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A long time ago, Jesus left heaven’s glory,

And came to this earth to fulfill God’s plan.

He came to pay sin’s just penalty;   

He came to suffer and die for all men.

One chilly night when with His disciples—

Knowing His arrest was soon to occur—

In great agony, Jesus prayed to His Father,

Sensing the immense suffering He must endure.  

Many angels could’ve come to defend Him,

But how then could the prophecies come true?

For sin’s consequence, a Savior was promised,

To provide a rescue for me and for you.

His enemies came to take Him that night, 

And soon they began His trial.

But in Jesus—God’s perfect Son,

They could find no trace of guile.

Jesus stood quietly before them,

Being falsely accused of wrong.

And as they spit, slapped, and mocked Him,

No cry for mercy came from His tongue.

These men sought death for their captive, 

But would their governor agree?

It was the custom to release one prisoner. 

Would Pilate choose to let Jesus go free?

After Pilate completed his questioning,

No reason was found that Jesus should die. 

But the angry crowd kept on insisting: 

“No! He must be crucified!”

Pilate declared as he tried to persuade them:

“In Jesus, there’s no fault at all!”

But then he relented and had Jesus beaten—

Leaving Him weak, bleeding, and raw.

Soldiers then pressed a crown on His head 

As they looked on Jesus with scorn.

But it was no crown of gold and jewels— 

It was woven of long, piercing thorns.

A royal robe also, and a staff they gave,

In their mockery of Him as King.

Oh, how amazing His patience and love,

As for us He endured so many harsh things.

Then carrying His cross with a man to assist,

Jesus trudged up the hill on that lonely path.

Having lost much blood and in horrible pain,

How could anyone still mock and laugh?

As Jesus lay down on that rugged cross,

No compassion was in the soldiers’ cold hearts.

Without mercy they drove in cruel spikes, 

Tearing His hands and His feet apart.

What untold agony Jesus bore on that cross,

Feeling the weight of the sin of all men. 

What immeasurable pain and what shame; 

No comfort could His Father extend.

Some taunted: “Come down from the cross!

Save yourself, if you’re truly a King.”

Yet Jesus had not come to save Himself, 

But our deliverance to bring!

After six long, torturous hours,

“It’s finished!” they heard Him cry. 

His body was removed from the cross, 

And in a sealed tomb He was left to lie.

Yet from that dark tomb, just three days later,

Jesus miraculously came back alive!

After forty more days, He returned to heaven—

Where all true believers with Him will abide!

For many years, mankind has been searching

To find peace and the sure way to heaven. 

But Jesus’ blood paid all of sin’s debt;

It’s only through HIM we can be forgiven!

Yes, that awful cross was for you and for me.

What incredible love and mercy God’s shown!

Will you tell Him you’re ready to turn from sin?

For salvation, will you now trust Jesus alone?

“Christ died for our sins…He was raised on the third day.”  1 Corinthians 15:3-4

“To all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.” John 1:12

“Why the Cross?” is based on God’s Word— the Bible.

Please consider seriously whether or not you have received the free gift of salvation Jesus offers, and then what priority He has in your daily living.

Take some time to read these important Bible verses on which this poem is based.

The Reason Jesus Came

John 6:38

Romans 5:8, 12

1 Timothy 1:15

1 Peter 2:24 & 3:18

1 John 3:5 & 4:9

Suffering & Death of Jesus

Matthew 26:36-27:66

Mark 14:32-15:47 

Luke 22:39-23:56 

John 18 & 19

Prophecies about Jesus

Isaiah 50:6 & 53:5-7

Matthew 1:21-24

Mark 10:33-34

John 19:28

Acts 13:29-30

Resurrection & Return to Heaven 

Matthew 28

Luke 24

John 20

Acts 1:3, 9-11

The Way to be Forgiven

Mark 1:15

John 3:16 & 14:6

Acts 10:43 & 16:31

Romans 3:23, 26

Romans 10:10

Ephesians 2:8-9

poem by Karen S.

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