Standing by the Cross of Jesus

Feb 16 2024 - Amy Raby

I notice in the scene of the cross that John mentions just a handful of people who are there observing the gruesome death of this man called Jesus. I read of four soldiers who strip the clothes off His back and cast lots to see who gets what. I read of Mary the mother of Jesus and her sister. I imagine grieving with my own sister if either of us were to lose one of our boys. I read of other women, Mary the wife of Clopas and Mary Magdalene, whom Jesus had set free from demonic torment and oppression. I read of John, the disciple whom Jesus loved, and how Jesus finds the strength to speak to John and His mother right before He dies. What a collision of pain and love. What surrender they all come to grips with. Realizing they weren’t in control and there was nothing they could do to save the man they loved. (John 19:16-27)

Standing by the Cross of Jesus 
A mother’s grief to the highest degree 
Watching her firstborn suffer 
Pain tempts her eyes to tighten 
And awaken from this nightmare 
Hope holds her gaze as not to miss 
Another breath from her beloved 
She hears His cries one last time 
Standing by the cross of Jesus 

Serving up tears at His feet 
In hopes to wash away 
The stains of blood upon His skin 
With thanks for all He’d done 
Freedom from demons, forgiveness for sin 
Their hearts forever changed 
Full of faith they pray and wait 
Standing by the cross of Jesus 

Soldiers stealing dignity 
Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews 
Mocked by nakedness and truth 
Casting lots, playing games 
Sending spears and breaking legs 
Confirming death had finally come 
In shiny garb and weaponry 
Standing by the cross of Jesus 

Hoping for another heartbeat 
Like He heard before 
The broken bread the words He said 
Had finally come to pass 
Everloving eyes behold them 
And words of care pour out 
“Here is your mother, here is your son” 
Standing by the cross of Jesus 

In need of rescue from my sin 
Lost in darkness wandering 
An empty soul void of love 
Riddled with demons scheming 
Darkness bloomed and trials ruined 
Stone-hearted still He beckoned 
Daughter come in close and stay 
Standing by the cross Jesus 

And when my numbered days arrive 
With heaven’s halls before me 
You won’t find me mustering up 
The reasons how I came 
I’ll have no other plea but this: 
T’was His blood alone upon me 
His love saved me a place 
Standing by the cross of Jesus