Easter Story

* CLICK ON EACH TITLE TO LISTEN

Day One

1 The Saviour of the World ( Luke 19. 36-44)

Jesus enters into Jerusalem, riding humbly on a beast of burden. He comes to lay down his life for his people, and though they celebrate his coming, he knows the tide of public opinion is soon to turn against him. ('Cloggy dancers' danced to part of this song in our musical.) It may be better with the verses sung as solos.

Luke 19:36-44

2 Get out of my Father's House (Mark 11, 15-19)

Jesus is appalled that God's holy temple has been desecrated, and he throws out the buyers and sellers who are plying their trade there. Not the way to win friends and influence people!

Day Two

3 The Footwashing Song (John 13. 3-5)

Jesus takes a towel and washes the disciples' feet. He led always by example.

4 Take Eat, this is my Body (Matthew 26. 26-29)

This song was actually my call to a priestly ministry, and is very special to me. It asks the questions, "How much do you care?" and "Will you be poured out for me, like this cup?"

Day Three

5 Gethsemane (Mark 14. 32-36)

In the darkness of the garden of Gethsemane, alone and frightened Jesus prays to his Father, pleading that the cup of suffering, which he is about to drink, be taken away from him.

6 The Betrayal (Matthew 26. 45-50)

Jesus is betrayed by Judas Iscariot, with a kiss. Everyone deserts him and flees.

7 Peter's Denial (Mark 14. 66-72)

Jesus is arrested and Peter bravely follows behind, to be as close and as true to his Lord as possible, but when he is recognised, he quickly dissociates himself from him. Like all the others he turns away and Jesus is left completely alone.

Day Four

8 Barabbas the Brigand (John 18. 33-40)

A 'rap' version of the trial by Pontius Pilate. Pilate washes his hands of Jesus' blood, and the people must choose between Barabbas and Jesus.

John 18. 28-40

9 The Crucifixion ( Matthew 27. 27-36)

The angry and scornful crowd sings the verses here, mocking Jesus, and he responds by praying for them, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do!"

Also Luke 23.34: John 19:30; (see also Isaiah 53.12)

10 Father Into Your Hands I Commend My Spirit ( Luke 23. 44-49)

This song is my favourite on this CD. Jesus breathes his last; pieces of the jigsaw seem to click into place. The people walk away in fear and shame as the skies grow heavy, and the winds begin to blow. On this day, many ancient prophecies come true!.

Day Five

11 Risen (Luke 24. 1-9)

The children worked out a line dance to this one, and dressed as 'cowboy' angels. It expresses a real joy, that Jesus really had risen! The tomb no longer holds him captive.

Luke 24.1-9

12 Feed My Lambs (John 21.15-17)

Just as Peter had denied Jesus three times, so here Jesus appears to him, and asks three times if he truly loves him. He also commissions him to feed his flock.

John 21.15-17