Christian Worship ‎#432

432. What Law Have You Broken

1 O dearest Jesus, what law have you broken
that such sharp sentence should on you be spoken?
Of what great crime have you to make confession,
what dark transgression?

2 They crown your head with thorns, they smite, they scourge you;
with cruel mockings to the cross they urge you;
they give you gall to drink, they still decry you;
they crucify you.

3 Whence come these sorrows, whence this mortal anguish?
It is my sins for which you, Lord, must languish;
yes, all the wrath, the woe that you inherit,
this I do merit.

4 What punishment so strange is suffered yonder!
The Shepherd dies for sheep that loved to wander;
the Master pays the debt his servants owe him,
who would not know him.

5 The sinless Son of God must die in sadness,
the sinful child of man may live in gladness;
we forfeited our lives, yet are acquitted;
God is committed.

6 I’ll think upon your mercy without ceasing,
that earth’s vain joys to me no more be pleasing;
to do your will shall be my sole endeavor
henceforth forever.

7 And when, dear Lord, before your throne in heaven
to me the crown of joy at last is given,
where sweetest hymns your saints forever raise you,
I too shall praise you.

Text Information

• First Line: O dearest Jesus, what law have you broken
• Title: What Law Have You Broken
• Author: Johann Heermann, 1585-1647
• Translator (sts. 1-4, 6, 7): Catherine Winkworth, 1827-1878 (alt.)
• Meter: 11 11 11 5
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2021
• Scripture:
  Isaiah 53:4-6
  ;
  John 19:4-6
  ;
  1 Peter 3:18
  ;
  1 John 3:5
• Source: Tr. st. 5 The Lutheran Hymnal, 1941, alt.
• Copyright: Public Domain

Tune Information

• Name: HERZLIEBSTER JESU
• Composer: Johann Crüger, 1598-1662
• Meter: 11 11 11 5
• Key: g minor
• Source: Setting: The Lutheran Hymnal, 1941
• Copyright: Public Domain