“Alike, yet different” was the final decree

as three men awaited death at Calvary.

Two were mere men, what did their life bring?

The Third bore a sign proclaiming He’s King.

Two were alike in that they did sin;

whether murderer or thief, they had hatred within.

They truly were guilty, awaiting death’s claim,

but the Third One bore the Messiah’s name.

“Lord, remember me…, said one to His face,

and as Truth was acknowledged, he received God’s grace.

The other, rejecting the Third One, turned away,

and with hatred intact, he perished that day.

Not so alike after all were these three

who together were crucified upon Calvary.

One was innocent, falsely accused,

beaten rejected, His body was bruised.

A crown of cruel thorns pierced deeply His head

where a crown of glory should have shown instead.

His heart bore the anguish as our guilt and sin-stain

were placed on His shoulders, yet He didn’t complain.

He looked to the Father but He, too, turned His face,

and alone...in torment...He bore our disgrace.

Who was the Third One whom man could not kill;

His life an atonement...His obedience God’s will?

“Alike, yet different,” One’s life was laid down;

Two guilty, One innocent...my cross for His crown.

Two were mere men dying on Calvary’s tree…

...for me!!

Luke 23:46 And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice,

he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit;

and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.