we had our expectations
clear ideas of who we wanted
visionary of power, glory who'd
raise the people, lead an army
restore the temple's power
kick the romans into touch
re-establish the kingdom
certain in our anticipation

but he didn't tick our boxes
came from the wrong town
hung around the wrong people
did the wrong kind of miracles
at the wrong time, wrong place
criticised the religious leaders
challenged abuses of power
hypocrites he called us

crowds followed him, sure
loved the drama, excitement's edge
water turned to wine, all the healings
hardly surprising they sought him out
but always his teaching disturbed
attracted some, drove others away
said what we didn't want to hear
asked the wrong questions

and then there was god
calling him father, presumption
those claims he made, blasphemy
messiah? definitely the wrong kind
unacceptable, not to be tolerated
failing our tests of orthodoxy
one verdict, death penalty
the grave no glory

there's a time to be brave
but moments wisdom says
take care, keep your head down
no future's found down that road
still he wouldn't take the warnings
kept on coming, refused to back off
this was not what we wanted
yet he's left us no option

even now he talks of glory



Tuesday of Holy Week
15th April 2025
following John 12.20-36