Who Killed The Christ?
Was it Judas, who sold the Lord,
Betraying the Saviour with a kiss?
Judas, how could you do it, man?
Surely, you are to blame for this!
Was it the Romans, who pierced the palms
That oft’ had stretched to heal and bless?
Pilate, not all the seas can wash
Your blood-stained hands of guiltiness.
Still, ‘twas the Jews who claimed his death,
In bitterest hatred rang their cry:
“His blood be ever upon our heads,
And on our children! - Crucify!”
And it was the Father Who loved and gave,
He could have withheld His only Son
But He gladly made Him our sacrifice,
And willed the death of His precious One.
Yet legions of angels were waiting there
And who could have touched that sacred head
Or driven those nails, unless He willed?
“Father, receive my Spirit,” He said.
But back of it all, it was my sins
That nailed Him there, - I see it now,
My sins the spit upon His face,
My sins the thorns that pierced His brow;
My sins that killed the sinless One,
My hand that raised, the lash to wield,
My sins that crucified my Lord;
Yet, with His stripes my soul is healed.
Mercy was waiting at the cross
For Judas, Pilate and the Jews;
If they had fallen at His feet
Would He Forgiveness there refuse?
No, never sinner sought His face
That did not find abundant grace.
Lord Jesus, at They feet I bow,
Forgive me, cleanse, receive me now!
by Barbara C. Ryberg