# Jesus Hasting to Suffer explained — Olney Hymns

> Chapter companion for Olney Hymns by John Newton.

## What happens

This poem by Cowper celebrates the zeal and love of Jesus Christ as he hastens toward his suffering and crucifixion in Jerusalem. It emphasizes his voluntary sacrifice, his longing to fulfill his mission, and the believer's response of praise and imitation, learning to bear their own lighter crosses while looking to heaven.

## Themes in this chapter

### Suffering and Affliction

The poem focuses on Christ's impending suffering and the believer's own 'lighter cross' to bear.

### Grace and Unmerited Favor

Christ's sacrifice is presented as an act of love and goodwill, unmerited by humanity, prompting a response of praise.

## Character check-ins

### Jesus Christ

Portrayed as hastening to Jerusalem, eager to be baptized with blood and reach the cross, driven by love and zeal.

### The Lord

Addressed in the poem as the one who receives the believer's offering of praise and whose bleeding glories are contemplated.

### The Narrator

Represents the believer who responds to Christ's sacrifice with praise and a desire to bear their own cross.

## Key lines

> He longs to be baptized with blood, He pants to reach the cross.

He eagerly desires to undergo his sacrificial death, yearning to arrive at the crucifixion.

_Highlights Christ's voluntary and eager embrace of his suffering._

> Forth to the task his spirit flew; ’Twas love that urged him on.

His spirit rushed to the mission, motivated by love.

_Emphasizes that love, not compulsion, drove Jesus to the cross._

> We learn our lighter cross to bear, And hasten to the skies.

We learn to endure our smaller hardships and eagerly move toward heaven.

_Connects the believer's suffering to Christ's example and the hope of eternal life._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/55-jesus-hasting-to-suffer
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters