Hymn of the Week—March 23-27 LSB 406 – To Jordan Came the Christ, Our Lord

If you have your hymnal, open to LSB 406 and check out that tine little word at the top right above the hymn number. “Mrs. Greenway,” you might say if you were a student, “it says ‘Epiphany’. Why are we singing an Epiphany hymn during Lent?”

Why, indeed.

“To Jordan Came the Christ, Our Lord” begins by retelling the story of Jesus’ own baptism by John in the Jordan. For this reason, it is classified as an Epiphany hymn, for we hear the story of Jesus’ baptism during the season of Epiphany. It is the first time in the Gospels that we see the adult Jesus out and about.

More than a retelling of that baptismal account, however, this hymn instructs us in Holy Baptism. Martin Luther wrote the text for this, the last of his catechism hymns. The heading given to LSB 406 in the earliest sources is “A spiritual song of our Holy Baptism, which is a fine summary of what it is, who established it, what its benefits are.” For example, after setting the scene of Jesus’ baptism in stanza 1, Luther continues by describing Baptism as “a cleansing from transgression” (Titus 3:5), “release from death’s oppression” through Christ’s “blood and agony” (Romans 6:3-4), and “a new life” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

So why sing it during Lent? Well, notice our catechism work for this week. We are beginning our study of Baptism. Since this hymn teaches us about Baptism, it matches up wonderfully. Furthermore, it is never a bad idea to remember our baptism. Particularly during Lent—and especially during this strange time of sickness and quarantine—it is important for us to remember that we are heirs of God, thanks to his saving work in Baptism. We shall not despair, for we are children of God! He grants us the forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation through this wondrous sacrament. Thanks be to God for his life-giving gifts to us!

Review questions:

1.     What is this hymn about?

2.     Why are we singing an Epiphany hymn during Lent?

3.     Who wrote the text for this hymn?

4.     As you look at the rest of the stanzas, what other well-known Bible verses or stories do you find?