Luke 23:26
And as they led him away, they laid hold upon one Simon, a Cyrenian, coming out of the country, and on him they laid the cross, that he might bear it after Jesus.
Cross-references
Luke 9:23 calls disciples to take up their cross daily — directly paralleling Simon's literal cross‑carrying as a symbol of discipleship.
Luke 14:27 says bearing one's own cross is required to be a disciple — mirroring Simon's compelled act as a model of following Jesus.
In Matthew 27:32-44, Simon of Cyrene is forced to carry the cross, then Jesus is crucified—the same sequence and details as Luke's account.
In Mark 15:21-32, Simon is identified as the father of Alexander and Rufus and carries the cross, matching Luke's account of the same event.
In John 19:16, Jesus carries his own cross—a different detail from Luke where Simon carries it. This presents a contrast in the Gospel accounts.
Matthew 5:41 teaches going the extra mile when compelled — Simon being forced to carry the cross exemplifies this teaching.
Matthew 16:24 calls disciples to take up their cross — Simon's literal cross‑bearing fulfills the same imagery of self‑denial.
John 19:17 has Jesus carrying his own cross — a different detail from Simon being forced, highlighting the Gospel accounts' variation.