Part 3: Simon and Joseph

As Jesus is being led to his crucifixion, we hear the brief story of Simon of Cyrene who helped Jesus carry his cross to the place of his execution. In the wake of his death another disciple named Joseph asked the authorities for Jesus’ body, prepared it for burial, and offered Jesus his own new tomb (at considerable personal expense). Both of these little known characters make important sacrificial contributions to Jesus. They both come alongside to serve Jesus even in his death. Sacrifice is a complicated concept to many of us, and not something many of us desire to take on. And yet sacrifice is at the heart of the story of crucifixion. This week we will talk about what this legacy of sacrifice means (and doesn’t mean) for our own discipleship. (Even Nicodemus in John 19.39 is yet another little-known cameo character highlighting sacrifice)