Reforesting FaithSample

“Three Men Called from a Dead Tree”

On the last day of Christ’s life, three men were called from a tree that had its roots, leaves, and branches removed. I’m referring to the cross, which we already looked at in yesterday’s devotional. 

The first called was Simon, a man from the city of Cyrene in modern-day Libya. Simon was on the street in Jerusalem when Jesus, covered in blood and weakened by torture, stumbled as he carried his cross. 

“You there, carry the prisoner’s cross!” the Roman police commanded. 

Simon had no choice but to comply. Even though he was dressed in his Passover-go-to-the-temple-best, he took the heavy, blood-soaked cross from the shoulders of Christ and put it on his own shoulders. He helped the Lord of creation carry his burden. 

Simon’s encounter with Christ changed not only his life but also the lives of his whole family. It appears that Simon and his household became early followers of Christ (Mark 15:21; Romans 16:13).

The next person called from the cross was one of the two criminals crucified next to Christ. “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom,” the thief petitioned. To which Jesus responded, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:42–43, esv).

The last person in Scripture called from the cross was one of the soldiers responsible for nailing Jesus to the tree, a Roman centurion. This man ordered—or at the very least condoned—the cruel mocking and torture of Christ. But he also observed the words and actions of Jesus after he was nailed to the cross. The centurion heard Christ praying for God to forgive his executioners. He saw Jesus ask his best friend to look after his mother. He witnessed Jesus reassuring the thief next to him and heard Jesus proclaim that his work was finished. Finally, he was there when Jesus committed his soul into God’s care.

The centurion knew Jesus was no ordinary man. He said, “Truly this was the Son of God!” (Matthew 27:54).

Innocent bystander, guilty thief, and cruel soldier—they all were called from the tree. And if you have placed your trust in Christ, you, too, have been called from a tree.

How has the cross changed you, and how is it still changing you?