YES, JESUS LOVES ME!

YES, JESUS LOVES ME!

The very first Christian song most children learn is “Jesus Loves Me.”  If a best-hits list existed for preschoolers, this simple but precious song would have to be at the top of the charts.  Yet few people know that “Jesus Loves Me” began life not as a song, but as a part of one of the 1860s best-selling novels.

At that time, Anna Warner was well aware of the coming civil war between the American states.  She lived with her father and sister on Constitution Island.  Their home was next door to the United States Military Academy at West Point; and, from her front porch she constantly heard rumors of war.  Yet even in the face of uncertain times, Anna taught Bible classes to the cadets every Sunday.  She realized that if the southern states withdrew from the Union, many of the boys she knew could be killed or wounded in battle.  Even as it broke her heart to consider the possible plight of those young men, she fully comprehended the importance of leading each of them to Jesus.  With an urgency brought about by a nation on the brink of war, sharing Christ’s love became her primary mission in life.

Besides her teaching, the forty-year-old Anna was also a writer.  Along with her sister Susan, she had written several novels, using the pseudonym Amy Lothrop.  In 1860 the two sisters’ “Say and Seal” became the nation’s best-selling work of fiction.  Written for the masses and the moment, their book would quickly pass from the public’s fancy.  Yet, thanks to one very special scene on but a single page, the essence of that book and Anna’s faith would live for decades after the novel had been forgotten.

In one chapter, a child lay dying.  Nothing could be done to ease his pain or give him a second chance at life.  As his end grew near, the novel’s main character, Mr. Linden, attempted to comfort the small boy.  Gazing into the child’s eyes, he slowly recited a poem that began, “Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so.” The words of the poem made the boy’s last moments of life much easier.  These simple lines also moved thousands of readers to tears.  Hauntingly beautiful and composed straight from Anna’s faithful heart, “Jesus Loves Me” quickly sprang out of her book’s pages and became one of the most beloved poems of the era.  

No one could calculate how many times the poem was repeated in the homes of children whose fathers were engaged in the Civil War, from countless pulpits and in Sunday school classes, and even at the White House.  Anna’s poem had touched the hearts of millions with verses meant only to calm the soul of a dying fictional character.

One of the scores of readers who memorized the poem was William Bradbury.  A teacher of voice and organ, he formed a piano company in 1854 with Ferdinand Lighte and Henry Newton.  Besides heading up his business, the noted musician also continued a practice of setting his faith to music by composing his own songs.  By the beginning of the Civil War, Bradbury also started a music company to publish and distribute his works.  It was during the time that he first read and fell in love with “Jesus Loves Me.”

Bradbury was an accomplished composer of Christian music.  He had already lent his talent to such hymns as “Sweet Hour of Prayer,” “He Leadeth Me,” and “On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand.”  Bradbury was deeply moved and decided to add a melody to Anna Warner’s poem.  A lover of children’s voices, as well as a proponent of music education in schools and churches, Bradbury allowed the child in his own heart to spring forth when writing the musical notes for “Jesus Loves Me.” Then, to complete the work, he added the simple chorus: “Yes, Jesus loves me, Yes, Jesus loves me, Yes, Jesus loves me, The Bible tells me so.”

The marriage of Warner’s words and Bradbury’s music was one of the most beautiful gospel efforts of all time.  Yet the song “Jesus Loves Me” might have been quickly forgotten if Bradbury’s music company hadn’t published it.  Through the music publisher’s distribution network, the new children’s song quickly worked its way across the North and South. In the face of the most horrible fighting this nation has known, both sides were singing about a Savior who died, yet had risen and still watched over everyone with equal love and compassion.  It was a poignant message for a very troubled time.

Today, few know of the writings of Anna Warner or recognize the name of William Bradbury.  Yet, even though the writer and composer have been forgotten, nearly everyone knows their song.  Children and adults alike sing “Jesus Loves Me.” How many millions have clung to this message on lonely nights or rocked babies to sleep while singing this song is unknown.  But what can be most assuredly stated is that “Jesus Loves Me” is the foundation on which many children not only first come to know Christian music, but also the love and sacrifice of the Lord who inspired it.  And this message keeps them singing the gospel throughout their lives.

Jesus loves me!  This I know, for the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to Him belong; they are weak, but He is strong.

Jesus loves me!  This I know, as He loved so long ago,
Taking children on His knee, saying, ‘Let them come to Me.’

Jesus loves me still today, walking with me on my way,
Wanting as a friend to give light and love to all who live.

Jesus loves me!  He who died, Heaven’s gate to open wide;
He will wash away my sin, let His little child come in.

Jesus loves me!  He will stay close beside me all the way;
Thou hast bled and died for me, I will henceforth live for Thee.

Yes, Jesus loves me…
Yes, Jesus loves me…
Yes, Jesus loves me…
The Bible tells me so.

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING.  Maranatha!