Simon of Cyrene could never have imagined such a unique, life-changing experience when in Jerusalem. Hoping that through his participation in the Passover his sins would once again be covered over by the sacrifice of a lamb, he was to see the fulfillment of centuries of prophecies about the coming Messiah – a Messiah whose blood would actually bring about forgiveness of sin! Pulled out of the crowd by Roman soldiers, he was compelled to carry the cross of Jesus to Calvary. This “bit player” in the redemptive drama would have his life changed though this encounter, just as ours is changed when we lay hold of the meaning of Christ’s sacrifice for us.