Wise Men

Wise men came to Jerusalem
They were asking in unison
Where is He born, King of the Jews?
For His star foretold the good news

And we have come to worship Him
But this troubled Herod the king
To Judea's town Bethlehem
They followed the star before them

And when they came into the house
They saw the Child with Joseph’s spouse
And they fell down and worshiped Him
Gold, frankincense, and myrrh gave Him

2 Senior Saints

Now when her purification
Was finished by calculation
They brought Him to Jerusalem
To the Lord for presentation
-
In the Lord’s law it is written
Males in the firstborn position
Shall be called holy to the Lord
Make a sacrifice in accord
With what’s in the law of the Lord
Two doves or two pigeons record
-
There was a man named Simeon
Just and devout, waiting upon
The Consolation of Isr’el
On him the Holy Spirit fell
-
And revealed that he would not be
Dead before the Christ he would see
Spirit-led into the temple
Saw Jesus not accidental
-
Whose parents brought for the custom
He took Him in his arms therefrom
And blessed God and said, You release
Dismissing Your servant in peace
-
According to Your word, my eyes
Have seen where Your salvation lies
Which You’ve prepared for all to see
A light for the nations to be
-
And the glory of Israel.
Joseph and His mother as well
Were amazed at what was spoken
Of Him, Then Simeon blessed them
-
And said to His mother Mary
For the rise and fall of many
In Israel, this Child is destined
To be a sign of contention
Yes, a sword will pierce your own soul
That many hearts are revealed whole
-
There was a prophetess Anna
Phanuel’s daughter from Asher
She was a very old person
Wed seven years since a virgin
-
A widow about eighty-four
Who prayed in the temple what’s more
Fasting and praying she served God
Both night and day she was abroad
-
And as she gave thanks to the Lord
Her conversation struck a chord
Discussed Him with those awaiting
Jerusalem’s liberating
-
Then they returned to Galilee
To their own Nazareth city
The Child grew up strong in wisdom
And the grace of God was on Him

Mary's Faith

God sent the angel Gabriel
To a virgin who was youthful
Betrothed to a man named Joseph
To a city named Nazareth

She was of the house of David
To Mary he intonated
Hail, you who are highly favored
Among women you are bless’ed

The Lord is with you
She was perplexed at what to do
The angel said, Mary don’t fear
For your favor with God is clear

You’ll conceive and bring forth a Son
Name Him Jesus, an esteemed One
He’ll be the Son of the Highest
The throne of David His bequest

Over Jacob’s house He will reign
An endless kingdom He’ll obtain
Then Mary said, How can this be
Since I don’t know a man, said she

And then the angel said to her
The Holy Spirit and power
Of the Highest will come to you
And it will overshadow you

Therefore, also, that Holy One
To be born will be called God’s Son
Elizabeth your relative
Is also as reproductive

Conceived a son in her old age
Once barren at the sixth month stage
With God naught is impossible
Mary said let it be in full

Your Testimony

There was a man from God name John
He came a witness to pass on
Sent to bear witness of that Light
Which to all in the world shines bright

The world which He made, He was in
But it did not recognize Him
Among His own was no welcome
But as many as received Him

To all who in His name believed
He gave to them authority
To become children of God
Who were born, not of human blood

Nor born of the will of the flesh
Nor man’s will, but of God afresh
The Word became flesh, lived with us
And we saw He was glorious

Glory as of the only Son
Full of grace, the truthful One
John bore witness of Him saying,
This was He whom I’m conveying

He who comes has priority
For He existed before me
From His abundance we’ve received
And have grace upon grace indeed

The law was given through Moses
But grace and truth Jesus shows us
No one has seen God any time
The one and only Son sublime

In the bosom of the Father
Has declared Him, had the honor
Now the Jews asked him, Who are you?
He said, I am not the Christ (That’s true)

They asked then, Are you Elijah?
And he said, I am not. (So, nah)
Are you the Prophet? He said, No
Tell us who you are, then we’ll go

