Man Who Carried the Cross for Jesus
on Goodreads (7)
What’s inside...
The Man Who Carried the Cross for Jesus is a compelling and thought-provoking book that tells the story of Simon of Cyrene, the man who was compelled to carry the cross for Jesus on the way to his crucifixion. Through vivid storytelling and historical context, author Constance Head brings to life the experiences and emotions of Simon as he is thrust into the midst of one of the most significant events in Christian history. The book explores themes of sacrifice, redemption, and the power of faith, offering a fresh perspective on a familiar biblical narrative. Additionally, this story is part of the Arch Book series of Bible stories which presents the tale of the Man Who Carried the Cross for Jesus through fun-to-read rhymes and colorful illustrations, aimed at captivating children ages 5-9 and celebrating 25 years of success.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-12
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Simon felt when he was asked to carry the cross for Jesus?
What does this story teach us about helping others, even in difficult situations?
Why is it important to show kindness and courage like Simon did?
Can you think of a time when you helped someone? How did it make you feel?
What would you have done if you were in Simon’s position?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use a calm and curious tone to encourage open communication. Showing genuine interest in your child’s thoughts can be very motivating for them.
Relate the themes of the story to your child’s personal experiences. For example, discuss a time when your child helped someone and felt good about it.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child's responses to delve deeper into the discussion.
Praise your child for thoughtful answers and empathy towards the characters, reinforcing positive thinking and understanding.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings or different scenarios within the story to foster creative thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Compassion and Empathy
Explanation: The story illustrates the act of carrying the cross, which symbolizes sharing another’s burden. The protagonist assists Jesus during a time of immense suffering.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of helping others in difficult times, fostering a supportive and empathetic attitude in family, school, and community settings.
Example Lesson: Courage and Bravery
Explanation: By stepping forward to help Jesus, the protagonist demonstrates courage in the face of fear and uncertainty, under challenging circumstances and intense pressure from a surrounding crowd.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to act bravely and stand up for what is right, even when they are scared or when it’s unpopular.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The protagonist accepts the responsibility of aiding someone in need, showcasing the importance of taking initiative.
Real-World Application: Children learn to take responsibility for their actions and understand the impact of their help in their immediate environment.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: The protagonist perseveres despite the struggle and weight of the cross, illustrating resilience and determination.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to remain steadfast and not give up when facing their own challenges, promoting perseverance through hardship.
Example Lesson: Humility
Explanation: Helping Jesus in a humble manner without seeking reward or recognition encapsulates true humility demonstrated by the protagonist.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of doing good deeds quietly and selflessly, fostering genuine character development.