Willetton Christian Church

Luke 23:26-38. Dan Kroon. Even as Jesus trudges towards his death and is hung upon the cross, he continues to impact and interact with the people around him. And right up until his death we see contrasts appear, which teach us more about who he is and people's response to him. We see it with Simon, the random passer-by, who is forced to carry Jesus' cross. We see it with the mourning women of Jerusalem, whose sorrow Jesus redirects back on themselves. And we see it with the watchers and mockers, whom Jesus does not rebuke, but prays for instead. In these contrasts we discover Jesus' friendship, compassion and forgiveness. And we are urged to accept it, take up our own cross, and follow him.