He said: I’m a voice in the wild
Saying, Make the Lord’s way straight-styled
And so they asked him, Why baptize?
Someone’s here you don’t recognize

He’s coming, preferred before me
To loose His shoes I’m not worthy
In Bethabara John’s work was
A baptist witness was his cause

Prepared

The kingdom of heaven’s akin
To twelve bridesmaids with lamps therein
Who went out to meet the bridegroom
Five wise and five headed to doom
-
The foolish took no oil at all
But the wise had no oil shortfall
While the bridegroom delayed they dozed
And at midnight a cry disclosed
-
Behold, the bridegroom is coming
Let’s all go out to the greeting
Give us some oil, the foolish said
No, go and buy your own instead
-
There’s not enough for us and you
The bridegroom came, and they were through
And He told them, I don’t know you
Watch, be ready for His debut

-

Love

The Pharisees asked a question
Which command in your confession
Is the great command in the law
You shall love the Lord and what’s more
-
With all of your heart, soul and mind
The first and great command defined
The second’s from the same bookshelf
You’ll love your neighbor as yourself
-
Now, Jesus asked them thoughtfully
About the Christ, Whose Son is He?
David’s son, they said in accord
Then how does David call Him ‘Lord’

Paying Taxes

Pharisees plotted to trick Him
They went with the Herodians
Teacher, we know that You are true
And teach the way of God you do
-
And You don’t care about anyone
Nor regard the person of men
Tell us, therefore, what do You think?
Are taxes right or do they stink?
-
Jesus knew they were tricking Him
Called them hypocrites for their whim
Whose face on this denarius?
And whose inscription, let’s discuss?
-
So give to Caesar what is his
And give to God just what He says
And they marveled at what they heard
And went away without a word

God Invites Us

Jesus spoke in a parable

A celebration marital
A king arranged his son’s marriage
With and invitation message
-
But they were not willing to come
By farm and business overcome
Some even killed the messengers
The king destroyed those murderers
-
And said go into the highways
And fill the wedding hall with strays
But one guest wore no wedding clothes
When asked why, he could not disclose
-
Darkness outside to him bequeath
Where people weep and gnash their teeth
For many invited are called
But few are chosen and installed

Fruitfulness

A landowner planted some grapes
A tower, a hedge, what it takes
He leased it out and went far away
Then sent his servants for his pay
-
The tenants beat, killed, and stoned them
And in the end, he sent his son
But they cast him out and killed him
What will the owner do to them?
-
He’ll bring them to a wretched end
Find men who’ll pay his dividend
The stone the builders rejected
Is now the corner erected
-
The kingdom is taken from you
Given to those bringing fruits due
Fall on this stone and you’ll be crushed
If it falls on you, you’ll be dust
-
The chief priests and Pharisees knew
It was them He was speaking to
But though they sought His detention
They feared the people’s dissention

Nah-Yeah

Certain Jews with seniority
Asked about Christ’s authority
He said, I have a question then
Was John sent by heaven or men?
-
Because of public opinion
They would not answer the question
And as they refuse to comment
He won’t tell of His endorsement
-
A farmer asked his sons to work
The first said nah-yeah with a jerk
The second said yeah-nah to him
Each changing his mind on a whim
-
Which one did as his father asked
The one who obeyed at the last
Tax collectors and harlots do
The will of God long before you

-

Matthew 21:23-32

Last

The kingdom’s like a landowner
Hiring help as a grape grower
The contract, a penny a day
All day or part for the same pay
-
But those who worked all day complained
So then the landowner explained
That’s the contract and you agreed
To be generous is my creed
-
Take what’s yours and be on your way
Don’t begrudge their bountiful pay
Don’t envy what I give away
The last will be first in that day

Matthew 20:1-16

Forgiving

Peter asked, Seven times forgive?
Seventy fold's the way to live
Therefore the kingdom’s like a king
Whose servant’s accounts was settling
-
One owed him ten thousand talents
But he forgave him the balance
Then that servant was merciless
To a debtor he caused distress
-
The king said, You wicked servant
Unforgiving, not observant
I forgave you; you should forgive
In debtor’s prison you will live

