|
Jesus Is Tenderly Calling You Home
A Sermon based on the
hymn by Fanny J. Crosby
Introduction
“Jesus Is Tenderly Calling You Home” is a heartfelt invitation hymn
written by the prolific Fanny J. Crosby. Known for her deep love of the
gospel and her ability to put divine truths into poetic language, Crosby
composed this hymn to urge sinners and saints alike to respond to the
loving call of Christ. The song gently reminds us of the Savior’s
persistent voice—tender, patient, and ever open to receive the wayward.
It reflects the spirit of Matthew 11:28 where Jesus says, “Come unto Me,
all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
Unlike a command
barked with authority, Jesus' call is tender. He is the Good Shepherd
(John 10:11) who calls His sheep by name and leads them to green
pastures. Yet, while His call is gentle, it is also urgent. The longer
we delay, the more we risk missing the blessings He longs to give. This
hymn walks through the Savior’s compassionate appeal—calling us in love,
calling us to repentance, calling us to peace, and calling us to eternal
rest.
May every heart hear
His voice clearly. May we never become so hardened by sin, sorrow, or
pride that we miss the tender invitation of the One who died to save us.
Stanza 1
Jesus is tenderly calling you home,
Calling today, calling today,
Why will you wander so far from His love,
Calling today, calling today.
This first stanza
highlights the Savior’s tender and persistent invitation. Like the
father of the prodigal son (Luke 15:20), Jesus eagerly watches for the
return of the sinner. The question posed—“Why will you wander?”—echoes
the divine lament in Ezekiel 33:11: “Why will ye die… turn ye, turn ye.”
Jesus does not force us, but He calls out in love, patiently waiting for
us to return.
Stanza 2
Jesus is calling the weary to rest,
Calling today, calling today,
Bring Him your burden and you shall be blest;
He will not turn you away.
Here we see the
promise of rest for the weary. This stanza clearly reflects Matthew
11:28–30, where Jesus offers rest to the burdened. He doesn't reject the
broken—He invites them in. Psalm 55:22 urges, “Cast thy burden upon the
Lord, and He shall sustain thee.” Those who respond to Christ’s call
will find not judgment, but blessing and peace.
Stanza 3
Jesus is waiting, oh, come to Him now,
Waiting today, waiting today,
Come with your sins, at His feet lowly bow;
Come, and no longer delay.
This third verse
speaks of Christ’s longsuffering and our need for urgency. Romans 2:4
says that the kindness and forbearance of God are meant to lead us to
repentance. The image of Jesus “waiting” reminds us that grace is
available now—but not forever. 2 Corinthians 6:2 pleads, “Now is the
accepted time… now is the day of salvation.”
Stanza 4
Jesus is pleading; O list to His voice!
Hear Him today, hear Him today,
They who believe on His name shall rejoice;
Quickly arise and away.
The final stanza is
an earnest plea to respond with faith and action. Hebrews 3:15 warns,
“Today, if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts.” Believing on
the name of Christ (John 1:12) brings eternal joy and hope. But it
requires a response—“Quickly arise and away.” Like the prodigal who
“came to himself,” we must not hesitate.
Chorus
Calling today, calling today,
Jesus is calling, is tenderly calling today.
The chorus
reinforces the immediacy of Christ’s call. He is not shouting—He is
gently calling, again and again. The repetition echoes His mercy. He
calls today, not tomorrow, because today is the only moment we’re
guaranteed.
Jesus Is
Tenderly Calling You Home Sermon Outline:
Introduction
Stanza 1 – A
Call to Return
-
Luke 15:20 – The
father runs to the returning son
-
Ezekiel 33:11 –
“Turn ye, turn ye… why will ye die?”
-
John 10:27 – “My
sheep hear My voice”
Stanza 2 – A
Call to Rest
-
Matthew 11:28–30
– Rest for the weary and burdened
-
Psalm 55:22 –
Cast your burdens on the Lord
-
Isaiah 40:29–31
– He gives power to the faint
Stanza 3 – A
Call to Repentance
-
Romans 2:4 – The
goodness of God leads to repentance
-
2 Corinthians
6:2 – Now is the accepted time
-
Acts 3:19 –
Repent and be converted
Stanza 4 – A
Call to Respond in Faith
-
Hebrews 3:15 –
Harden not your hearts
-
John 1:12 – To
those who believe, He gives power
-
Acts 22:16 –
Arise and be baptized, washing away sins
Chorus – A Call
for Today
-
Psalm 95:7–8 –
“Today if ye will hear His voice”
-
Revelation 3:20
– Behold, I stand at the door and knock
-
Proverbs 27:1 –
Boast not of tomorrow
Call to Action
Jesus is calling you today—not tomorrow. Whether you're burdened by sin,
wearied by life, or simply distant from God, His voice is still calling.
Will you listen? Will you arise and come? He stands ready to receive,
forgive, and restore. But the time to respond is not later—it is now.
Scripture
Reference List:
Matthew 11:28–30 – Jesus offers rest to the weary
Luke 15:20 – The father runs to meet the prodigal son
Ezekiel 33:11 – God calls us to turn from our ways
John 10:27 – His sheep hear His voice
Psalm 55:22 – Cast your burden upon the Lord
Isaiah 40:29–31 – Strength for the weary
Romans 2:4 – God’s goodness leads to repentance
2 Corinthians 6:2 – Now is the day of salvation
Acts 3:19 – Repent and be converted
Hebrews 3:15 – Harden not your heart
John 1:12 – Belief brings power to become children of God
Acts 22:16 – Arise and be baptized
Psalm 95:7–8 – Today, hear His voice
Revelation 3:20 – Jesus stands at the door and knocks
Proverbs 27:1 – Do not boast about tomorrow
Song History
Fanny J. Crosby, one of the most prolific hymnists in Christian history,
wrote “Jesus Is Tenderly Calling You Home” as part of her ministry to
reach the lost. Though blind from infancy, Crosby saw with spiritual
clarity and poured her heart into over 8,000 hymns. This hymn continues
to be used in gospel meetings, worship services, and personal devotion
as a gentle but earnest call to respond to Christ before it’s too late.
Prepared by David Hersey of the church of Christ at
Granby, MO
 |
The
church of Christ
