For Jerusalem You're Weeping
For Jerusalem you're weeping
This hymn expresses Lutheran emphasis on Christ's redemptive compassion and sorrow over human sin and rejection of God's word. It reflects the law-gospel dialectic central to Lutheran theology, showing Christ's mercy despite humanity's spiritual blindness.
History & Background
Written by Nikolai Grundtvig, Danish bishop and hymnodist, in 1844, this hymn reflects on Christ weeping over Jerusalem. It was translated into English by Gracia Grindal in 1978 and included in The Hymnal 1982 and Lutheran Book of Worship traditions.
Hymnal Appearances
- Lutheran Worship — 390
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 419
Translation
Bulletin Note
Composed by Danish pastor Nikolai Grundtvig in 1844, this hymn draws from Matthew 23:37, where Jesus weeps over Jerusalem's refusal of God's prophets, expressing the Lutheran understanding of Christ's compassionate redemption.
Preaching Connection
This hymn crystallizes the law-gospel movement: Jerusalem's spiritual blindness and rejection reveal the law's condemnation, while Christ's weeping reveals the gospel's tender, persistent mercy seeking to gather the lost.
Themes
Christ's compassion Repentance and judgment Jerusalem's spiritual blindness Divine mercy Christ's passion