-

So will My Father do to you
If you refuse forgiveness due

Go Alone

If your brother sins against you
Go tell him his fault just you two
If that fails, take one or two more
So you have witnesses galore

Tell the church, if he won’t hear them
If he won’t hear them, he’s heathen
What you bind and loose on the earth
Was bound and loosed from heaven’s girth

If we learn to agree as men
God will answer our prayers, amen
When we are obeying His Word
He’ll join us because we have heard

Walk on Water

Jesus sent His disciples away
While He went up a mountain to pray
When evening came, He was alone
But the boat was wave tossed and wind blown
---
By night He came walking on the sea
And they cried out, It’s a ghost we see
But Jesus told them, Be of good cheer!
It’s okay, it’s me, no need to fear
---
And Peter answered, Lord, if it is You
Tell me to walk on the water too
And on the water Peter did walk
But seeing the wind began to balk
---
Starting to sink he cried, Lord, save me!
And Jesus caught him, hearing his plea
O You of little faith, Jesus said,
Why did you doubt? Then the wind stopped dead
---
Then they worshiped Him, saying in laud
That, Truly You are the Son of God.

Our Cross

Jesus taught that He must suffer
That His path could not be tougher
From elders and chief priests and scribes
He’d die, and be raised He describes

But Peter said this won’t happen
Christ said, Get behind Me, Satan!
Be mindful of the things of God
And not the things that men applaud

Someone who wants to follow Me
Takes up his cross, lives selflessly
Try to save your life and lose it
Lose it and you’ll find ev’ry whit

Gain the whole world. What profit’s there
To lose your soul going nowhere?
What will you exchange for your soul
The Son of Man will reward works whole

There are some here who will die
Till they see the kingdom coming by

Matthew 16:21-28

Children’s Rhyme to Farmer in the Dell

The farmer plants some seeds
The farmer plants some seeds
Hi ho the derry-o
The farmer plants some seeds

And some fell on the path
And some fell on the path
Hi ho the derry-o
And some fell on the path

And some fell on the stones
And some fell on the stones
Hi ho the derry-o
And some fell on the stones

And some fell in the thorns
And some fell in the thorns
Hi ho the derry-o
And some fell in the thorns

And some fell on good soil
And some fell on good soil
Hi ho the derry-o
And some fell on good soil

And there it bore much fruit
And there it bore much fruit
Hi ho the derry-o
And there it bore much fruit

On What Rock

Who do people say the Son is
A prophet or John the Baptist
Who do you say I am abroad
You are the Christ, the Son of God

You are blessed Simon Bar-Jonah
THIS is revealed by My Father
YOU are Peter, and on THIS rock
I will erect My called out flock

The grave won’t prevail against it
And the keys to YOU I remit
Whatever YOU forbid on earth
Is taboo as heaven set forth

Whatever you permit on earth
Is allowed as heaven set forth
Then He ordered His disciples
That He’s Christ don’t tell the peoples

Not Offended

Eating doesn’t defile a man
But what he says certainly can
This offended the Pharisees
Planted by men, torn out with ease

Let them be; the blind lead the blind
Both fall in a ditch, bear in mind
The words we say come from the heart
The place where evil thoughts depart

These are things which defile a man
Not eating with an unwashed hand
Later a Gentile woman came
My daughter’s sick she did explain

Jesus answered her not a word
Send her off the disciples slurred
Jesus said, Israel’s my mission
“Lord, help me!” was her submission

He said, “Children’s bread’s not for pups.”
She said, “A dog from the crumbs sups.”
Jesus said, “O your faith is great!”
Her daughter was healed on that date

Matthew 15:10-28

God Provides

Jesus departed there by boat
To a deserted place remote
Crowds followed Him from the cities
He was moved for them with pities

Healed their sick, but His disciples
Said send them to buy some staples
But then Jesus said, you feed them
They said, with some fish and a crumb?

