O Jesus Blessed Lord to Thee
O Jesus, blessed Lord, to Thee
O Jesus Blessed Lord to Thee is a hymn text by Martin Behm (1610) in L.M. (8.8.8.8) meter. Translated by Catherine Winkworth. Found in lbw 220, lsb 632, lw 245, tlh 309.
The hymn expresses profound Lutheran gratitude for Christ's atoning sacrifice and exemplifies the devotional spirituality of post-Reformation German Protestantism. It balances law and gospel by acknowledging human unworthiness before God's unspeakable gift of redemption.
History & Background
Martin Behm composed this German hymn in the early 17th century as a meditation on Christ's passion and sacrifice. Catherine Winkworth translated it into English in 1863, and it entered Lutheran hymnals through her influential collection of German hymn translations.
Hymnal Appearances
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 220
- Lutheran Service Book — 632
- Lutheran Worship — 245
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 309
Translation
Bulletin Note
Martin Behm (1557–1622), German Lutheran pastor, composed this hymn during the post-Reformation flowering of German devotional hymnody. It remains a cornerstone of Lutheran eucharistic and penitential worship.
Preaching Connection
This hymn crystallizes the Lutheran dialectic of law and gospel: human unworthiness made luminous by the radical sufficiency of Christ's atoning love.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- The Second Article (Concerning Redemption) Small Catechism — The Apostles' Creed
Overview
A short post-Communion thanksgiving by Thomas Kingo, the great Danish Lutheran bishop and hymnwriter. In two stanzas the communicant thanks Jesus for lovingly giving his body and blood (st. 1) and bursts into joy at the wealth received, since the Savior now dwells in the heart (st. 2). It is often sung immediately after the distribution.
Central theme: Thanksgiving after Communion for Christ's body and blood and his indwelling
Structure
Two long-meter quatrains. Thanks (1) — joy (2).
Law & Gospel Shape
Pure Gospel and thanksgiving.
Confessional Connections
The Real Presence received ('on me Thy body and Thy blood'). The Supper's fruit: Christ dwelling in us (John 6:56). Thanksgiving (eucharistia) as the response, not the essence, of the Sacrament (Ap XXIV).
Liturgical Use (Study Notes)
Post-Communion; Maundy Thursday.
Historical Notes
Kingo (1634-1703), bishop of Odense, compiler of the Danish hymnal of 1699. Mason (1851-1928), Anglican scholar.
About the Tune
OLD HUNDREDTH (Louis Bourgeois, Genevan Psalter, 1551).
Scripture References
2 Cor 9:15 1 Cor 11:24 Ps 103:1-2 Eph 3:17 John 6:56 Ps 116:12-13
Stanza by Stanza
Blessed Lord Jesus, my heartfelt thanks to you forever, who have so lovingly given me your body and your blood.
Thanks for the gift just received: 'Thy body and Thy blood' — Kingo, a Lutheran, confesses the Real Presence plainly. The gift is given 'so lovingly' and 'on me' — personal, for me. 'Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift' (2 Cor 9:15, TLH's text).
- Scripture
- 2 Cor 9:15, 1 Cor 11:24, Matt 26:26-28, Ps 103:1-2
- Imagery & language
- Thanks; body and blood.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — thanksgiving for the gift.
- Connection to previous
- Thanks.
Break out in joy, my soul, and say what riches have come to me today! My Savior lives in my heart: how blessed I am! How good you are!
Joy at 'what wealth is come to me this day' — forgiveness, life and salvation (Small Catechism VI). 'My Savior dwells within my heart' — John 6:56: 'whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him'; Eph 3:17. The double exclamation turns from self ('How blest am I!') to Christ ('How good Thou art!').
- Scripture
- John 6:56, Eph 3:17, Ps 34:8, Ps 116:12-13, Luke 1:46-47
- Imagery & language
- Exclamation; wealth; indwelling.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — joy in Christ's indwelling.
- Connection to previous
- Joy.
Themes
Gratitude and thanksgiving Christ's passion and redemption Eucharistic devotion Meditation on Christ's suffering Christian response to grace