Entreaties of the Passion
"I swear that I don't know that man"
Good Friday
This hymn, specifically for Good Friday, recounts Christ's passion through appeals made by Peter, Judas, Pilate, the crowd, the thief and Jesus himself. The hymn is available in two keys and there are optional settings written especially for the text of each verse. See the paragraphs at the end of this page for Biblcal references and performance suggestions.
1. "I swear that I don't know that man!"
In cold of night did Peter cry;
Twice more when asked he lied again;
For this man's sin did Jesus die.
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2. "I have betrayed but blameless blood!"
Before he hanged did Judas cry;
Too late remorse his heart did flood;
For this man's sin did Jesus die.
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Modified verses as adopted by
School Sister of Notre Dame:
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3. "In him your king I find no fault!"
With weak resolve did Pilate cry;
He feared a mob he could not halt;
For this man's sin did Jesus die.
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1. "I swear that I don't know that man!"
In cold of night did Peter cry;
Twice more when asked he lied again;
For love of us did Jesus die.
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4. "Nail him, we say, upon a cross!"
In bitter rage the crowd did cry;
A killer gained, a king their loss;
For all their sins did Jesus die.
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2. "In him your king I find no fault!"
With weak resolve did Pilate cry;
He feared a mob he could not halt;
For love of us did Jesus die.
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5. "He's punished with us unjustly,"
With humble plea the thief did cry;
Today in Paradise is he;
For this man's sin did Jesus die.
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3. "Nail him, we say, upon a cross!"
In bitter rage the crowd did cry;
A killer gained, a king their loss;
For love of us did Jesus die.
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6. "My God, why've you forsaken me?"
Upon the cross did Jesus cry;
In pain and sorrow suffered He;
For all our sins did Jesus die.
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4. "He's punished with us unjustly,"
With humble plea the thief did cry;
In pain and sorrow suffered He;
For love of us did Jesus die.
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Thoughts behind the hymn:
This hymn can be sung straight through or as a sort of mini-cantata with a reading from the passion between each verse. Biblical references for each verse are as follows:
Verses
1
2
3, 4
5
6
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Matthew
26:33-34, 69-75
27:3-5
27:15-26
27:38
27:46-50
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Mark
14:29-30, 66-72
15:6-15
15:27
15:29-37
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Luke
22:34, 55-61
23:13-25
23:32-43
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John
13:37-38; 18:15-27
18:38-19:16
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"For this man's sin did Jesus die."
In the context of these verses, this recurring phrase has two meanings: One refers to specific sinful actions directly resulting to Jesus' death. The other refers to Jesus offering Himself for our salvation.
When using the modified verses adopted by the School Sisters of Notre Dame in conjunction with the individual settings for each verse, use the settings for verses 1, 3, 4, and 6.