The Seven Last Words of Christ have long been a Christian observance, especially on Good Friday.

Earlier today I was reflecting on Jesus first words in John’s Gospel, and I wondered how the Lord’s first utterances compared. Maybe they deserve a musical setting, too. The synoptics in chronological order, then John at the end:

Luke 2:49, the finding in the Temple:

Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?

Matthew 3:15, at his baptism:

Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.

Mark 1:15, after the return from the desert:

This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.

John 1:38, the inquiry of John’s disciples:

What are you looking for?

The latter two especially seem appropriate for the season of Lent.

I’m giving some thought to a musical setting. It will go way on a back burner, but it’s something to think about.

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