I think if you ask anyone who has even a passing acquaintance with the Bible, or the Christian faith, to name one famous hymn, many would respond, “Jesus Loves Me”.
Ask those same people to name just one verse in the Bible, and they are likely to respond with John 3:16.
Both the hymn and the verse are incredibly simple –
almost child-like, yet both contain a message, written so simply that anyone, young or old can understand that message….
God wants a relationship with us –
Not because we deserve it,
or are so lovable,
but because He’s that loving.
It’s that simple, yet profound.
A little background information about the hymn:
“Anna and her sister, Susan Warner lived near the West Point military base. They had the privilege to see many young service men come to know Jesus. They would conduct weekly Bible study classes for the men. After their father died, Susan started writing some fiction novels. One that she wrote in 1860 was entitled, “Say and Seal”. In it, a poem was needed to give comfort to a dying child, so Susan’s sister, Anna wrote the words, “Jesus Loves Me”. In 1861, Dr. William Bradbury wrote the tune and added the chorus to this hymn that children around the world sing.”
Source – http://schaefer-family.com/hymns.htm
The image of music for “Jesus Loves Me” that I included above was taken from my grandfather’s 1940 hymnal.
The image of the Bible page is from my Self-Pronouncing New Testament. It is undated and has no publisher information, but from what I could find on the internet, it is from the early 1900’s. Mine is very fragile, but I love it.
In Him Who Loves Us,
Angie, thanks for a wonderful post. Our Sunday School children are learning ‘Jesus Loves Me’ in sign language to perform during our worship service. The history of this song is beautiful, and we just may use it for the program.
Again, thanks for the beautiful reminder of God’s grace.
As familiar as that dear old chorus is to me, I have never heard the background. I enjoyed your post, Angie!
Thank you for the beautiful post Angie. Have a blessed day.
Now THIS is a song that I don’t mind getting stuck in my head!
Thanks for the reminder!
We sing so many old hymns but don’t know the history behind them. Fortunately, our music minister shares tidbits of history like this with the congregation, which makes the hymns all the more sweet. I don’t ever recall hearing this one.
A familiar song and a familiar verse, yet so many, too many, people really don’t take the time to really, really listen to the words and understand the message, do they? You’re right…simple but oh so profound! Thank you, Angie, for sharing this today.
Thanks, Angie for sharing about our precious Savior as we celebrate His resurrection and victory over sin, death and hell each Lord’s Day!! What a lovely post and a great reminder of His love!! Blessings!
How wonderful is this post. Nothing fancy or self promoting just to the heart of what really matters.
Good job!
Beautiful post! Love to find bloggers who not only share their passion for decorating, but also their love for our Savior Jesus Christ! Thank you for reminding us of what’s truly important in our lives!
Angie,
What a beautiful and inspiring post! And a history lesson about the origin of the sweet song. Thank you!
♥charlotte
Thanks, Angie, for sharing your thoughts. We need to remember it’s not just about the words, but the relationship.
Angie, I love this post! What a unique way, and so totally “you,” to glorify God! Isaiah 55:10-11 🙂
-Revi
When I saw the thumbnail of Jesus Loves Me at the Show & Tell link party, I knew it was yours! And I came over eagerly anticipating what you would share about it. I love the history. Such a sweet story that I’d never heard before. Thanks so much for sharing it!
Sharon @ mrs. hines class
It has been described as the greatest song ever written,Jesus Loves Me.
It says it all!
♫♪♪…for the Bible tells me so.♫♪♪
xoxo bj
Dearly love this hymn, and now I know the story behind it. xx
Thanks for sharing this post on the KISS party. This was one I really enjoyed when I first read it.