The answer is: Simon of Cyrene

Matt 27:32

Imagine being drafted into one of history's most pivotal moments without warning. That's exactly what happened to Simon of Cyrene. As Jesus trudged towards Golgotha, weak and suffering, Simon was there, likely just passing through the streets of Jerusalem. The Roman soldiers, perhaps looking for a man-sized solution to their chore, compelled Simon to carry Jesus’s cross. This random encounter led him to play an unintentional but significant role in the crucifixion narrative.

What's fascinating is how Simon seems like a side character, yet his involvement echoes into essential Christian beliefs about compassion and burden-sharing. It can serve as a reminder that there can be divinely orchestrated purposes for each person's life, whether they are initially aware of them or not. Some biblical scholars even posit that Simon might have been known to the early church, suggesting that he became a follower of Jesus after this powerful experience.

Also, his mention in all three Synoptic Gospels—Matthew, Mark, and Luke—highlights the unity of this detail across different accounts. In some traditions, he is celebrated in communities even today, indicating how acts of kindness, even under pressure, can resonate for generations. Think of Simon as a symbol; sometimes, carrying a burden for someone else can change your life in unexpected and profound ways!