Zechariah 9:9 & Luke 19:41
Christ Jesus enters as the King of kings.
The crowd rejoices, Christ is seen to weep:
the justice and salvation that he brings
the city will reject, and judgement reap.

For Jesus knows what soon will there befall –
arrest, and crucifixion he’ll endure,
and though that brings redemption if we call,
Jerusalem will face destruction sure.

Have you called out, to him, ‘Hosanna! Lord!
Please save me, Saviour, in your power and grace!’?
Rejoice! your King and Lord receive, his Word
your rule and treasure, bringing life and peace.

The crimson flow,
the life leaked out to death;

in final breath
he gasped his work was now completed,
satanic scheme had been defeated,
salvation pure procured,
secured,
for all who will receive,
believe,
repent:
content –
more white than snow
my guilty stain has be removed,
I know.

Who’d put their hope in a dead man?
in disappointment, fear they ran.
– But now, he lives! they’re full of joy,
they boldly speak, though threatened by
those who their bodies can destroy.

They know like Christ they will arise
– good news they gladly share
(though some will scorn and some despise):
his Resurrection they declare!

His life had always held surprise
of miracles, words kind and wise,
fulfilment of the prophecies –
view God, as Man, from death arise!

And so we know he’d fully paid
the price for pardon that was laid
upon the Son, – he has returned
to show that gift by us unearned
is his to give, – he lives for ever,
his grace and rule no-one can sever!

… And I hold the keys of death and Hades!” (Revelation 1:18)

The Romans chose
excruciating crucifixion,
to frighten into subjugation,
deter attempts at revolution.

No death of ease,
so why should it be ‘good’?
– he paid the debt,
the wage of much transgression,
signs the release,
– eternal life for all who so desire, acquire,
and ‘It is finished’ cries in joyful celebration.

An idle gamble, careless toss,
while Christ was pierced upon the cross:
these both were long ago foretold
by God, by whom all is controlled.

Though not yet ending, by his breath
all evil, malice, pain and death,
the miracles and resurrection of his Son
encourge (warn) — those bitter things will soon be gone.

‘This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom. “Let’s not tear it,” they said ot one another. “Let’s decide by lot who will get it.” This happend that the scripture might be fulfilled which said, “They divided my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing.”’ John 19:23,24  and Psalm 22 esp. v.18

Many philosophies, only one
where God himself stepped into history;
many killings, but only one
immortal person died, a mystery;
many injustices, but only One
sinless, suffered crucifixion,
many claims but only One
foretold, displayed his resurrection.
Only one such momentous sequence –
events that brought to millions
far-reaching consequence,
eternal relevance.

One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us!” But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise. Luke 23:39-43

They feared death,
and suffered pain,
– the worst on earth;
but see the gain
when one awakes
to see at last
that Christ is good,
and his own past
acknowledged bad –
deserving judgement
worse than this present
crucifixion;
but Christ is King,
– he turned to Him
to ask for grace
in humble prayer,
and heard he’d share
a glorious kingdom,
for all forgiven!

Not on the cross,
Not in the ground, –
Alive!
his powerful help, compassion
can be found.
He knows your heartache:
ask for what you need,
without self-righteousness,
or selfish greed;
he understands what we don’t see,
his mercy, comfort
and support are free.

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.