Simon the disciple

The Cyrenian who bears Jesus cross of course shares a name with the leading disciple, Peter, who we last see in the gospel denying Jesus (26:75).  That a Simon bears the cross is perhaps a hint of the hope that we have for Peter’s restoration, which John describes in detail.

Peter is called Simon in Matthew 4:18, 10:2; 16:16-17 and 17:25.   Several of the references to Peter as “Simon” include some reference to suffering.  In chapter 10, Jesus is sending Simon Peter out with the others as sheep in the midst of wolves, and warns them to expect persecution.  After Simon Peter’s confession in 16:16-17, “Jesus began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things” (16:21).  Structurally, the introduction of Simon of Cyrene matches the introduction of Simon Peter in 4:18.  Satan tempts Jesus with “if you are the Son of God,” and the Jewish leaders echo that Satanic temptation (27:40, 43).  Just after the temptation in the wilderness, Jesus calls Simon and Andrew to be fishers of men; just before the Satanic temptation on the cross, a Simon bears Jesus’ cross.  Fishing for men and bearing the cross are inseparable.