Jesus' Gospel

In the time of Jesus long ago,
The land was filled with grief and woe.
Foreigners ruled with iron hand,
No freedom left in their own land.

Heavy taxes burdened all,
Poverty struck, and hunger's call.
Disease and pain spread far and wide,
The people suffered, nowhere to hide.

"Satan rules this world," they said,
"That’s why our hope and joy are dead."
They longed for God's eternal reign,
To bring an end to all their pain.

The Pharisees preached strict Sabbath law,
"For God's Kingdom to come, observe without flaw."
They forced the people to obey,
Believing this would bring the day.

John arrived with news to share,
"God’s Kingdom comes, so prepare!
Turn from evil, embrace what's right,
For justice comes with God’s light."

"When God's King comes, justice will reign,
Evildoers will face fiery pain."
John's message echoed loud and clear,
The people listened, filled with fear.

But Jesus came with love untold,
A message new and bold.
"God reigns now, not far away,
His Kingdom’s here, with us today."

With open arms, God welcomes all,
Into His realm, He makes the call.
Not forced upon us, love invites,
Freedom is ours, with shining lights.

Yet the people turned away,
Nailed Jesus to a cross that day.
Still they wander, lost and blind,
God’s love and truth they leave behind.

Even now, they wait and yearn,
For a Kingdom they think will return.
But God’s Kingdom stands here today,
Real and present in every way.