I saw the king come riding by; a unifying force of one.

We pledged allegiance with our cries and dutifully followed on – an army!

We would rise and fight and rid the land of its disease.

The occupying force’s flight: we’ve lived – we’d die for times like these.

Fetch a hammer, fetch some nails – bring some wood to make a sign to carry high above the crowds to show this is the killing time!

And in our joy the bitterness for fellow man came flooding free and murderous thoughts had filled our hearts as we predicted victory.

The king has come! The time is here and we’ll be free within the week.

Arise God’s people! Jesus leads! A hush descended. Hear him speak. Fetch a hammer, fetch some nails – bring some wood and on this tree we’ll make a sign – display for all the world his words of victory!

His words cut home.

His words cut deep. A two-edged blade split nerve from nerve.

Some military leader this who says he’s come that he might serve. Some king! Some mighty conqueror! Embarrassed that we called him Lord.

He’s prayed for us? He’s cried for us? Some leader this without a sword!

Our hearts were stung by his betrayal – leading us with false pretence. I can’t believe we trusted him – he’s failed us, he has no defence.

A mere pretender to the throne – a crown of thorns it fits him well. Bow down in homage to the king!

A sinner going straight to hell.

We’ll raise him up! We’ll lift him high and on this hill we’ll crucify the so-called saviour.

Some Messiah!

No great victory.

No great loss.

Fetch a hammer. Fetch some nails. Bring some wood to make a cross.