Lyrics

The dusty road to Jerusalem,
Early that morning I traveled down,
Outside the gates on a hill nearby,
Three crosses stood with their captives high.

From in the middle a man stared down,
And on his brow I beheld a crown,
And it was then that he looked at me,
That early morning in Jerusalem.

Our gazes locked as he stared at me,
That stranger hung there upon the tree,
How could I guess he would die for me,
That early morning in Jerusalem.

Traveler, his eyes said, I know you well,
Had I the time, there'd be much to tell,
How my dying here can save from Hell,
All those traveling to Jerusalem.

Your sins I carry, I bear your shame,
Willingly, I die here to clear your name,
Though we must part now I'll come again,
And we'll walk together to Jerusalem.

We'll walk together through eternity,
Side by side you'll be there with me,
So shake off the dust and your heavy load,
That brings you to Jerusalem.

The skies grew dark as he closed his eyes,
People were crying, I heard his sighs,
Some who were there said they heard him say,
Father, forgive them, it's their price I pay.

That mankind with us may dwell,
Safe in Heaven and free from Hell,
It is Your mercy that holds me here
Upon this cross outside Jerusalem

Love blazed forth as he shut his eyes,
In that moment of sacrifice,
As he died upon that tree,
Outside the gates of Jerusalem.

Though I am old and the years have flown,
Great grandfather's story I've made my own,
And joyfully pass on to all I know,
The things that happened in Jerusalem.

How on that day Jesus really died,
But on the third He came back to life,
Raised by God, with Him to reign,
And bring a new Jerusalem.

Spread the good news, tell it wide,
Of Jesus and His sacrifice,
He is the Christ and He is the Way,
That leads us to the new Jerusalem.



Copyright © 2007 Thomas W. Rapp and Jean R. Rapp