Bach-Kantaten zum kommenden Kirchensonntag:
(1. Sonntag nach Epiphanias)
Epistel: Röm. 12,1-6 (Die Pflichten des Christen)
Evangelium: Luk. 2,41-52 (Der zwölfjährige Jesus im Tempel)
„Mein liebster Jesus ist verloren“ (BWV 154)
„Meinen Jesum laß ich nicht“ (BWV 124)
„Liebster Jesu, mein Verlangen“ (BWV 32)
In this cantata, Bach combines elements of ritornello and concerto writing to expand his range of structural experimentation. Although the closing chorale was a later addition, its melody is incorporated earlier in the piece, unifying the form. The theme of the text is optimistic, but the music throughout has a sense of underlying sadness.