On the Way to the Cross

©2005 Cheryl A. B. Boydston
CCLI Song #4556662
Scripture Reference: John 13:1-17; Matthew 26:26-46
Theme: Maundy Thursday, Communion
Key: Bm
Mood/Tempo: pensively, with passion/slow

This Communion song begins with the footwashing scene in the Upper Room on Passover (Maundy Thursday). Worshipers are placed in that setting themselves as the lyrics personalize the experience of having the holy hands of the Lamb of God wash our own feet.

The lyrics and minor key of this song evoke the emotions of Jesus' unwavering march toward the cross: pensive, passionate, steadfast, intentional.

On the Way to the Cross .pdf file (sheet music)
On the Way to the Cross .mid sound file (audio sample)
On the Way to the Cross .pdf file (bulletin insert)

On the Way to the Cross
Verse 1
On the way to the cross
You knelt down and washed our feet.
Jesus, Lamb of God,
Your holy hands washed our feet.
What wondrous love is this!
Ah, what wondrous love!
On the way to the cross,
You served in humility.

Verse 2
On the way to the cross
You gave thanks and broke the bread.
Jesus, Lamb of God,
Your holy hands broke the bread.
What wondrous love is this!
Ah, what wondrous love!
On the way to the cross,
You offered the bread of life.

Verse 3
On the way to the cross
You took wine and blessed the cup.
Jesus, Lamb of God,
Your holy hands blessed the cup.
What wondrous love is this!
Ah, what wondrous love!
On the way to the cross,
You offered the cup of grace.

Verse 4
On the way to the cross
You prayed in Gethsemane.
Jesus, Lamb of God,
Your hands clenched in agony.
What wondrous love is this!
Ah, what wondrous love!
On the way to the cross,
You yielded yourself for us.

Tag
What wondrous love is this!
Ah, what wondrous love!
On the way to the cross,
You yielded yourself for us.