Jesus Loves Me  

Hymn History 

By Savannah Logan 

 

Anna B. Warner, born on August 31, 1820, in Long Island, New York, wrote the text for the beloved hymn “Jesus Loves Me.” Her early life in New York City was marked by privilege, as her father was a wealthy lawyer. However, the economic depression of 1837 forced her family to leave their home in the city and relocate to a house along the Hudson River. 

During this challenging time, Anna and her sister Susan turned to writing poetry and stories for children to help support their family financially. Together, they published an impressive 106 collections. One of these works included a story titled Say and Seal, which featured a touching scene where a dying boy, Johnny Fox, found comfort in his Sunday school teacher singing, “Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so.” 

The Warner family’s home on the Hudson was situated across from West Point Military Academy, where Anna devoted herself to teaching Bible classes to the cadets. Her influence on the young soldiers was profound, and she became deeply respected and loved by them. So much so, in fact, that when she passed away on January 22, 1915, in Highland Falls, New York, she was honored with a full military funeral and was buried on the grounds of the Academy. 

The hymn’s tune was composed by William B. Bradbury, born on October 6, 1816, in York, Maine. In 1862, two years after Anna wrote the hymn’s text, Bradbury discovered her words, composed the melody, and added the now-familiar chorus. Bradbury’s contribution helped solidify “Jesus Loves Me” as a cherished hymn, particularly among children. Its simple yet profound message has made it one of the first hymns many people learn and remember throughout their lives. 

The hymn’s enduring appeal lies in its declaration of God’s love, rooted in the truth of Scripture. The words echo the promise of John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” This hymn reminds us of the extraordinary love of God, who sent His Son on a mission to save sinners. Jesus, who did not have to leave His Father’s side, came to earth to live a perfect life, die on the cross for sin, and rise again so that all who repent and believe might have their sins forgiven and dwell with God forever. 

The first stanza and the closing phrase of the chorus emphasize a vital truth: God’s love for us is affirmed by the authority of His Word. When faced with doubt or challenge, the hymn provides a simple yet powerful answer: “How do you know God loves you?” The reply is clear and unwavering: “The Bible tells me so!”