Hymns and Devotions for Daily Worship ‎#117

117. Jesus Wept

1. Who is this in silence bending
O'er a dark, sepulchral cave?
Sympathetic sorrow blending
With the tears around that grave?
Christ the Lord is standing by
At the tomb of Bethany.

2. Jesus wept! those tears are over,
But his heart is still the same;
Kinsman, Friend, and Elder Brother,
Are his everlasting names.
Saviour! who can love like thee,
Gracious One of Bethany?

3. When the pangs of trial seize us,
When the waves of sorrow roll,
I will lay my head on Jesus,
Pillow of the troubled soul.
Surely, none can feel like thee,
Weeping One of Bethany!

4. Jesus wept!—and still in glory,
He can mark each mourner’s tear;
Loving to retrace the story
Of the hearts He solaced here.
Lord, when I am called to die,
Let me think of Bethany!

5. Jesus wept! that tear of sorrow
Is a legacy of love;
Yesterday, today, tomorrow,
He the same does ever prove.
Thou art all in all to me,
Living One of Bethany!

Text Information

• First Line: Who is this in silence bending
• Title: Jesus Wept
• Author: John R. MacDuff (1853)
• Meter: 8.7.8.7.7.7
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2024
• Scripture:
  John 11:28-37
• Topic: Lent
• Notes: Text by Scottish pastor John R. MacDuff, from his collection Altar Stones (1853), alt.

Tune Information

• Name: LUX PRIMA
• Composer: Charles Gounod (1872)
• Meter: 8.7.8.7.7.7
• Incipit: 11132 1715
• Key: F Major or modal
• Notes: Tune LUX PRIMA by French composer Charles Gounod, written in England while escaping the Franco-Prussian War, from The Hymnary (1872).