The true account declares, not that he died,

but was "put to death", a shameful criminal;

a truth which we suppress, a fact subliminal.

Killed by violence, his life unjustly tried.

Jesus brought out the best and worst, no less.

In some - hope kindled, charity renewed,

in others - envy, anger, hatred, brewed.

And thus the sting: that from the cross he’d bless.

Suppress! Will we confine redemption’s scope

within the church; a cross between two candlesticks?

No scourge, no mockery, no nails, no mix

of wine and gall, no bitter cry of hope?

We stand before God’s murder, Friday’s blood!

But greater yet, is God’s forgiving good.