With the text, we begin to explore Jesus' difficult path to the cross. After Pilate gave way to the religious mob and ordered that Jesus be crucified, the Roman soldiers treated Jesus with contempt and then began his trek to the cross. Due to His weakened state, Simon the Cyrene was pressed in to service to carry the cross. As we consider his example, and hear againJesus' words to those grieving Him on the way, we learn important truths about discipleship and the coming judgment.