Jesus, Once with Sinners Numbered
Jesus, once with sinners numbered
This hymn articulates Lutheran soteriology by emphasizing Christ's voluntary solidarity with sinners as the basis for salvation and His continuing intercession. It grounds comfort in the objective work of Christ rather than subjective feeling or human merit.
History & Background
Written by Count Zinzendorf, founder of the Moravian Brethren, this hymn expresses the consoling truth that Christ identified with sinners. Catherine Winkworth's English translation from the German original became standard in Lutheran hymnals during the 19th century.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 317
- Lutheran Service Book — 404
- Lutheran Worship — 334
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 395
Translation
Bulletin Note
Written by Zinzendorf in 1737, this hymn expresses Moravian piety and Lutheran theology: Christ's voluntary numbering with sinners becomes the ground of our justification and the source of His eternal intercession for believers.
Preaching Connection
This hymn deepens proclamation of Christ's substitutionary atonement by emphasizing not only His sacrifice but His continuing priestly work, transforming Law's condemnation into the Gospel's unshakeable assurance.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Law to Gospel: from the demand to love God completely (St. 1) through confession of sin and need for Christ's redemption (St. 2), to the Holy Spirit's sustaining comfort (St. 3), culminating in trinitarian confidence and eschatological hope (St. 4)
Themes
Christ's identification with sinners Atonement Justification Grace Intercession