Ah Holy Jesus – Hymn Lyric
“Ah, Holy Jesus: Reflecting on the Sacrifice of Christ. In this hymn, we are invited to contemplate the profound sacrifice Jesus made for humanity. The heartfelt words express remorse, gratitude, and awe for His suffering on the cross, reminding us of the importance of personal accountability and the need for Jesus’ unwavering love and forgiveness.”
Table of Contents
Ah Holy Jesus – Hymn Lyric
Ah, holy Jesus, how hast Thou offended,
That man to judge Thee hath in hate pretended?
By foes derided, by Thine own rejected,
O most afflicted.
Who was the guilty? Who brought this upon Thee?
Alas, my treason, Jesus, hath undone Thee.
‘Twas I, Lord, Jesus, I it was denied Thee!
I crucified Thee.
Lo, the Good Shepherd for the sheep is offered;
The slave hath sinned, and the Son hath suffered;
For man’s atonement, while he nothing heedeth,
God intercedeth.
For me, kind Jesus, was Thy incarnation,
Thy mortal sorrow, and Thy life’s oblation;
Thy death of anguish and Thy bitter passion,
For my salvation.
Therefore, kind Jesus, since I cannot pay Thee,
I do adore Thee, and will ever pray Thee,
Think on Thy pity and Thy love unswerving,
Not my deserving.
Meaning of Ah Holy Jesus
Ah, Holy Jesus: Reflecting on the Sacrifice of Christ
In the hymn “Ah, Holy Jesus,” we are drawn into a contemplation of the sacrifice that Jesus made for humanity. The solemn and heartfelt words of this hymn express a deep sense of remorse, gratitude, and awe for the suffering endured by Jesus on the cross. Let us delve into the verses and explore the profound meaning behind this hymn.
The first verse begins with a poignant question, “Ah, holy Jesus, how hast Thou offended, that man to judge Thee hath in hate pretended?” This inquiry highlights the perplexity of why Jesus, who was pure and blameless, was judged and condemned by humanity. The hymn acknowledges the unfair treatment Jesus endured, being derided by enemies and rejected by those closest to Him. It expresses empathy with Christ’s deep affliction and sorrow.
Moving on to the second verse, we find an introspective evaluation of our own guilt in Jesus’ suffering. We are forced to confront the harsh reality that it was our actions, our treason, that led to His crucifixion. The hymn writer humbly acknowledges, “‘Twas I, Lord, Jesus, I it was denied Thee! I crucified Thee.” This recognition of personal responsibility invites us to reflect on our own shortcomings and how they contributed to Christ’s sacrifice. It serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and the need for repentance.
The third verse shifts the focus from personal guilt to the redemptive purpose of Jesus’ sacrifice. It emphasizes that Jesus, the Good Shepherd, willingly offered Himself up for the sake of mankind. The hymn states, “The slave hath sinned, and the Son hath suffered; for man’s atonement, while he nothing heedeth, God intercedeth.” This verse emphasizes the unconditional love of God, who intercedes on our behalf, providing a path to forgiveness and reconciliation.
The fourth verse delves deeper into the significance of Jesus’ incarnation, mortal sorrow, life’s oblation, death of anguish, and bitter passion. In simple terms, the hymn explains that Jesus took on human form, felt the weight of sorrow, offered His life as a sacrifice, endured immense anguish, and suffered bitterly. All these acts were undertaken for the ultimate purpose of our salvation. The hymn reminds us of the enormity of Jesus’ sacrifice and the selflessness inherent in His actions.
The final verse acknowledges the inability of humanity to repay such a debt and expresses gratitude for Jesus’ unwavering love and unmerited grace. It states, “Therefore, kind Jesus, since I cannot pay Thee, I do adore Thee, and will ever pray Thee, think on Thy pity and Thy love unswerving, not my deserving.” In view of our shortcomings, we are left with no means to repay Jesus for His sacrifice. Instead, we are encouraged to show love and gratitude, to pray and seek His forgiveness, and to rely on His mercy.
It is evident from the words of this hymn that a profound sense of reflection, remorse, and gratitude underpins our understanding of Jesus’ sacrifice. His willingness to undergo immense suffering for our sake serves as a powerful reminder of the extent of His love. As we sing the words of “Ah, Holy Jesus,” it is crucial to internalize the meaning behind them and allow them to guide our thoughts, actions, and relationships.
In conclusion, this hymn takes us on an introspective journey, encouraging us to ponder the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. It speaks to our hearts, reminding us that we are all responsible for His crucifixion through our own sins. Yet, it also bestows upon us a profound sense of gratitude for Jesus’ unconditional love and forgiveness. As we contemplate the words of “Ah, Holy Jesus,” may we strive to live lives worthy of His sacrifice and extend His love to those around us.
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