Listen here.
Moving on chronologically, we arrive at the crux of Jesus’ time on earth: the Passion, a term which stems from the “Latin verb: patior, passus sum (‘to suffer, bear, endure’, from which also ‘patience, patient’, etc.).”
This melancholy folk song, written and performed by the Welcome Wagon, focuses on the mystifying humility with which Jesus approached the cross. It describes how from the accusations of both Roman and Jewish officials to the shouts of the mob and even unto the cross, “He never said a mumblin’ word.”
In a world of so much communication, protest, and unsolicited pontification, Jesus, as always, blows away our categories for leadership and impact. He allowed Himself to be wrongly accused, mocked, stripped naked, and tortured.
The all-powerful God, who keeps the world in motion, opened Himself up to every kind of vulnerability, all for the sake of granting our undeserved covering before the Father.
6. ‘Were You There’ by William Eleazar Barton
Listen here.
The original rendition of this song is believed to have been composed in the late 1800s by African-American slaves. In only a few short verses, this beautiful melody inspires awe in the listeners heart as it reflects upon the enormity of Christ’s sacrificial love, suffering, and ultimate victory over death.
The fact that it originates from the voices of a people group who themselves were suffering from the terrible injustice of human slavery makes their acknowledgment of Christ’s adversity even more meaningful.
As believers continue to sing it annually, the history of this song reminds us that we have a God who came down to a broken and sinful world, and who throughout the ages meets individuals from every kind of hardship with true empathy.
“Shout for joy, you heavens; rejoice, you earth; burst into song, you mountains! For the Lord comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones.” (Isaiah 49:13)
Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/Robert Nyman