Jesus took the fish and the loaves
He blessed and gave them to the droves
So they all ate and they were filled
With twelve baskets left they were thrilled

Matthew 14:13-21

Eternal Treasures

The kingdom’s like a mustard seed
Which becomes a large tree indeed
The kingdom’s just like leaven too
Which leavened three loaves all way through

The kingdom’s like buried treasure
A man sold all for its pleasure
The kingdom’s just like a merchant
For a pearl sells all to purchase

The kingdom’s just like a dragnet
That gathers indiscriminate
The fishermen gather the good
Throw the bad away as you would

So it will be at age’s end
Separation they will attend
The wicked they’ll throw in the fire
There’ll be wailing and gnashing dire

Jesus said, “Have you understood
All these things?” And they said, “Yes, Lord.”
Teachers who become disciples
Brings out old and new arrivals

Wheat and Weeds

The kingdom‘s like a man planting good seeds
But while men slept, his enemy sowed weeds
But when the grain produced a crop
The tares also came to the top

So then the field hands said to him
‘How does your crop have tares within?
He said, ‘An enemy did this.’
They asked ‘Should we weed in a blitz?’

He said, ‘No, you’ll uproot the wheat
Until harvest they’ll have a seat
And then I’ll say to the reapers
“First gather and burn all the tares

Gather the wheat into my barn.”
The good seed was sown by the Son
The field is the whole world in sum
Good seeds, children of the kingdom

Tares, children of the wicked one
Their sowing the devil has done
The harvest’s the end of the age
The reaping, the angels engage

Offenders are cast in the fire
Wailing, gnashing teeth in the pyre
The righteous will shine like the sun
In their Father’s kingdom

He who has ears to hear, let him hear!

Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43

The Word as Seed

When Jesus taught the multitudes
He spoke to them in parables
Behold, a sower went to sow
And seed fell on the path, you know

And the birds came and ate up the seed
On stones the seed came up with speed
But it was soon scorched by the sun
And withered until there was none

And some fell among prickly plants
Which choked them; they had no chance
On good ground a crop of repute
Hundred, sixty, thirtyfold fruit

Who has ears to hear, let them hear
Why did He speak in parables here?
He answered it’s given to you
To know the kingdom’s riddles too

But to them it’s not been given
In their hearts is no provision
Their ears are hard of hearing
And their eyes they’ve shut from seeing

But blessed are your eyes for they see
And your ears hear actually
Many prophets wanted to see
And also hear I’ll guarantee

It’s snatched from those who don’t perceive
And some just quit when they’re aggrieved
Worldliness will choke out the word
And Some bear much fruit undeterred

Matthew 13:1-23

Rest for Our Souls

This age is like little children
Playing, calling their companions
We played flute and you didn’t dance
We mourned, you gave no caring glance

John was strict and called demonic
Jesus a drunk? How ironic!
He blamed towns that would not repent
Chorazin, Bethsaida, He meant

Tyre, Sidon, would have repented
Capernaum will be tormented
E’en Sodom would have relented
But your judgment is cemented

I thank You, Father, You’ve hidden
This from the wise, but not children
Come to Me, you weary, oppressed
And burdened. I will give you rest

Take up My yoke and learn from Me
For I am gentle and lowly
And you will find rest for your souls
My yoke, My burden lightly rolls

Matthew 11:16-30

Christian Hospitality

He who receives you, receives Me
Receives the One who sent Me, He
Receive a prophet in his name
And receive his reward, the same

Receives the righteous in his name
And receive his reward, the same
Give a little one just water
A disciple, son or daughter

Believe me, you won’t be ignored
You’ll by no means lose your reward

Matthew 10:40-42

Confessing Jesus

They called the master Beelzebub
Disciples are in the same club
Don’t fear! What’s hidden will be known
All that’s covered up will be shown

What I tell you, speak in the light
And preach it from the housetops’ height
Don’t fear what kills the physical
Fear Him who has the spiritual

He cares for all the little birds
Your life’s worth more, and it He guards
Who confesses Me before men
I’ll confess before God in heav’n

