He knew He’d be killed.
[With jealousy filled,
some hated, despite
His giving men sight.]

The crowd seemed so thrilled
at a gentle King, filled
with wisdom and goodness
and powerful kindness.

He’d come to be killed –
salvation fulfilled
– this man, God, the Son
our pardon thus won.

In heaven they praise Him.
His glory they sing,
who died as a lamb once,
now rules from the throne.

Tune: Hanover by William Croft’(tune of ‘O Worship the King’ 10 10 11 11)’
“See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey’” Matthew 21:1-11 a

He was no ghost – he ate the fish,
but now could pass closed door.
Why do so many this dismiss,
clear evidence ignore?

And yet seem willing to believe
in tales of things bizarre,
that have no benefit to give,
and very dubious are.

The evidence that Christ arose
is clear – with joy believe,
for he is living now and shows
the debt is paid – receive!

Many expected revolution
– the rule of the Romans thrown,
but Jesus was bringing salvation,
their religious hypocrisy shown.

And so they demand crucifixion
– but thus was our Substitute killed
– God’s plan had not failed in confusion
– Christ laid down his life as God willed.

We never could come to God’s holiness
unless we are washed clean from sni;
our punishment earned He there bore for us
– through suffering, our Life He would win.

The King, a kind and gentle King,
rides in upon an ass
– a borrowed ass – he nothing owned:
The prophecy had come to pass.

Though usually he walked, not now,
and hear the crowd acclaim him,
acknowledging his goodness, praise
– he who soon would be reigning.

But foolish leaders closed their eyes
to that which showed that he
was true Messiah sent from heaven,
wise, kind, Saviour to be.

And so they wanted to be rid
of him, for their hypocrisy,
and pride, was shown exposed by his
true goodness, quiet authority.

Tune: basically CM, with some hanging syllables

When Christ was taken from the cross
his body was not dumped or lost,
nor in communal graveyard tossed,
among the many there amassed.

As prophesied, a rich man’s tomb
was where his body, dead, was borne,
but on the third day’s early morn
the stone-door from its seals was torn.

An angel came (the soldiers quake
they see him roll it, feel earth shake):
an open grave to show Christ gone.
death could not hold the mighty Son.
Tune: LM

As prophesied, the peaceful King
into Jerusalem rides in
upon a colt, untrained and humble
but some are jealous, angry, grumble:
they ask He stop the praise and cheer,
but Jesus says, ‘If so, you’d hear
the very stones cry out in praise’ –
a rock-band truly to amaze!

Some wanted him to conquer now,
but didn’t understand just how
there then would be no time to turn
from heedlessness to hear, return;
for all had need to come to Him
leave lives of selfish greed and sin,
and so He now was calling all –
repent, ask grace, for mercy call.

But others hated, could not bear
His honest godliness, nor care
to teach God’s way to all the poor,
their own advance wished to procure
pretending to serve God, they laid
such heavy burdens that dismayed
the honest folk who wanted grace,
but Jesus showed God’s gracious face..

Luke: 19:28-40; John 12:12-15
Tune: LMD

How could He die? – and why?
Why let them mock and crucify?
They didn’t know it was for greater good.
His agonies – much deeper than they understood –
would earn the pardon-gift to give
– and soon He’d rise and supervise
the proclamation of redemption.

In heaven until He’ll all fulfil
return the reigning King
and all will honour Him.

Don’t doubt, and wait
to see Him come
– too late
to then believe, receive.

Transaction crucial on the cross
and willingly allowed – for us!
He then returns from death’s hold freed
to freedom give from gloom and need.
t
The angels gaze amazed to see
this love for those in misery –
to those refusing the true King
such Gift and love he’s offering.

The Source and Origin of all
came as a babe to show, fulfil
solution planned for those who’d messed
the world, their lives now much distressed.
Time: LM