Simon and Joseph: Unsung Heroes of the Resurrection

I have a question for you: which figure in the Bible do you currently relate to and why? Let us know in the comments! But some may say Job due to his struggles. Others would say Moses, as he leads people out of the known to the unknown. For me, I have related to many throughout my life but right now I would say I relate the most with Martha, however, not the way most simplify her down.

Martha is often seen as “the busy one,” but there’s so much more to her than that. She was:

• A caregiver and provider, always making sure things were in order for Jesus and others.
• Deeply devoted, though pulled in many directions, trying to be everything for everyone.
• Practical and responsible, managing the household and keeping things running.
• Emotionally raw and honest with God, she didn’t hide her disappointment or grief when her brother died (John 11:21).
• The first to declare Jesus as the Messiah in John 11:27—a theological bombshell, said with clarity and conviction even while grieving.

That feels like me. I’m TRYING to balance ministry, marriage, leadership, health, finances, and mental wellbeing, and still trying to offer up presence, faith, and care to everyone around me. It is very difficult to say the least.

In today’s sermon, I want to look closely at two other individuals who are often over looked in the Scriptures much like Martha. Many would consider them minor characters, however, I believe they play major roles.

Simon of Cyrene

Now as they led Him away, they laid hold of a certain man, Simon a Cyrenian, who was coming from the country, and on him they laid the cross that he might bear it after Jesus.

-Luke 23:26

Based on the Bible, what do we know about Simon of Cyrene?

• He is mentioned in three of the Gospels.
• He is likely a black man from North Africa.
• He is a religious pilgrim for Passover.
• He is the father of two people who are known to the early Christian community.
• He was an unwilling participant.
  • He wasn’t wanting or expecting to take on the burden of the cross.

Take Away: Often, this idea of “carrying one’s cross,” like with Simon, is used against the LGBTQ+ community, however, that is NOT the theological message here. This event is about unexpected burdens that are not about our nature or identities. The unexpected could be illness, loss, death, finances, divorce, recovery, relationships, disasters, etc. Simon’s story reminds believers that sometimes we are called to bear burdens unexpectedly, and these moments can bring us closer to Christ.

Joseph of Arimathea

Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent council member, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, coming and taking courage, went in to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus.

-Mark 15:43

Here is what we know about Joseph of Arimathea:

• He is a wealthy man.
• He is a member of the Jewish Sanhedrin, the ruling council of Jerusalem.
• He is from Arimathea, a location that is believed to have been in Judea.
• He has deep faith.
• He did not consent to crucifying Jesus.
• He is a secret disciple of Jesus and is afraid of the Jewish leaders.
• He asked Pilate for Jesus’ body.
• He placed Jesus’ body in his own tomb.
• He helped fulfill a prophecy about the Messiah being “buried with the rich” (Isaiah 53:9).

Take Away: Yes, Joseph was a secret disciple and was scared of being found out by religious leaders. This shows that God can work with our faith, no matter how small, no matter how hidden it is or may seem, and no matter how hesitant we may be! He spoke up in the end! He approached a much more powerful man to receive his Lord’s body. There are moments where faith demands action even if it is risky.

What do these figures have in common?

Neither knew nor truly realized they were playing pivotal roles in the resurrection! Simon carried Jesus’ cross, the very symbol of our Christian faith. Joseph brought the tomb. This is where the climactic stage opens! Both figures appeared at what should have been the end, if Jesus were a mere man. And yet! This was just the beginning!

Conclusion

What we think is the end might very well be the beginning of something glorious!

We are so close to Easter, and I want you all to start preparing yourselves. Make specific prayer times, look inward, and make God the number one priority in your life. And remember, don’t fear the burial moments in life. God might just be preparing a resurrection!

Amen!

---