feet.

They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?”

She replied, “They have taken my Lord away, and I don’t know where they have put Him.”

After saying this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not recognise Him. Thinking he was the gardener, she said,

“Sir, if you have carried Him away, tell me where you have put Him, and I will take Him away.”

(John 20:1–15)

Mary Magdalene’s desire to “carry Jesus away” was not a selfish wish; it was a beautiful and loving desire. Yes, because he carried the cross for us to give eternal.

To carry Jesus means to take His message of salvation, healing, hope, and His coming again, to proclaim it from village to village, town to town, and throughout the world.

Let us look at a few examples of those who carried Jesus and carried the cross.

Virgin Mary carried the Lord

When Mary, who had never known a man, became pregnant by the Holy Spirit, Joseph first doubted. Likewise, many people in those days criticised Jesus, saying He was born out of immorality.

Despite all shame, accusations, and humiliation, Mary humbly submitted to God’s salvation plan and brought the Saviour into this world.

That is why she was called blessed: “Blessed is the womb that bore You, and the breasts which nursed You!” (Luke 11:27–28) Because she carried the Lord, Virgin Mary was honoured and called blessed.

Likewise, you too should carry Jesus in your life. True blessing is not worldly, it is heavenly.

The Donkey Carried the Lord

To fulfil prophecy (Zechariah 9:9), Jesus rode on a donkey, the colt, the foal of a beast of burden, as He entered Jerusalem.

That little donkey was chosen and prepared to carry the King of Kings. It carried Jesus all the way toward Jerusalem and the temple. In the same way, we too must be prepared and adorned for the Lord. “For the fine linen is the righteous acts of God’s holy people.” (Revelation 19:8) Righteous deeds are our true beauty and decoration.

Like a beautifully prepared bride, proclaim the Lord, for: “The Lord announces the word, and the women who proclaim it are a great army.” (Psalm 68:11) Receive the blessing of resurrection life and be ready to meet the Bridegroom.

Simon of Cyrene carried the cross of Jesus

During the Passover, a lamb was required for sacrifice.

On Good Friday, the very day we remember today, Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, was led to be sacrificed.

Early in the morning, the cross was placed upon His shoulders. (John 19:14) He carried the cross for us.

As Jesus grew weak and stumbled under the weight, the soldiers forced Simon of Cyrene to carry the cross behind Him. (Mark 15:21) Simon shared in the suffering of Christ.

Jesus later said:

“You are those who have stood by Me in My trials.” (Luke 22:28) Likewise, when we carry our cross and walk with Jesus, He promises: “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20), so we have a hope when we are ready to carry the cross. He carried the cross for our sake and revealed His great love and sacrifice to us. Holding firmly to His promises, we too must carry our own cross and take up the responsibility of proclaiming the Gospel of His Kingdom.

Jesus also said:

“Whoever wants to be My disciple must deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Me.” (Mark 8:34) Just as Simon carried the cross, we too must carry our cross and follow the Lord. Then the Lord, our Bridegroom, will one day lift us and carry us into the Father’s Kingdom, the New Jerusalem.

Beloved brothers and sisters,

Mary Magdalene, Virgin Mary, the donkey, and Simon of Cyrene, who carried the cross, all carried the Lord in different ways. Today, we are called to carry Jesus to all creation by sharing the Gospel everywhere. “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.” (Mark 16:15) Carry the Lord to others, and the Lord Himself will carry you into eternal glory. May the risen Christ grant you all this blessed grace and resurrection power.

Amen