I didn’t come for peace on earth
But family strife to call forth
So, take your cross and follow Me
Lose your life, gain eternity

Matthew 10:24-39

Shepherds and Harvests

Jesus saw the people weary
Sheep without a shepherd, dreary
He said the harvest’s plentiful
The workers imperceptible

Pray to the Lord of the harvest
For more laborers to harness
He gave the disciples power
To heal from that very hour

Don’t go into the Gentile towns
But just stay within Israel’s grounds
Preach heaven’s kingdom is at hand
Heal and freely give should be planned

A worker’s worthy of his hire
Towns you enter you should inquire
Who in it’s worthy, and stay there
If the household’s worthy, peace share

You’ll be sheep among predators
Be wise and harmless on your tours
Beware, you’ll testify to kings
God will help you say the right things

Matthew 9:35-10:8

Beyond Prejudices

Eleven went to Galilee
To the mount Jesus did decree
When they saw Him, they worshiped Him
But some doubted. He spoke to them

“All authority’s given Me
In heaven and on earth you see
Having gone therefore disciple
Teach and baptize ev’ry nation

“Baptizing them into the Name
Of Father and Son we proclaim
And the Holy Spirit the same
Three in One but singular Name

“Teaching them all things to observe
What I, commanding you, conferred
And surely, I’m with you always
Even to the end of the age.”

Amen.

Matthew 28:16-20

70

Is there a word for seventy?
Perhaps the word is just lonely
Your wisdom is contradicted
Irrelevant as depicted

So you're quiet and don't say much
You’re treated like you're out of touch
You think about the years gone by
Both good and bad you can’t deny

Some people threw your friendship out
Others faithfully hung about
You forgave those who'd abused you
And hope that they forgave you too

You love your kids, but they’ve moved on
Will they survive this Babylon?
You really wish them all the best
That they reach their personal quest

Critics will their vitriol spew
They found a fault? Well, join the queue
Just one thing counts; the rest's worthless
Only life in Christ has purpose

Let Rivers Flow

On the last great day of the Feast
The day that Tabernacles ceased
“If someone’s thirsty,” Jesus cried
“Just come to me and I’ll provide

Believe in Me, say the Scriptures
Out of your heart will be rivers
Rivers of living water flow
The Holy Spirit will bestow

Those who believe He will provide
After Jesus is glorified

John 7:37-39

Unity in God's Name

Then Jesus vocalized
And Lifted up His eyes
Looking up to heaven
He voiced in expression
Father, the hour has come
So, glorify Your Son

That He may then thereby
Also You glorify
You gave authority
Over all flesh to Me
To give life evermore
To those You gave Me for

This is life immortal
To know You, God truthful
And Jesus Christ You sent
Honoring You I went
I’ve done the work You gave
My past glory I crave

Your name to those I showed
From the world You bestowed
Yours, You gave them to Me
They have kept Your decree
They’ve known what You gave Me
From You ultimately

Your words I gave to them
And they have received them
And know this to be true
That I came forth from You
They believe You sent Me
My prayer for them would be

For the world’s not my plea
But for those You gave Me
For they belong to You
All that’s Mine is Yours too
And all Yours are My men
I’m glorified in them

I’m no more in the world
But these are in the world
To You I come again
So keep them through Your name
That those You’ve given Me
May be one just as We

John 17:1-11

Our Advocate

If you love Me, keep My commands
I’ll pray that from the Father’s hands
He’ll give you another Helper
To abide with you forever

Spirit of truth, the world can’t take
To His presence it’s not awake
But you know Him, He dwells with you
What men can’t see will be in you

I won’t forsake you as orphans
I’ll come to you, you’ve importance
Soon the world will see Me no more
But you will see Me, that’s quite sure

Because I live, you’ll live also
And when that day comes you will know
I in My Father, you in Me
I’m in you, so keep my decree

He who has and keeps My commands
He loves Me and is in God’s hands
He’s loved by My Father above
To him I’ll show Myself in love

