If I was there . . .

If I was there, Jesus, in your days

What would be my name?

Where would I have stood?

Would I be Mary who gave you birth?

Or Herod, who sort your death?

Would I have travelled like the wise men?

Or held the sword across a child’s head?

If I was there, Jesus, in your days

Would I be the me that I am today?

---

If I was there, Jesus, in your days

What would be my name?

Where would I have stood?

Would I be a Pharisee asking for a sign?

Or just another Jew seeking a king?

Would I be a beggar, hoping you pass by?

Or just another member of the hungry multitude?

If I was there, Jesus, in your days

Would I be the me that I am today?

---

If I was there, Jesus, in your days

What would be my name?

Where would I have stood?

Would I want your powers just for my gain?

Or sit down just to hear what you say?

Would I assist Judas in counting his loot?

Or hide behind Peter as he denied you?

If I was there, Jesus, in your days

Would I be the me that I am today?

---

If I was there, Jesus, in your days

What would be my name?

Where would I have stood?

Would I wash my hand in innocence?

Or join the crowd in their loud cheer?

Would I help you carry your cross?

Or rent your garment at my loss?

If I were there, Jesus, in your days

Would I be the me that I am today?

---

I’m standing here, Jesus, in your days

I hear the crowd calling my name

I see right where my feet are placed

I’m not Mary nor Judas’ friend

There’s no bowl for me to wash my hand

I’m right beside you, I’m smiling too

The crowd just chose me instead of you

I’m standing here, Jesus, in your days

Since you’re dying today, I know I’ll have a chance to live again!

---

I wrote this in December of 2012. It came back to me as I thought about all the fuss going on on the internet and across the media because of a certain person who says he has come to Jesus. There are a lot of judgemental comments out there that make me wonder if we realise that Jesus died for ALL OF US!

We might stand back and wag our fingers at the Pharisees who got Jesus crucified and act like we would never have been in the midst of the crowd who screamed for His blood. But I think not, because every day, we curse Him who dined with sinners and hung around the rejected by ever suggesting that someone might not be worthy of His saving grace.

You and I are all Barabbas. We are the ones who are released in the place of Jesus, even though we might not realise it yet. So take a good look at yourself and be grateful that He went to that cross. Because He did, we are free!

Now, do you have the right to stand in the way of others trying to reach Him?

Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God. 1 Corinthians 4:5