John 19

Jesus sacrificed all for the love of each soul - there is no greater love.

"If he gives his life as an offering for sin, he shall see his descendants in a long life, and the will of the Lord shall be accomplished through him. Because of his affliction he shall see the light in fullness of days; through his suffering, my servant shall justify many, and their guilt he shall bear. Therefore I will give him his portion among the great, and he shall divide the spoils with the mighty, because he surrendered himself to death and was counted among the wicked; and he shall take away the sins of many, and win pardon for their offenses." (1)

The Passion of Our King

"Behold the Man", beneath the scourge,
With crown of thorns, beaten and jeered;
"Crucify Him!", they yelled their dirge:
"He ought to die!", the leaders sneered.

"Where are you from?"; silent He stayed.
"I can free You or crucify!"
Pilate's conscience, heavily weighed,
Caved into fear of the crowd's cry.

"Behold your King", Pilate told them;
"Take Him away! Caesar's our king!"
The crowd betrayed the true "I AM":
Mercy Himself - with words piercing.

Chained to the cross, He persevered;
Each step a struggle to His death.
They crucified what was revered:
"Behold Jesus of Nazareth".

The soldiers rolled dice for His cloak;
Naked, He hung, soiled with blood.
His Mother's heart, utterly broke,
Lamenting tears flowed with a flood.

With Mary, stood His faithful John;
Jesus loved him as a brother.
"Woman, behold, here is your son."
"John, my friend, behold your mother."

"I thirst!" He called. Wine was given.
"It is finished.", He bowed His head.
These words - Salvation's great Amen,
Graced His Spirit, as He hung dead.

Into His side, a soldier thrust
A lance, then blood and water flowed.
The Truth was pierced by the unjust;
His great gift, mercy, was bestowed.

They took the broken Body down,
And laid Him in a fresh new cave,
Bound Him in cloth, from toe to crown.
A stone was rolled to seal His grave.

On Him they've pierced, affix your gaze;
No greater Love; once for always.


May we behold Christ crucified and enjoin our hearts, with all our trials and angst, to His passion, so that we may be transformed through them in His merciful love.

1. Isaiah 53:10a-12


(c) Paul Buis, 2005