This post is part of a series of Lenten reflections using worship songs to engage the journey of Lent. Each reflection involves meditation on one song and a portion of scripture from the Gospel of Luke. These reflections are a part of the senior project of Southwestern College student Mallorie Coffman. Graphic design by Maggie Collett.
You may use the Chapters for Reflection from the Gospel of Luke to shape your approach to these lyrical meditations. The author has also provided shorter focus verses.
Chapters for Reflection: Luke 21-24
He Never Said a Mumblin’ Word
The Welcome Wagon
They led him to Pilate’s bar
Not a word, not a word, not a word
They led him to Pilate’s bar
Not a word, not a word, not a word
They led him to Pilate’s bar
But he never said a mumblin’ word
Not a word, not a word, not a word
They all cried, “Crucify!”
Not a word, not a word, not a word
They all cried, “Crucify!”
Not a word, not a word, not a word
They all cried, “Crucify!”
But he never said a mumblin’ word
Not a word, not a word, not a word
Not a word, not a word, not a word
We nailed him on to a tree
Not a word, not a word, not a word
We nailed him on to a tree
Not a word, not a word, not a word
We nailed him on to a tree
But he never said a mumblin’ word
Not a word, not a word, not a word
Not a word, not a word, not a word
Not a word, not a word, not a word
Not a word, not a word, not a word
The original version of this Gospel Spiritual can be found predating the Civil-War era. Since its origin, it has been recorded by numerous artists including Lead Belly and Nirvana (titled They Hung Him on a Cross). As you listen to this song, what messages resonate with you that people were also hearing nearly two centuries ago?
In the many recordings small pieces have changed. Some artists have chosen to emphasize the Return of Christ following the Crucifixion. Others speak about how his dignified silence was for them. The Welcome Wagon chooses to focus on Jesus’ experiences and his reaction to every thing as it was happening to him. How does each focus represent a piece of what was happening during Holy Week and the Crucifixion?
Everyone has experienced some sort of harassment verbally or physically. The reflex to retaliate in some way is nearly inherently human. That is what makes it so hard to relate to Jesus’ silence as he was continuously abused and betrayed. Jesus spoke the words, in the Gospel of Matthew 5:39, to turn the other cheek whenever someone slaps you. How can Jesus’ tortured silence upon the cross be an example to us in the face of hatred and violence?
Focus Scripture: Luke 23:1-49
In a careful reading of Luke 23:1-49, Jesus did indeed speak five times and two of those times Jesus’ speaking was directed towards God. In Luke 23:34, Jesus asked God to send forgiveness to his crucifiers and all those at the cross. When Jesus was upon that cross he never lost sight of God’s presence and the human need for this sacrifice. Whenever you feel like all hope is lost, how can you reconnect with God to remember His place in your life and keep centered on God?
The other three times Jesus spoke were to the people around him. The last man to whom he spoke before his death was one of the criminals on the cross next to him. In Luke 23:42, Jesus granted him a place in God’s paradise, heaven. After many men had beaten and cursed him, he still brought kindness and love to those around him. How can we use Jesus’ strength and love at the site of evil to continue to show love to all those who surround us?
–Mallorie Coffman
