MPV Commentary

Crucified.

Jesus was led out to be crucified (see Mark 15:6-15 and John 19:2-17).

26. A man from Cyrene in North Africa, who had a synagogue in Jerusalem (Acts 6:9), was forced to carry the cross. He was likely known for his sons Alexander and Rufus, who later became disciples (Romans 16:13).

The man was drawn into the crowd by chance and was compelled to bear the cross after Jesus, who was exhausted from carrying it himself (John 19:17). This event would later serve as a powerful example of taking up one's cross in faith.

27-31. A group of women from the crowd began to weep for themselves and their children, mourning the suffering they were about to endure.

28. Jesus, however, was not consumed by his own pain; instead, he showed compassion for those who would suffer even more than him in the future.

30. The people cried out in despair, running wildly from one place to another as if searching for shelter during a siege (Hosea 10:8). This scene foreshadowed the cries of anguish that would be heard on Judgment Day (Isaiah 2:10, 19, 21; Revelation 6:16-17).

31. Jesus pointed out that even an innocent person like him was being subjected to suffering, implying that those who provoked such flames would face even greater consequences (using the proverb about a green tree and dry wood).