Good Friday

A Lamb goes uncomplaining forth,

The guilt of sinners bearing

And, laden with the sins of earth,

none else the burden sharing;

Goes patient on, grows weak and faint.

To slaughter led without complaint,

That spotless life to offer.

He bears the stripes, the wounds, the lies,

The mockery, and yet replies,

"All this I gladly suffer."

"This Lamb is Christ, the soul's great friend,

The Lamb of God, our Savior,

Whom God the Father chose to send

To gain for us His favor.

"Go forth, My Son," the Father said,

"And free My children from their dread

Of guilt and condemnation.

The wrath and stripes are hard to bear,

But by Your passion they will share

The fruit of Your salvation."

"Yes, Father, yes, most willingly

I'll bear what You command Me.

My will conforms to Your decree,

I'll do what You have asked Me."

O wondrous Love, what have You done!

The Father offers up His Son,

Desiring our salvation.

O Love, how strong You are to save!

You lay the One into the grave

Who built the earth's foundation.

(Lutheran Service Book #438, "A Lamb Goes Uncomplaining Forth," Text by Paul Gerhardt, 1607-76)