Anna Bartlett Warner – Jesus Loves Me

The hymn Jesus Loves Me was originally written by Anna Bartlett Warner (1827–1915).  Her older sister,  Susan Warner (1819–1885), wrote a novel entitled Say and Seal. Her book included Anna’s hymn, existing only in three stanza’s.

In one particular chapter, there was a child who was dying. There was nothing that the doctors could do to ease his burdens or cure his illness. During his final moments of life, the novel’s main character, Mr. Linden, attempted to console him. Looking into his eyes, Mr. Linden recites a poem that began, “Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so.”  Moving Warner’s readers to tears, he succeeds in comforting the dying boy and easing his burdens, up until his death.

One of Susan Warner’s readers, accomplished composer William Batchelder Bradbury, fell in love with Anna’s contribution.  He decided to add a melody and the Chorus Yes, Jesus loves me-
The Bible tells me so to it.  Intended for small children, he published his new tune in 1862.  It went viral!  The rest, as they say, is history.

For those who are interested in digging deeper into its history, see article written by Diana Leagh Matthews.

Note to new users: This is a different kind of review site!  Read About the Berean Test and Evaluation Criteria prior to reading this review.

1. What message does the song communicate?

There are several themes expressed in Warner’s writing.  These include:

1. Christ’s love towards us, in description and application;
2. That His children belong to Him;
3. His presence is with us; and
4. Eternal life with Him

There is a progression from describing Jesus’ love for us to its demonstration then, finally, through sickness, death, and eternal life.

The added chorus by Bradbury, through repetitive, emphasizes the first two lines of Verse 1 in that Jesus loves us and that the Bible tells us so.  Yet, the repetition does not bother me like it does other songs.

Score: 10/10

2. How much of the lyrics line up with Scripture?

All lyrics are Scripturally sound.  Since this song exists under public domain, there are no copyright issues.  Hurrah!

I examined several versions of Jesus Loves Me, all of which claimed to originate from Anna Bartlett Warner; However, some had 5 verses and others had 4 verses.  I included the 4 verses common in all analyzed versions.

[Verse 1]

Jesus loves me—this I know,
For the Bible tells me so:

Indeed it does!  See Nehemiah 9:17, Psalm 17:7, Psalm 36:5-7, Psalm 63:3, Psalm 69:16, Psalm 117:2, Isaiah 54:8, John 3:16, John 13:34, John 15:13, Romans 5:6-8, Romans 8:37-39, Galatians 2:20, Ephesians 2:4-5, Ephesians 5:25, Titus 3:4, 1 John 4:8, and 1 John 4:16-19.

Little ones to him belong,

This does not limit to whom belongs to God; However, it is true: little children belong to Jesus (see Matthew 18:3, Matthew 19:14, and Luke 18:16-17).  Although the original poem and Bradbury’s version were both intended for small children, those of us who have attained adoption as God’s sons and daughters also belong to Jesus (see John 1:12-13, John 14:18, Romans 8:14-17, Romans 8:23, Romans 9:1-8, Galatians 3:26, Galatians 4:5-7, Ephesians 1:3-14, Ephesians 2:11-22, and Hebrews 9:15, 1 John 3:1-3).

They are weak, but he is strong.

Although the original reference is to Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, the application is that God’s strength works through weak people.  Naturally, this includes children.

[Chorus](added 1862, William Bradbury)

Yes, Jesus loves me,
Yes, Jesus loves me,
Yes, Jesus loves me-
The Bible tells me so!

Repeats first two lines in Verse 1.

[Verse 2]

Jesus loves me,—he who died

This is Jesus’ demonstration of His love for us: He paid for our sin (see Leviticus 17:11, Isaiah 53:1-12, Matthew 20:28, Mark 10:45, John 1:29, John 3:16, Acts 4:12, Acts 20:28, Romans 5:6-10, Romans 6:23, 1 Corinthians 1:30, 1 Corinthians 6:20, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Galatians 1:3-4, Galatians 3:13, Ephesians 1:7, Colossians 2:14, 1 Timothy 2:6, Titus 2:14, Hebrews 9:12, Hebrews 9:15, Hebrews 9:22, Hebrews 9:26, 1 Peter 1:17-21, 1 Peter 2:24, 1 Peter 1:18-19, 1 John 1:7, 1 John 2:1-2, and Revelation 5:9).

