An Easter Story

At the last supper He declared, "One of you is my betrayer". They questioned Him and each denied Then all joined in song and prayer. Mount Olive was the next stop They could see He was distressed, But they fell asleep while He prayed, Even those who loved Him best. When the mobs came with their clubs and swords, Disciples turned from men to mice. Even stalwart Peter faltered And in fact denied him thrice. Then Judas boldly kissed Him. It was the cruel betrayer's sign And they took him off to Pilate. All was part of God's design. Jesus had to die to save us. Calmly He accepted fate. "Crucify Him. Crucify Him." Love for their Christ had turned to hate. They nailed Him to the cross and mocked Him As He hung between two thieves. Jesus said to His companions, "I can save he who believes." Darkness fell across the whole land And at three o'clock He died. Then the women who had followed And His mother loudly cried. Joseph from Arimathea took His body Which Pilate graciously allowed. Joseph wrapping Him in linen Carried Him past sobered crowd. The two Marys who had followed And another named Salome Watched as He was quickly buried Then each went sadly to her home. On the evening of the Sabbath They brought spices to embalm Him, These two Marys and Salome Who had worshiped and adored Him. Early on that Sunday morning, The women again came to the tomb. Unsure if they could roll the stone To unseal His burial room. But they found the room wide open With an angel sitting there. "Your Lord's not here, He has arisen." They could only stand and stare. Mary Magdalene, cured from demons, Was first to see Him now alive. She told disciples, but they answered "That's a bad tale to contrive" The grieving disciples locked themselves Into safety in a room. They felt as isolated As was Jesus in His tomb. To their amazement, Jesus entered Showed His dreadful wounds and scars. He told them He would rise to Heaven. (Is Heaven found among the stars?) He bade them to tell His story And to spread it through all lands. The faithful disciples did so And the world now understands That we sinners killed our Savior, But we know we'll be forgiven. If we believe in Him and trust Him, He will gather us to Heaven. Written: March 31, 2015