John 14:15-21

A Place for You

In My Father’s house there’s much room
I go to make a place for you
I’ll come again and receive you
That where I am, you may be too

And you all know where I’m going
And the way you should be knowing
Thomas said, “We don’t have a clue
And don’t know where you’re going to

Jesus told him, “I am the way
The truth, and the life let me say
Nobody comes to the Father
Except through Me and no other

If you’d known Me, you’d have known Him
From now on you’ve known and seen Him
Philip said, show us the Father
That suffices; that we’d rather

Jesus said, “Have you not known Me?
In Me the Father you have seen
I’m in the Father; He’s in Me
I speak with His authority

Believe Me because of the deeds
Greater works does he who believes
So ask anything in My name
And I will do it just the same

John 14:1-14

The Gate

If someone sneaks over the wall
Dodging the gate of the sheep stall
Must be a thief and a robber
The gate is the way that’s proper

Through the gate is the shepherd’s choice
And the sheep recognize His voice
So He calls his own sheep by name
And to follow Him is their aim

A stranger they just won’t follow
Deceptive voices won’t swallow
But for them His words were too deep
He said, I’m the gate for the sheep

Before me were robbers and thieves
Their words any true sheep just leaves
Those who come through me will be saved
With the abundant life they’ve craved

John 10:1-10

Mystery Journey

Two were going to Emmaus
And Jesus drew near to discuss
But they didn’t recognize Him
He asked why they sounded so grim

Cleopas asked, haven’t you heard
And He asked them what was the word
So they said, a Prophet is dead
We hoped for redemption instead

Crucified, yet our women say
That He’s alive again today
Then Jesus said, Don’t be so slow
The prophets spoke, and you should know!

Then He expounded their writings
And all about the Good Tidings
And they invited Him to stay
Breaking of bread did Him betray

And they said, “Didn’t our hearts burn
When to the Scriptures He did turn
So they went to Jerusalem
Found the eleven and told them

Luke 24:13-35

A Faithful Friend

Genuine friends are forever
They're here through all kinds of weather
Whether we're rich or poor they're here
They don't suddenly disappear

They may have different politics
They may even hurl verbal bricks
But they're always there and they care
They're precious and they are so rare

So if you find a faithful friend
Who's not so easy to offend
Thank God for their kind faithfulness
For life without them is a mess

Holy Thursday

‘Twas the night before Passover
Jesus’ hour had come moreover
He loved his own unto the end
He knew Judas wasn’t His friend

Jesus got up and washed their feet
Understand why I’ve done this feat
You should also this deed repeat
And thus you’ll wash each other’s feet

I’ll be with you a little while
While I endure a gruesome trial
A new command I give to you
Love each other as I’ve loved you

John 13

Hosanna

Say to the daughter of Zion
‘Look, coming to you is your King
Lowly, sitting on a donkey
A colt, the foal of a donkey.’

As that donkey carried its load
A crowd spread their clothes on the road
Others cut down branches from trees
And spread them on the road with ease

A multitude went before Him
Shouted: “Hosanna to David’s son!
Bless him who comes in the Lord’s name
Hosanna from heaven proclaim!”

Matthew 21:1-11

Lazarus

Lazarus was sick and he died
His sisters to Jesus applied
Jesus said, It’s for God’s glory
So let’s go back to Judea

Lazarus was buried four days
Probably at the stinking phase
Jesus said that he’d rise again
I’m the life and resurrection

Believe in me and never die
Jesus wept, as he heard their cry
“Take away the stone,” about
He shouted, “Lazarus, come out!”

“Take off the grave clothes, let him go.”
The number who believed did grow

John 11

The Blind See

That man is sick. He's got a tick
Let's throw a brick. Give him a kick

There must be sin Somewhere therein
His next of kin? Where to begin?

