I. Introduction:
Anna B. Warner (lyricist, 1820-1915) The story is told of a professor
who always left his graduation class with these words: "Gentlemen,
there is still much in this world and in the Bible that I do not
understand, but of one thing I am certain--Jesus loves, this I
know, for the bible tells me so--and gentlemen, that is sufficient!"
Anna Warner in her book Say and Seal , used these
words to base a poem spoken by one of the characters Mr. Linden,
as he comforts Johnny Fax, a dying child. William Bradbury (composer)
set these words to the tune that we know today.
II. Verse 1
Jesus loves me! this I know, for the Bible tells me so;
little ones to Him belong, they are weak but He is strong. John
15:12-16, Eph. 1:4-6, 5:25-27, Matt. 18:3, 19:13-15, 10:40-42,
18:2-6.
We as human being will very often overestimate our abilities and
self worth. This seems to be true for some at any age. The Bible
speaks many time in regard to humbling ourselves. Jesus' great
example of this is seen in the comparisons of his followers to
children and little ones. When we are able to think, act, follow
and humble ourselves as children then are we beginning to admit
that we are weak and the strength that we need is found in the
one who loved us most of all. The one who gave his life for ours.
III. Verse 2
Jesus loves me! He who died, heaven's gate to open wide;
He will wash away my sin, let His little child come in. Matt.
7:13-14, Rev. 21:21-27, Psalms 9:13-14, 118:18-23, Acts 22:12-16.
The sacrifice of Jesus Christ gives us the opportunity to enter
the narrow gate. Without his sacrifice there would be no hope,
the gate would be closed to us because of our sin. Jesus washes
away the guilt and spiritual consequences of sin. He brings us
to God and does away with the separation that our sins have caused
between us and God. Again, only if we become like little children
and be obedient to his commands will will become children of God
and partakers in eternal life.
IV. Verse 3
Jesus, take this heart of mine, make it pure and holy Thine;
on the cross You died for me, I will try to live for Thee.
Psalms 24:4-5, Matt. 5:8, 2 Tim. 2:22, Rom. 12:1, I Pet. 2:1-5,
Gal. 2:19-20, Phil. 2:5-16.
Our desire as Christians should be that we allow Jesus to shape
our heart (mind) to make it pure and holy. This is what is acceptable
to God. No other sacrifice made could help us to do this, only
the sacrifice of Jesus. We must allow him into our hearts and
let him, through his word, shape our very being. We do not shape
his word into what we want. To live for him is to die for him.
Only when we die to sin can we live in Jesus Christ, and only
in Christ is found salvation of our souls.
V. The Chorus
The chorus is an affirmation of verse 1.