Rhett Walker - Man On The Middle Cross Lyrics
Lyrics
Heard the Preacher talking
about three wood crosses
Up on a hill everyone to see
Two sinners on the outside couldn't save themselves if they tried
All I could think is man that sounds like me
Ive been the one on the left full of guilt and regret
long gone on the wrong side of living
I've been the one on the right always looking for a fight thinking I could never be forgiven
i'm standing here today
overwhelmed by grace cause I know who paid my cost
Thank God
for the man on the middle cross
He didn't have to do it
But for me He went thru it
A love like that I'l I never understand
Lord knows I don't deserve it
And I know I couldn't earn it
Mercy rained down on this desperate man
The cross is where he went
But that ain’t where he stayed
He brought me back to life when He rose up out of that grave
Someday I’ll stand before him
And I’ll See Jesus face to face
I’ll worship and adore him
For a life forever changed
Written by Rhett Walker, Matthew West, AJ Pruis & Matt Jenkins
Video
Rhett Walker- Man On The Middle Cross (Official Lyric Video)
Meaning & Inspiration
Rhett Walker's song "Man On The Middle Cross" was released as an official lyric video on July 21, 2023. The track was written by Rhett Walker, Matthew West, AJ Pruis, and Matt Jenkins. The song draws on the biblical account of the crucifixion, specifically the three crosses on Calvary, using this imagery to explore themes of sin, forgiveness, and redemption.
The lyrics express a personal reflection on the scene of the crucifixion, identifying with the two criminals crucified alongside Jesus. The narrator describes feeling like one of the "sinners on the outside," having experienced guilt, regret, and a struggle with forgiveness. The song conveys a sense of deep gratitude for the "man on the middle cross," recognizing that Jesus paid the cost for salvation, leading to an experience of overwhelming grace.
Further expanding on the message, the song acknowledges the sacrificial love demonstrated by Jesus going through the crucifixion, a love the narrator expresses they cannot fully understand or feel they deserve. It highlights the concept of receiving mercy not through earning it, but as a freely given gift to a "desperate man." The narrative then moves beyond the cross itself, emphasizing that Jesus did not remain there, but rose from the grave, bringing new life to the believer. This leads to an expression of future hope, anticipating the day of standing before Jesus face-to-face and worshipping Him for a life that has been forever changed.
The themes explored in the song connect with various passages in scripture. The scene of the three crosses is described in the Gospels (Matthew 27:38, Mark 15:27, Luke 23:33). The concept of identifying with sinners and the need for salvation is foundational in Christianity (Romans 3:23, 6:23). Grace and mercy received through Christ are central doctrines (Ephesians 2:8-9, Titus 3:5). The resurrection of Jesus and its power to give new life is a key message (Romans 6:4, 1 Peter 1:3). The future hope of seeing Christ and eternal worship is also a prominent biblical theme (John 14:3, Revelation 22:3-4).