Near the Cross

While most of the disciples fled for safety, John, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, Mary Magdalene, and two other women, stayed near the cross as Jesus hung bleeding. John was probably young enough: he assumed that he, with the women, wouldn't appear to be threats against Rome, and so might escape the arrest the other disciples feared. He must have been mature in character, though, for Jesus gave his mother into his care. Thoughtfully, the five didn't think Jesus should be alone at this fearful time and assumed, probably correctly, that He would take comfort in their presence, waiting for death to come.

Fanny Crosby was born blind. She often asked people to explain beautiful scenes to her in emotional terms, which she could understand, for she had no knowledge of color or brightness.

Sometime when you are alone and have time to visualize, try to put yourself into the picture, near the cross. Imagine the horror. Think of the disappointment, for He in whom their hopes had been placed was undone. How it seemed their knees were kicked out from under them, the foundation of their faith killed.

With her inner, emotional, eye, Fanny Crosby imagined the scene and penned these words:

Near the cross! O Lamb of God,
Bring its scenes before me:
Help me walk from day to day
With its shadows o'er me.

Play this in a relaxed way. If you think of the words, you will express the piece rather slowly, for the ornaments might tend to sound jocular if done too fast.