To criticize, Or to apprise
This man's demise And his blind eyes

Jesus just bent, Without judgment
Gave his consent, Healed his torment

Evangelism at a Local Watering Hole

Near Samaria’s town Sychar
By Jacob’s well came a dipper
So Jesus asked her for a drink
She said, Jews avoid us I think

Jesus spoke of living water
You’ll never thirst again daughter
It’s water of eternal life
To five husbands you’ve been a wife

Sir, you are a prophet, she said
But you Jews say we are misled
We worshiped here on this mountain
Jews worship in Jerusalem

Worship the Father in Spirit
And truth is worship with merit
She said, Messiah is coming
Jesus said, “I am” is speaking

The woman told the townspeople
They came out to him quite peaceful
The disciples urged him to eat
His food was a work to complete

Many Samaritans believed
And as a guest He was received
They told the woman their neighbor
This man is really the Savior

John 4:5-42

A Visitor in the Dark

A Pharisee, Nicodemus
Saw Jesus at night to discuss
The signs prove you are not a fraud
But you’re a teacher come from God

Jesus replied, “truly I say
No one can God’s kingdom survey
Unless they are then born again.”
“Someone old reborn? Please explain!”

“Return into their mother’s womb?”
“Truly the kingdom has no room
Unless water- and Spirit-born
For flesh gives birth to flesh we learn

The Spirit gives birth to spirit
Don’t be surprised and don’t limit
My word, ‘You must be born again.’
Where the wind blows is not quite plain.

You hear its sound, but cannot tell
Where it arose or where it fell
So are those born of the Spirit.”
“How so?” Nicodemus queried

“You’re Israel’s teacher,” said Jesus
“And you don’t understand these things?
We speak of what we’ve known and seen
But still you don’t accept our creed

I spoke to you of earthly things
You don’t believe what my word brings
How can you possibly believe
Or of heavenly things conceive?

None has ascended to heaven
Except he who came from heaven
The Son of Man, who’ll be lifted
As Moses’ snake has depicted

So that everyone who believes
Eternal life in him receives
For God loved the world in this way
He gave his only Son to die

That whoever in him believes
Not death, but ceaseless life receives
Because God did not send his Son
To condemn the world, everyone
But the world might be saved through him

John 3:1-17

Temptation

Jesus was led by the Spirit
To the dry wilderness limit
By the devil He was tempted
Forty days food was rejected

Afterwards he was quite hungry
The tempter came to that country
If you’re really the Son of God
Tell these stones to become your bread.

Jesus answered, It is written
Just bread alone is not living,
Live on every word spread abroad
Coming forth from the mouth of God.

The devil said on the temple,
If you’re God’s Son take a tumble.
For, His angels have this command
They will lift you up in their hands

You won’t strike your foot on a stone.
Jesus said He wouldn’t condone
To put the Lord God to the test
So the devil tried his last quest

He took him up to the mountains
To show Him all the world’s kingdoms
All this I will give you, he said
If you’ll worship me as your god-head

But Jesus said, Leave me, Satan!
Worship the Lord God, it’s written
Serve only him. The devil fled
And angels made sure He was fed

Matthew 4:1-11

A Taste of Eternity

Jesus took Peter, James and John
And led them up a mountain yon
There he was transformed before them
And His face shone just like the sun

And his clothes became as white as light
Moses and Elijah in sight
Peter said I’ll build some shelters
For you and each of the elders

As he spoke, a cloud covered them
And a voice said, “This is my Son
I’m well pleased with Him my loved One
So keep on listening to Him!”

Then they fell face down, terrified
But Jesus touched them and replied
“Get up,” He said. “Don’t be afraid.”
And Jesus stood alone unswayed

While coming down the mountain
Jesus gave them this instruction
“The news of these things, do not spread
Until the Son’s raised from the dead.”

