Jesus in Thy Thirst and Pain
Jesus in Thy thirst and pain
The hymn presents Christ's passion as both an expression of divine compassion for human suffering and the means of salvation, central to Lutheran soteriology. It invites the believer into empathetic contemplation of Christ's suffering while affirming the redemptive efficacy of His sacrifice.
History & Background
Written by William Cowper in 1779, this hymn reflects his evangelical Anglican faith and appeared in the Olney Hymns collection. It became a standard Lenten hymn in Lutheran and Reformed traditions.
Hymnal Appearances
- Lutheran Worship — 268
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 184
Bulletin Note
Cowper's meditation (1779) blends evangelical fervor with classical English hymnody. Its sustained focus on Christ's physical passion reflects both Reformation theology and 18th-century Methodist revival piety.
Preaching Connection
This hymn deepens the Law's conviction of Christ's undeserved suffering while proclaiming the Gospel's radical promise: His thirst and pain are ours no longer, for He has borne them in our place.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Law (conviction of sin and Christ's sacrifice) to Gospel (amazement at grace, personal response of self-surrender)
Themes
Christ's passion Redemptive suffering Penitence Atonement Compassion of Christ