Christ, When for Us You Were Baptized
Christ, when for us you were baptized
The hymn emphasizes Christ's identification with humanity in baptism and establishes the pattern for Christian baptismal life, reflecting Lutheran sacramental theology. It connects Christ's obedience and humiliation with the believer's participation in Christ through baptismal grace.
History & Background
Written by Jaroslav Vajda in 1978 for the Lutheran Book of Worship. The hymn connects Christ's baptism to the baptism of believers, using the historic tune arrangement.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 305
- Glory to God — 191
- The Hymnal 1982 — 121
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 403
- Lutheran Service Book — 408
- Lutheran Worship — 199
Bulletin Note
Text by Jaroslav Vajda (1978), a 20th-century Lutheran hymn writer. This modern composition recovers baptism's centrality in Lutheran sacramental theology, uniting Christ's obedience with the believer's participation in His death and resurrection.
Preaching Connection
This hymn anchors the paradox that Christ's self-emptying obedience in baptism is the Gospel's fullest expression—the Law's demand met by grace, and the pattern for every Christian life.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- The Definition & Command of Baptism Small Catechism — Holy Baptism
- The Daily Purpose of Baptism Small Catechism — Holy Baptism
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Christ's Lenten self-denial models our repentance; His victory over Satan empowers our spiritual triumph; His presence sustains us through suffering toward Easter joy and eternal paradise.
Themes
Baptism of Christ Christian baptism Incarnation Obedience Grace