What a contrast with Barabbas –
righteous Jesus would succeed;
Would Barabbas soon consider
Jesus’ death meant he was freed?
Freed from what? From Roman justice, –
for a second chance, but I
now am free of God’s just judgement:
in my place Christ chose to die.
Pilate and the crowd chose badly;
we can choose to compromise,
or neglect, – or give allegiance,
and enjoy Christ’s rich supplies.
I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning … so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught. Luke 1:1,4 and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. Acts 1:3
The soldiers checked that he was really dead,
secured the tomb with stone, and seal, and guard; (Mtt.27:65,66)
the tomb was empty (undisputed), none
discovered where the body could have gone.
His friends were sad, confused when Jesus died,
transformed with courage when they testified
that they had seen him eat, his voice they’d heard,
and once, five hundred met the risen Word.
These men and women, simple, and respected
could not deny the facts, though persecuted.
No smooth, invented tale schemers devised;
– reports that tumbled out from those surprised,
– authentic tone; and Luke with care compiled,
convincing proofs on which we have relied,
and know his Spirit coming to subdue
our stubborness, give life and love anew.
Some die to save their friends,
or in attempt some evil tide to turn.
The Saviour knew none other death could make amends
for my neglect and folly, disobedience time and time again.
He knew though that his death would pay the debt,
and recreate, empower with new desires.
He rose to live and lead us in his Way,
his Spirit strengthens, holiness inspires.
His death that should have brought disgrace and shame,
has brought such honour, glory to his name.
His depth of pain and anguish was far more
than those who for their own crimes suffering bore.
What we had earned – God’s righteous judgement just,
he fully took, to save all those who trust.
And when they choose to hurt, oppress, and kill
those Christians who don’t hate or do them ill,
it will not bring the victims lasting shame,
but glory, honour to their Saviour’s name –
whose cause and mercy cannot be denied,
whose justice fair to all will be applied.
Just once he showed his awesome majesty,
unveiling of his shining deity;
with Moses talked of what he’d soon fulfil
– the sacrificial Lamb would let them kill
himself: as Rescuer soon he would depart,
and lead to freedom, blessings great impart.
The Father spoke from heaven, awesome sound,
– announcement of the Son’s authority,
acknowledging his full divinity,
– one greater than Elijah here was found,
whom we should heed attentively,
our Maker, Saviour hear delightedly.
John 21:15-25
Do you love me?
Lord, you know:
and you probe my heart right through:
seeing, not just mind’s assent,
feelings warm, and thoughts well-meant,
but a love obedient, longing
more like yours to labour, growing;
wholly bowing to my Master,
knowing there is no-one greater,
giving you the glory, honour.
“Follow me! prepared to suffer,
Feed my sheep with care, be tender.”
John 20:19-23
The Father sent his Son to save, –
he died and rose up from the grave;
and his disciples he then sent
his pardoning message to present.
And with his Spirit they should go
so many more of grace would know:
then some the purchased gift would choose,
forgiveness others would refuse.
John 20:1-18
She wept ’til the dawning
of joy in the morning.
The corpse had gone missing,
and while she was guessing,
and all seemed confusing,
her Saviour was standing,
and gently commanding.
Momentous occasion, –
a real resurrection,
the pivot of history,
and everything’s changed.
John 19:30, 31, 34-37
They kept the rules, but scorned the truth
those rules were meant to teach
of heart pollution, need of grace
(atoning blood to reach).
The flow of blood, the cleansing stream
when Christ had all fulfilled –
the price paid fully to redeem,
as God, in grace, had willed.
Jesus cried out again in a loud voice.” Matthew 27:50
“ It is finished.” John 19:30
So much guilt, –
whom should I pay?
how can I make amends?
Your debt is huge
to God today,
too vast the bill he sends.
But Jesus cries –
the work is done!
completed on the cross!
This Friday’s good!
the suffering Son
mercy secured for us!
