Unlikely Companions

In this message from the series "An Unlikely Lent," Pastor Mark explores the story of Simon of Cyrene and the weeping women in the Gospel of Luke 23:26–31. As Jesus walks toward the cross, God provides unexpected companions who help carry the burden of suffering.

Through this powerful moment in the Passion story, we discover an important truth about how God works in our lives. When hardship, grief, or uncertainty enters our story, God often responds not by removing the suffering but by sending people to walk beside us. Sometimes those companions help carry the cross. Other times, they simply stand nearby and share the pain.

This sermon invites us to slow down during Lent, remain spiritually attentive, and recognize the people God places along our path. It also challenges us to become unlikely companions for others—people who listen, care, and remind the hurting that they are not alone.