Hail, Thou Once Despised Jesus
Hail, thou once despised Jesus
This hymn embodies Lutheran soteriology by celebrating Christ's victorious ascension and present intercessory work at the right hand of the Father, emphasizing both the redemptive work accomplished through suffering and its ongoing efficacy. It connects the passion narrative to Christ's exaltation and encourages confidence in His mediation before God.
History & Background
Written by John Bakewell, an English Independent minister, in 1757, this hymn focuses on Christ's exaltation following His passion and death. It has been widely adopted in Lutheran hymnals since the 19th century and appears in most major Lutheran songbooks.
Hymnal Appearances
- Chalice Hymnal — 215
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 333
- Lutheran Service Book — 531
- Lutheran Worship — 284
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 367
- United Methodist Hymnal — 325
Bulletin Note
Written by John Bakewell in 1757, this hymn celebrates Christ's ascension and heavenly intercession, moving from His despised passion to His exalted triumph—a journey that assures believers of their redemption's permanence and efficacy.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies the Easter-to-Ascension arc of redemption: it transforms the Law's condemnation of Christ's suffering into the Gospel's proclamation of His exaltation and ongoing priestly work, making present the comfort of Christ's heavenly advocacy.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- The Second Article (Concerning Redemption) Small Catechism — The Apostles' Creed
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Law reveals human sin and unworthiness; Gospel proclaims God's mercy that infinitely exceeds transgression; Response calls believers to faithful trust and grateful living
Themes
Exaltation of Christ Redemption through suffering Ascension and heavenly intercession Adoration of the risen Christ