Jesus Loves Me - This I Know
The journey of the phrase "Jesus loves me - this I know" from its inception as a poem to its status as one of the most recognizable hymns worldwide is a testament to the enduring power of simple truths delivered with heartfelt sincerity.
History of “Jesus Loves me”
The origins of this beloved hymn can be traced back to a poem titled "Jesus Loves Me," written by Anna Bartlett Warner. Initially, it was not written for public worship or mass singing but as part of a comforting narrative delivered to a dying child in the 1860 novel "Say and Seal," authored by Anna's sister, Susan Bogert Warner. The depth of comfort and assurance found in the words quickly transcended the pages of the novel.
In 1862, the poem caught the attention of William Batchelder Bradbury, a music composer who set the poem to music, added a chorus, and thus, the hymn "Jesus Loves Me" was born. It didn't take long for the hymn to capture the hearts of people around the world, becoming especially beloved among children for its simple yet memorable declaration of Jesus' love.
Rise of Vacation Bible School
The inception of Vacation Bible School (VBS) in the late 19th century marked a significant evolution in children's religious education. Recognizing the need for more comprehensive biblical teaching beyond the Sunday school hour, Mrs. D.T. Miles, a Sunday school teacher, began a daily Bible school during the summer months in 1894. The program was a way to provide religious education to children during the summer months, similar to how they received secular education during the school year.
Not long after, in 1898, Dr. Robert Boville of the Baptist Mission Society became aware of the need for children's summer education and began a program which would later spread to other locations.
These early efforts laid the groundwork for what would later become known as Vacation Bible School. Over the years, VBS has evolved and expanded across various denominations and countries, becoming a popular summer activity that focuses on teaching children about the Bible through fun, engaging activities that often include games, crafts, lessons and songs.
Legacy of "Jesus Loves Me"
Among the hymns taught and sung in VBS, "Jesus Loves Me" holds a special place. For generations, this song has been a cornerstone of VBS programs, chosen for its ability to convey the profound and unconditional love of Jesus in terms children can easily understand and remember. The simple yet powerful message of the hymn resonates with young hearts, teaching them the foundational truth that they are deeply loved by Jesus.
Jesus Love Me Lyrics
“Jesus loves me—this I know,
For the Bible tells me so;
Little ones to Him belong—
They are weak, but He is strong.
Refrain:
Yes, Jesus loves me,
Yes, Jesus loves me,
Yes, Jesus loves me—
The Bible tells me so!
Jesus loves me—He who died
Heaven’s gate to open wide;
He will wash away my sin,
Let His little child come in.
Refrain
Jesus loves me—loves me still,
Though I’m very weak and ill;
From His shining throne on high,
Comes to watch me where I lie.
Refrain
Jesus loves me—He will stay
Close beside me all the way;
If I love Him, when I die
He will take me home on high.
Refrain”
3 Bible Verses Affirming God’s Love
The phrase "Jesus loves me" is not explicitly found in the Bible. The lyrics are based on the concept of Jesus's love as presented in the Bible, but the exact phrase is not a direct biblical quote. However, here are just a few of the many verses from the Bible that support the phrase “Jesus loves me.”
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
This verse is perhaps the most well-known passages in the Bible. It emphasizes the depth of God’s love for us and the sacrifice He made to ensure our salvation.
“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
This verse assures us that God's love is unconditional and not based on our merit or worthiness. He loved us enough to send Christ to die for us even before we turned to Him.
“This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.”
This verse elaborates on the nature of God's love, highlighting that it is proactive and sacrificial.
The phrase "Jesus loves me - this I know" is more than a story of a poem becoming a song; it is a reflection of how faith can touch hearts across generations and geographies. The enduring popularity of this hymn in Vacation Bible School and beyond is a testament to the universal appeal of its message: a reminder of the simple, profound truth that Jesus' love is all-encompassing.
As "Jesus Loves Me" continues to be sung by children and adults alike, its message remains as one of hope, assurance and love in a world in constant need of all three.