Behold the Man

John 19:5  Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man!

Crown of thorns, purple robe, beaten and standing alone

Accused, mocked and victimized by men with hearts of stone

Betrayed by Judas, denied by Peter, Judged by kingly powers

Condemned to death on a cross, where God would hang six hours.

Eyes full of compassion, now swollen by pugilist fists

Throat which proclaimed the blessed good news, parched, proclaiming, "I thirst!"

Hands of merciful healing, but since nailed to a tree

Feet which carried the gospel fixed to the cross of Calvary

Yet forgiveness flowed freely from a heart beating with love

Mercy, grace and cleansing offered from heaven above

"Father, forgive them" was heard by those around

As God's own blood dripped heavily to Golgotha's ground

2000 years ago, sin's price was fully paid

When on those holy shoulders all our guilt was laid

Jesus, Son of God, Who gave Himself to set us free

Now waits on Mercy's throne to hear the honest sinner's plea.

"Be merciful to me, O God! I am but a wicked soul

Not one thing have I ever done to get my name on heaven's roll

But if you will show your grace to me, that which I don't deserve

From this very day, my Lord, You I'll gladly serve"