Scene 17: Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus carry the Cross (Station 5)

You! Carry his cross!

Longinus calls another halt, concerned with the condition of Jesus.
A passer-by named Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was in Jerusalem from the country for the festival and was watching the events unfold.
Longinus shouts, "HALT! The prisoner is not going to make it, let him rest a moment."
He looked around at the crowd, and spotted Simon of Cyrene.
"YOU! You have volunteered to help carry the prisoner’s cross before he dies here on the road."

Longinus asked, "What is your name?"
Simon replied quickly, "My name is Simon, Sir."

"You will help this man to carry his cross. Unless you desire to join him on a cross of your own!"
Simon looked behind him and pointed to his two sons, Alexander and Rufus, "But my children..."

But what about my children?

Sharing the cross

Longinus pushed him to the cross and said, "Not my problem. Have them follow us. Now move!"

Bloodied back