Upon the cross …

Upon the cross,
in agony and pain,
he was not cross,
did not complain,
but had compassion
on those who strayed
in sin’s confusion,
– and for them prayed;

then turned his ear
to the thief’s request, –
gave promise clear
he would be blest.

They thought him powerless –
he chose to stay –,
no other way
to save the hopeless.

"We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise." Luke 23:41-43