Piano Demo
0:00
Hymnal Number
253Resource Type:
Keys included:
Fm
About this Hymn
To craft this poignant crucifixion hymn, poet laureate Robert Bridges consulted a German text by the poet Johann Heerman and a Latin prayer on which it was based, which is sometimes attributed to Anselm of Canterbury (11th c.). It recognizes the poetic injustice of the blameless one's being punished for the perpetrator(s), and it asks in return for this willing substitute to show us a love we do not deserve.
Lyrics
Verse 1
Ah, holy Jesus, how have you offended, that mortal judgment has on you descended? By foes derided, by your own rejected, O most afflicted!
Verse 2
Who was the guilty? Who brought this upon you? Alas, my treason, Jesus, has undone you! 'Twas I, Lord Jesus, I it was denied you: I crucified you.
Verse 3
Lo, the Good Shepherd for the sheep is offered; the slave has sinned, and the Son has suffered; for our atonement, while we nothing heeded, God interceded.
Verse 4
For me, kind Jesus, was your incarnation, your mortal sorrow, and your life's oblation; your death of anguish and your bitter passion, for my salvation.
Verse 5
Therefore, kind Jesus, since I cannot pay you, I do adore you, and will ever pray you, think on your pity and your love unswerving, not my deserving.
Ah, holy Jesus, how have you offended, that mortal judgment has on you descended? By foes derided, by your own rejected, O most afflicted!
Verse 2
Who was the guilty? Who brought this upon you? Alas, my treason, Jesus, has undone you! 'Twas I, Lord Jesus, I it was denied you: I crucified you.
Verse 3
Lo, the Good Shepherd for the sheep is offered; the slave has sinned, and the Son has suffered; for our atonement, while we nothing heeded, God interceded.
Verse 4
For me, kind Jesus, was your incarnation, your mortal sorrow, and your life's oblation; your death of anguish and your bitter passion, for my salvation.
Verse 5
Therefore, kind Jesus, since I cannot pay you, I do adore you, and will ever pray you, think on your pity and your love unswerving, not my deserving.
Copyrighted lyrics may be used in corporate worship in accordance with a valid CCLI license. Lyrics should be displayed unaltered and include author and copyright information. All other uses require permission from the copyright holder.
Attribution & Copyright
Words: Johann Heerman, 1630; tr. Robert Bridges, 1897
Music: Johann Crüger, 1640; harm. The Chorale Book for England, 1863
Music: Johann Crüger, 1640; harm. The Chorale Book for England, 1863