Heaven’s gate to open wide;

The closest reference I could find that specifically describes heaven’s gate will open is Isaiah 26:1-6; however, it does not describe it as a wide-open gate.  In Matthew 7:13-14 and Luke 13:24-25, the gate that leads to life (heaven’s gate) is narrow.  Few will find it.  The wide-open gate, according to Matthew 7:13, is the gate to destruction.

However, my understanding is that the “open wide” descriptor is that it will open wide for anyone who wishes to enter.  Given the context and intended audience, it is little children to whom the heavenly gates are wide open, although those of us who are adopted as His sons and daughters are also included (see Verse 1, line 3, above).

He will wash away my sin,

He washes it with His blood (see Ephesians 1:7, Colossians 1:14, and Hebrews 9:22).

Let his little child come in.

Directly references Matthew 19:14, and Luke 18:16-17, though also finds application for His adopted sons and daughters (see Verse 1, line 3, above).

[Verse 3]

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.

One of the greatest promises of God is that He will be with us (see Deuteronomy 31:6-8, Joshua 1:5-9, Psalm 23:4, Psalm 46:1, Psalm 139:7-10, Isaiah 41:10, Jeremiah 23:23-24, Zephaniah 3:17, Matthew 6:25-34, Matthew 28:20, John 14:16-17, Hebrews 13:5, Romans 8:38-39, and Revelation 3:20).  This is yet another example of God’s love for us.

[Verse 4]

Jesus loves me,—he will stay
Close beside me all the way.

An extension of Verse 3, transitioning towards death.

If I love him when I die
He will take me home on high

That is, eternal life with Jesus (see Mark 10:29-30, John 3:15-16, John 3:36, John 4:14, John 5:24, John 5:39-40, John 6:27, John 6:40, John 10:28, John 17:3, John 20:31, Romans 5:21, Romans 6:22-23, Romans 8:18, 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, Galatians 6:8, 1 Timothy 1:16, 1 Timothy 6:12, 2 Timothy 2:11 , Hebrews 5:9, 1 Peter 5:10, 1 John 2:23-27, 1 John 5:10-13, 1 John 5:20, Jude 1:20-21, Revelation 3:5, Revelation 7:16-17, and Revelation 21:3-4).  In addition, there are several passages describing eternal praise, including Nehemiah 9:5, Psalm 30:12, Psalm 52:9, Psalm 86:12, Psalm 89:1, Psalm 115:18, Psalm 145:1-2, Psalm 145:21, and Revelation 5:9-13.

Score: 10/10

3. How would an outsider interpret the song?

The lyrics make the claim that Jesus loves us and explains why He loves us in a way that even unbelievers can understand, even if they do not fully comprehend the deeper truths behind it.  There is little doubt that those outside Christianity will interpret this song similar to Christ followers.  It is an opportunity to present a soft Gospel to outsiders, inviting questions and listening to those who hurt and suffer.  perhaps it will pique their interest to read the Bible for the first time!

Score: 10/10

4. What does this song glorify?

Throughout the entire song, the focus is on Christ and His love for us, bringing Him glory and praise.

Score: 10/10

Closing Comments

Written over 150 years ago, Anna Bartlett Warner’s Jesus Loves Me is a classic children’s song, enjoyed by people of all ages, thanks to the efforts of songwriter William Batchelder Bradbury.  Biblically accurate, with an awesome message accessible to unbelievers brings glory to Christ Jesus, our savior, close friend, and strength.

While this song is typically associated with children’s ministry, consider adding this one to your worship set, for adults sing outside a children’s church setting.  It will sound like an entirely new song, given the severe lack of lyrics typically sung outside the first verse and Chorus.

Final Score: 10/10

Artist Info

Track: Jesus Loves Me (listen to the song)

Artist: Anna Bartlett Warner

Album: N/A

Genre: Hymn

Release Year: 1862

Duration: N/A

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