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  ON HIM THEY LAID THE CROSS, THAT HE MIGHT BEAR IT AFTER JESUS
  by C.H. Spurgeon
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Summary: As followers of Christ, we should expect to suffer, but in
partnership with Christ, who bears the heavier end of the cross, and
this suffering will lead to eternal glory and honour.

Topics: "Discipleship", "Suffering"
Scripture References: Matthew 16:24, Luke 14:27, John 15:20, Romans 8:17, 2 Corinthians 4:17, Galatians 6:2, Philippians 3:10, 2 Timothy 2:12, Hebrews 12:2, 1 Peter 2:21

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DESCRIPTION
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C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that the act of Simon carrying the cross
symbolizes the Church's role as a cross-bearer after Jesus. He reminds
Christians that while Jesus bears the weight of sin, believers are not
exempt from suffering; rather, they are called to endure it as they
carry Christ's cross. Spurgeon encourages believers to find comfort in
the fact that they share in Christ's burdens, and that their trials are
temporary compared to the eternal glory that awaits them. He highlights
the importance of partnership in bearing the cross, suggesting that
while believers carry a lighter burden, Christ bears the heavier part.
Ultimately, Spurgeon calls for a loving acceptance of the cross, as it
leads to lasting honor and glory.

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CONTENT
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We see in Simon's carrying the cross a picture of the work of the Church
throughout all generations; she is the cross-bearer after Jesus. Mark
then, Christian, Jesus does not suffer so as to exclude your suffering.
He bears a cross, not that you may escape it, but that you may endure
it. Christ exempts you from sin, but not from sorrow. Remember that, and
expect to suffer.

But let us comfort ourselves with this thought, that in our case, as in
Simon's, it is not our cross, but Christ's cross which we carry. When
you are molested for your piety; when your religion brings the trial of
cruel mockings upon you, then remember it is not your cross, it is
Christ's cross; and how delightful is it to carry the cross of our Lord
Jesus!

You carry the cross after Him. You have blessed company; your path is
marked with the footprints of your Lord. The mark of His blood-red
shoulder is upon that heavy burden. 'Tis His cross, and He goes before
you as a shepherd goes before his sheep. Take up your cross daily, and
follow Him.

Do not forget, also, that you bear this cross in partnership. It is the
opinion of some that Simon only carried one end of the cross, and not
the whole of it. That is very possible; Christ may have carried the
heavier part, against the transverse beam, and Simon may have borne the
lighter end. Certainly it is so with you; you do but carry the light end
of the cross, Christ bore the heavier end.

And remember, though Simon had to bear the cross for a very little
while, it gave him lasting honour. Even so the cross we carry is only
for a little while at most, and then we shall receive the crown, the
glory. Surely we should love the cross, and, instead of shrinking from
it, count it very dear, when it works out for us "a far more exceeding
and eternal weight of glory."

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/ch-spurgeon/on-him-they-laid-the-cross-that-he-might-bear-it-after-jesus/
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