He Bore It All

Songbook Hymn Sermons

He Bore It All
A Sermon based on the Hymn “He Bore It All” by Tillit S. Teddlie

Introduction:
The gospel is the good news of what Christ has done for us, and at the heart of that message is the truth that Jesus bore the full weight of our sins. The hymn “He Bore It All” proclaims the sacrificial love of our Savior, who willingly endured the cross so we could receive forgiveness and eternal life. Each stanza paints a vivid picture of the suffering He endured—not for His own sin, but for ours (1 Peter 2:24). His death was not a tragic accident but the fulfillment of God’s eternal plan to redeem humanity (Acts 2:23). This hymn calls us to remember the price of our salvation, to live in grateful obedience, and to share the message of His sacrificial love with others. Singing “He Bore It All” is both worship and proclamation: we declare the saving work of Christ and reaffirm our trust in the One who gave Himself for us. As we reflect on each verse, let us be moved to deeper devotion, greater faithfulness, and unshakable confidence in the promise of eternal life that came through His suffering, death, and resurrection.

Stanza 1
My precious Savior suffered pain and agony,
He bore it all that I might live;
He broke the bonds of sin and set the captive free,
He bore it all that I might live.

This verse captures the essence of the atonement—Jesus suffered willingly to give us life (John 10:17–18). His death broke the power of sin (Romans 6:6–7) and liberated us from its captivity. The phrase “that I might live” reminds us that salvation is both a present reality and an eternal hope.

Stanza 2
They placed a crown of thorns upon my Savior’s head,
He bore it all that I might live;
By cruel man with spear His side was pierced and bled,
He bore it all that I might live.

The suffering described here echoes the gospel accounts (Matthew 27:29; John 19:34). The crown of thorns mocked His kingship, yet in reality He was securing His eternal reign. His pierced side fulfilled prophecy (Zechariah 12:10) and confirmed His humanity and sacrifice. Every wound testified to His love.

Stanza 3
Up Calvary’s hill in shame the blessed Savior trod,
He bore it all that I might live;
Between two thieves they crucified the Son of God,
He bore it all that I might live.

This verse focuses on the shame and humiliation of the cross (Hebrews 12:2). The sinless Son of God took our place, bearing the penalty we deserved (Isaiah 53:5). Being crucified between thieves fulfilled Scripture (Isaiah 53:12) and demonstrated the depth of His identification with sinners.

Chorus
He bore it all that I might see His shining face,
Freely bore it all that I might live;
I stood condemned to die, but Jesus took my place,
He bore it all that I might live.

The chorus is a triumphant confession of substitutionary atonement (2 Corinthians 5:21). We were condemned, but Jesus took our place, bearing our guilt so we could stand righteous before God and one day see His face in glory (Revelation 22:4).

He Bore It All Sermon Outline:

• Introduction – Christ’s sacrifice as the center of the gospel (1 Peter 2:24; Acts 2:23)

• Stanza 1 – Suffering to set captives free (John 10:17–18; Romans 6:6–7)

• Stanza 2 – Crown of thorns and pierced side (Matthew 27:29; John 19:34; Zechariah 12:10)

• Stanza 3 – Humiliation of the cross and fulfillment of prophecy (Hebrews 12:2; Isaiah 53:5, 12)

• Chorus – Substitutionary atonement and eternal hope (2 Corinthians 5:21; Revelation 22:4)

Call to Action:
Let the truth of “He Bore It All” move you to daily gratitude and obedience. Live as one redeemed by the blood of Christ, proclaim His sacrifice to the world, and hold fast to the hope of eternal life purchased at Calvary.

Key Takeaways:

• Jesus suffered willingly to give us life (John 10:17–18).

• His death broke sin’s power and freed us from captivity (Romans 6:6–7).

• Every wound fulfilled prophecy and demonstrated love (Zechariah 12:10).

• The cross was both shame and victory (Hebrews 12:2).

• Christ took our place so we could see His face (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Scripture Reference List:

• 1 Peter 2:24 – Christ bore our sins in His body

• Acts 2:23 – Jesus’ death was part of God’s plan

• John 10:17–18 – Jesus laid down His life willingly

• Romans 6:6–7 – Freedom from sin’s bondage

• Matthew 27:29 – Crown of thorns

• John 19:34 – Piercing of Jesus’ side

• Zechariah 12:10 – Prophecy of the pierced one

• Hebrews 12:2 – Enduring the cross for joy

• Isaiah 53:5, 12 – Prophecy of suffering and bearing sin

• 2 Corinthians 5:21 – Christ took our place

• Revelation 22:4 – Seeing God’s face in eternity

Song History:
“He Bore It All” was written by Tillit S. Teddlie, a prolific hymn writer, song leader, and gospel preacher associated with the churches of Christ. First published in the mid-20th century, it has been cherished in worship assemblies for its vivid imagery of Christ’s sacrifice and its strong scriptural foundation. The hymn remains a heartfelt reminder of the personal cost of our salvation and the depth of our Savior’s love.

Prepared by David Hersey of the church of Christ at Granby, MO

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