O Dearest Jesus, What Law Hast Thou Broken

O dearest Jesus, what law have you broken
that such sharp sentence should on you be spoken?
Of what great crime have you to make confession,
what dark transgression?

They crown your head with thorns, they smite, they scourge you;
with cruel mockings to the cross they urge you;
they give you gall to drink, they still decry you;
they crucify you.

Whence come these sorrows, whence this mortal anguish?
It is my sins for which you, Lord, must languish;
yes, all the wrath, the woe that you inherit,
this I do merit.

What punishment so strange is suffered yonder!
The Shepherd dies for sheep that loved to wander;
the Master pays the debt his servants owe him,
who would not know him.

The sinless Son of God must die in sadness,
the sinful child of man may live in gladness;
we forfeited our lives, yet are acquitted;
God is committed.

I’ll think upon your mercy without ceasing,
that earth’s vain joys to me no more be pleasing;
to do your will shall be my sole endeavor
henceforth forever.

And when, dear Lord, before your throne in heaven
to me the crown of joy at last is given,
where sweetest hymns your saints forever raise you,
I too shall praise you.