Jesus of Nazareth Passeth By

1. What means this eager, anxious throng,
Which moves with busy haste along
These wondrous gath'rings day by day?
What means this strange commotion, say?
In accents hushed, the throng reply:
"Jesus of Nazareth passes by."
In accents hushed, the throng reply:
"Jesus of Nazareth passes by."

2. Who is this Jesus? Why should he
The city move so mightily?
A passing stranger, has he skill
To move the multitude at will?
Again, the stirring tones reply:
"Jesus of Nazareth passes by."
Again, the stirring tones reply:
"Jesus of Nazareth passes by."

3. Jesus! 'tis he who once below
Our pathway trod, 'mid pain and woe;
And burdened ones, wheree'er he came,
Bro't out their sick and deaf and lame.
The blind rejoiced to hear the cry:
"Jesus of Nazareth passes by."
The blind rejoiced to hear the cry:
"Jesus of Nazareth passes by."

4. Again he comes! From place to place
His holy footprints we can trace.
He pauses at our thresholds, nay,
He enters, condescends to stay.
Shall we not gladly raise the cry:
"Jesus of Nazareth passes by."
Shall we not gladly raise the cry:
"Jesus of Nazareth passes by."

5. O all you heavy-laden, come!
Here’s pardon, comfort, rest, and home.
Come, wand’rers from a Father’s face;
Return, accept his proffered grace.
Temptations? There’s a refuge nigh.
Jesus of Nazareth passes by.
Temptations? There’s a refuge nigh.
Jesus of Nazareth passes by.

6. But if you still this call refuse,
And all his wondrous love abuse,
Soon will he sadly from you turn,
Your bitter prayer for pardon spurn.
“Too late! Too late!” will be the cry,
“Jesus of Nazareth has passed by.”
“Too late! Too late!” will be the cry,
“Jesus of Nazareth has passed by.”

Source: Hymns and Devotions for Daily Worship #333

• MIDI file from The Cyber Hymnal #3395
  
• Audio recording from Small Church Music #5785
• Audio recording from Small Church Music #5785