This isn’t a new poem (I originally wrote a portion of it 3-4 years ago), but when this time of year comes around, I bring it out again and edit/add to it. This is its most recent reiteration. I hope it encourages everyone who reads it with wonder and comfort in what Jesus has done for us.
I am Barabbas,
the guilty set free –
Jesus, the Son of Man
condemned to die for me.
I was released
but he was crucified.
Jesus hung on a tree;
justice was satisfied.
Crown of thorns,
enthroned on a beam,
“Hail king of the Jews,”
blood flowing in a stream –
Suffering Savior,
slaughtered like a lamb,
he bears the awful weight
of broken, sinful man.
The Son of God –
the great I AM –
lifted up from the earth
just as the Father planned.
The Beloved Son
was hated and condemned,
Fatherly love restrained
until all wrath was spent.
“It is finished”
as Scripture fulfilled,
the God-man Jesus Christ
for all mankind was killed.
Laid in a tomb
but storming hell’s gates,
He crushed the snake’s head
and removed death’s sharpened blade.
Risen from the dead –
Oh, look and see!
Jesus, the glorified King,
His grave lies empty!
He calls to the sinner
saying, “Come to me!”
Triumphant Savior
who sets the guilty free.
Hope in the Ashes 