Two criminals were crucified either side of Jesus. The Gospel relates how one abused Jesus while the other saw something special in Jesus. Two men in the same situation, facing the same end, but two very different reactions. Surely it’s not what happens to us, so much as how we respond?
The Romans know how to rub it in;
They crucify one who has no sin!
Hey Jesus man! Quit hanging about,
Haven’t you got some serious clout?
Where are your men supposed to be?
Time is against us – you and me.
If you’re so mighty, then play your hand,
Why wait longer – I don’t understand?
Or are you a fraud, just full of guff?
Answer me mate, I’m calling your bluff.
The Romans know how to rub it in;
They crucify one who has no sin!
Good Jesus, please, don’t listen to him,
We’ve been about, no strangers to sin.
Ducking and diving since our youth,
Grasping and grabbing, and that’s the truth.
No one ever gave us a break,
So we’ve always been on the take.
We’re paying the price – c’est la vie;
But you’re innocent – that’s clear to me.
The Romans know how to rub it in;
They crucify one who has no sin!
Jesus! Hey! Don’t bail out on me man!
Quick – I’m dying here – what’s your plan?
I’ve always managed to dodge the trap;
Somehow pull something out of the hat.
This is getting too close to the end;
Where the hell is your almighty friend?
What’s that you say: “Abandoned me”;
So much for bloody eternity!
The Romans know how to rub it in;
They crucify one who has no sin!
Give it a rest and let him be;
He’s just a man like you and me.
He preached love but miscalculated;
Not realising just how he’d be hated.
The priests, the rulers, the status quo;
Why didn’t his friends all tell him so?
The powerful view him as a threat;
No wonder he’s condemned to death.
The Romans know how to rub it in;
They crucify one who has no sin!
I’m struggling to breathe, my end is near;
I’m done with pleading, Christ do you hear?
You and your convert can go to hell,
I won’t dance to the sound of your bell!
I’d rather die suffering but proud,
Than be one of your churchy crowd.
Fairy stories, pie in the sky!
Son of God? You’re about to die!
The Romans know how to rub it in;
They crucify one who has no sin!
Not long now – sight is fading fast;
Jesus, can you undo my sorry past?
I saw you once; we all were fed;
A cripple left behind his bed.
I hope in you, for something bright;
As darkness grows, I crave the light.
Remember me, remember me,
I reach for you, to set me free…
The Romans know how to rub it in;
They crucify one who has no sin!