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.

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 no 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 desire.
He rose to live and lead us in his Way,
and by his Spirit strengthen, holiness inspire.

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.

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.