Near the Cross Was Mary Weeping
Near the cross was Mary weeping
The hymn emphasizes Mary's suffering at the foot of the cross, reflecting Lutheran meditation on Christ's passion and the cost of redemption. It connects Mary's maternal suffering with the broader theology of substitutionary atonement central to Lutheran doctrine.
History & Background
This is a lesser-known German Passion hymn from the 18th-19th century tradition. It focuses on Mary's witness to Christ's crucifixion and appears in some Lutheran hymnals including Evangelical Lutheran Hymnary.
Translation
Bulletin Note
An 1800s passion hymn of unknown authorship, traditionally paired with the German chorale tune Herzlich taut mich verlangen. Its focus on Mary's suffering reflects Lutheran devotion to the cost of Christ's redemptive work.
Preaching Connection
This hymn deepens meditation on substitutionary atonement by grounding Christ's sacrifice in intimate human suffering, inviting the congregation to feel—not merely understand—how the cross absorbs our sin and transforms grief into redemptive love.
Themes
Passion of Christ Mary at the Cross Suffering Redemption Compassion