The Way of the Cross, Stations 7, 8 & 9

7. Jesus takes up his cross
Read John 19: 6, 15-17
Only in John does it say that Jesus carried his own cross. Yes, he started out that way, but collapses.

8. Jesus is helped by Simon to carry his cross
Read Mark 15: 21
Matthew says forced to carry the cross. Mark says, forced. Luke says they seized Simon from Cyrene, on his way in from the country, put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus. Point one: Simon was unsuspecting and possibly unwilling. Point two: Did you notice the one word Luke uses... made him carry it behind Jesus. I cannot quit thinking about this: What must Simon have seen walking behind Jesus as compared to what Pilate missed standing in front of Him. Good manna for today - feast on it, my dear friends. Last point: Simon must have gone home with a monumental witness. It is believed from Romans 16: 13 that his two sons, Rufus and Alexander, were staunch members of the early church, and his wife ministered to Paul.

9. Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem
Read Luke 23: 27-31
Only in Luke is it mentioned that Jesus turns to the grieving women following Him and speaks of the fate of Jerusalem. Here's one meaning of what He said: If God did not spare His innocent son (green wood), how much worse will it be when He allows the Romans to unleash His wrath upon a sinful nation (dry wood)? (ESV Study Notes)
In 70AD the temple was completely destroyed by raiding legions under Titus. Not one stone was left upon another.

References: Moments with the Savior by Ken Gire, ESV Study Bible