Simple Truth
- Leigh Gerstenberger
- Mar 2
- 2 min read
Karl Barth, one of the great theologians of the 20th century, was once asked the following by a student. “Professor Barth, you have written dozens of great books, and many of us think you are the greatest theologian in the world. Of all your many ideas, what is the most profound thought you have ever had?” Without hesitation, Dr. Barth, the great theologian replied, “Jesus loves me.”
When I came across this quote recently, it reminded me of the first song I (and many other children) learned in Sunday School - Jesus Loves Me.
Written by Anna Bartlett Warner in 1860, the verse appeared initially in the best-selling novel, Say and Seal, written by her sister Susan.
In the novel, Sunday School teacher, Mr. Linden, in an effort to soothe Johnny Fax, a dying child, comforts his student with the following words:
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 diedHeaven's gates to open wide!He will wash away my sin,Let His little child come in.(Refrain)
Jesus loves me! loves me still,Tho' 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 stayClose beside me all the way;If I love Him, when I dieHe will take me home on high.(Refrain)
There is much more to the story behind this song and if you’d like more background you can go to the link below. But to tease your interest a bit, Anna and Susan Warner are the only two civilians buried in the United States Military Academy Cemetery in West Point, NY. I hope you enjoy the story behind the song.
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