Matthew 17:1-9

Murder, Adultery, Lying Oaths

You’ve heard it said, You shall not kill
But I tell you don’t bear ill will
Angry, shouting verbal abuse
Using insults there’s no excuse

If while giving your offering
Mindful your brother has something
Against you, leave your gift and go
First be reconciled with your foe
Best settled quickly out of court
Than thrown in jail for a fake tort

So, Don’t commit adultery
And I say don’t look lustfully
If your right eye looks, gouge it out
If your right hand rubs do without
Better a body part expel
Than your whole body go to hell

Give the wife a divorce decree
Except for immorality
She’s victim of adultery
And don’t marry a divorcee

You’ve heard it said, Don’t break your oath
But to the Lord fulfill your troth
But I tell you, don’t swear at all
By heaven, or earth, His footstool

Or by Jerusalem city
Or by your head black or snowy
All you need is say, ‘Yes’ or ‘No’
All else is evil don’t you know

Matthew 5:21-37

Jesus and the Law

You all are the salt of the earth
But if the salt has lost its worth
Can you make it salty again?
No, it will just be ditched by men

You all are light the world to fill
You can’t hide a town on a hill
Nor hide lamps under basket domes
Lamps are meant to light up our homes

Let good deeds shine for all to see
They’ll praise your Father heavenly
The law or prophets, I’ll not kill
No, I came the law to fulfill

Till heaven and earth pass away
The law’s smallest details will stay
So don’t annul the least command
Teaching the same to those at hand

You’ll be the least in the Kingdom
So obey God’s laws and teach them
You’ll be great in the Kingdom

Unless your righteousness exceeds
That of the scribes and Pharisees
You’ll never be there guaranteed!

Matthew 5:13-20

Secrets of Happiness

When Jesus saw the crowds around
He climbed a mountain and sat down
Then His disciples came to Him
He opened His mouth and taught them

The poor in spirit they are blest
For heaven’s kingdom they’ve possessed
Blest and happy are those who mourn
For comfort will to them return

The meek and gentle they are blest
For the earth will be their bequest
Blessed are those who want to do right
For they’ll be satisfied forthright

Blest are those who are merciful
For they’ll be shown mercy [in full]
God blesses those whose hearts are pure
Because they will see God [for sure]

Blest and happy are peacemakers
They’ll be sons of God [our Maker’s]
Blest those harassed for doing right
Heaven’s kingdom is theirs outright

Blest are you when you’re insulted
For My sake smeared, persecuted
Joy! Your reward in heaven’s great
For the prophets you emulate

Matthew 5:1-12

Do We Really Follow Jesus?

Hearing John was in custody
Jesus returned to Galilee
First Nazareth, then Capernaum
By Naphtali and Zebulun

Just like Isaiah’s prophecy
In Zebulun and Naphtali
Beyond the Jordan by the sea
Where Gentiles live in Galilee

Those in the dark have seen a great light
In death’s shadow a light shone bright
And Jesus preached, Repent of sins
Turn to God; the Kingdom begins.

One day along Galilee’s shore
Peter and Andrew, Jesus saw
Casting a net into the lake
For they fished, a living to make

Jesus called out, Come, follow me
And fishers of men you will be!
They followed Him immediately
As did the sons of Zebedee

Jesus went throughout Galilee
And taught in their assembly
Preached the Good News of the Kingdom
Healed disease and sickness victim

Matthew 4:12-23

The Lamb of God

John said as Jesus came to him
“The Lamb of God who removes sin
He’s the next one successively
Who existed long before me

With water I’ve been baptizing
For in Israel His revealing”
The Holy Spirit like a dove
Resting on Him from up above

Just like God said, and I was awed
As I looked at the Son of God
And John said Jesus was the Lamb
And two disciples followed Him

He invited them to come and stay
So they stayed with Him all that day
And Andrew, he was one of them
And he told His brother Simon

When Simon went to say hello
The Lord said, your name’s Peter though

John 1:29-42

The Mystery of Baptism

Then Jesus came from Galilee
To John to be baptized you see
And John tried to stop Him, saying,
You, should baptize me, I’m stating

But Jesus said and answered him,
All righteousness I’m fulfilling.
He baptized Him. Then the Master
Came up away from the water

The heavens opened up above
The Spirit came down like a dove
On Him. Then a voice from above,
I’m pleased with My Son dearly loved.

Matthew 3:13-17