C Is for Cyrene

Read, or have older children find and read, Mark 15:21. Then read the following story with your children.

Cyrene was a large city in Libya. African, Greek, and Jewish people all lived there together. This city was known for its many writers and scientists.

The most famous person in the Bible from the city of Cyrene was a Jewish man named Simon. Simon was on the street in Jerusalem when Jesus walked past carrying the very heavy cross. The soldiers saw Simon and forced him to carry the cross for Jesus. Then they hung Jesus on the cross until he died.

Another man from Cyrene was also there that day. His name was Mark, and he later wrote the story of Jesus’s life, which we call the Gospel of Mark. Simon and Mark both decided to become followers of Jesus. Jesus wants you to follow him too. Would you like to follow Jesus?

Questions to ask your children

1. Can you find Libya on a map?

2. What were the names of Simon’s children?

3. Can you find the book that Mark wrote in your Bible?

Prayer

Ask God to help you follow Jesus like Simon and Mark did.