II – Jesus receives the cross

Jesus is forced to carry his own instrument of death.
This was the heavy crossbeam that is raised on the vertical of the cross.
It has to bear his weight so it is heavy and crudely made.
He bears the weight of everything that we have laid on other people.

Matthew 23:1-4 NIV
Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples:
The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat.
So you must be careful to do everything they tell you.
But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.
They tie up heavy, cumbersome loads and put them on other people’s shoulders,
    but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them.

Lord Jesus, please help me to carry the load you give me.
Help me to trust that you will never ask me to carry something that I cannot bear.
Please teach me not to add to the load of others.
Please teach me not to compare my situation with others.
Only you know the resources and problems that others have.
Instead may I pray that you will give each of us what we need.
Give us today our daily bread.  Amen