As we prepare our hearts for Holy Week, Pastors Rob Sauers and Nathanael Mayhew takes us through a study of the Lenten hymn “Stricken, Smitten, and Afflicted.” This hymn takes us to the cross and urges us to see what our Savior Jesus does there for us. The hymn is based primarily on Isaiah 53:3-6, though it is full of other Scriptural references and allusions. In the first two stanzas we are confronted with the physical suffering Jesus endured on the cross, but also the more agonizing spiritual suffering as He is forsaken by all, even God the Father so that God’s justice can be satisfied. In the final two stanzas, we consider the seriousness of our sin that caused Jesus’ suffering and death, but also the glorious Gospel message that because of what Jesus did, we have a firm foundation on which to base our faith and a hope that can never be taken away. We pray that this study will help you in your preparations for Holy Week.