Cross of Jesus, Cross of Sorrow
Cross of Jesus, cross of sorrow
The hymn expresses Lutheran appreciation for the salvific work of Christ's passion, presenting the cross as the central mystery of redemption that accomplishes both judgment on sin and restoration of relationship with God. It reflects the Lutheran emphasis on the theology of the cross (theologia crucis) as central to Christian faith and worship.
History & Background
Written by William John Sparrow-Simpson and published in 1904, this English hymn became popular in Anglican and broader Protestant worship. It has been adopted into Lutheran hymnals including the Lutheran Service Book (2006) as hymn 428.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 803
- The Hymnal 1982 — 160
- Lutheran Service Book — 428
Bulletin Note
Written in 1904 by English hymnologist William John Sparrow-Simpson, this hymn deepens Lutheran devotion to the passion of Christ, presenting the cross as the central mystery where divine judgment upon sin and redemptive grace intersect.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies the theology of the cross by holding Law and Gospel together at Golgotha—exposing human sinfulness while simultaneously proclaiming Christ's pardon and the restoration of our relationship with God through his passion.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Law recognizes human unworthiness before the cross; Gospel proclaims Christ's redemptive sacrifice, mysterious condescension, and transformative love calling for perpetual thanksgiving
Themes
Suffering of Christ Redemption through the Cross Penitence Adoration of the Cross Christian discipleship