they cried for barabbas
and barabbas they received
but his sword turned inward
and their cities wept in ash
they spit on the healer
and praised the destroyer
and found their dreams buried
beneath fallen temple stones
they called for justice
but mocked the just one
and justice came
not as they hoped, but as they deserved
they marched for peace
but crowned the violent
and so the earth groaned
and the heavens turned away
Throughout the ages
There have been those who did not seek repentance
Nor longed for true atonement
But cried out instead for blood
And demanded a justice stained with wrath
The justice they demanded
Required a price no covenant could cover
For they walked beyond the boundary
Where mercy holds its sway
The blood of the lamb was offered
Yet time and again it was rejected
And destruction became the portion
The only price left for rebellion
The covenant remains unbroken
The path to peace still open
But those who close their hearts
Face the sword heavy where mercy cannot reach