Lead Me to Calvary

Songbook Hymn Sermons

Lead Me to Calvary
A Sermon based on the hymn by Jennie Evelyn Hussey

Introduction
“Lead Me to Calvary” is a prayerful hymn of remembrance, humility, and devotion. Written by Jennie Evelyn Hussey in 1921, this hymn draws the soul back to the cross—where the King of Glory died for sinners. It echoes the plea of Luke 22:19, where Jesus said, “Do this in remembrance of Me.” With every stanza, we are urged to recall not only the suffering of our Savior but also to carry our own cross and walk in sacrificial service. The hymn is both reflective and transformative—reminding us that faith is not passive. It demands that we remember the pain Jesus endured and respond with willing hearts and obedient lives.

This hymn is often sung during the Lord’s Supper, but its message is fitting for every day. In our busy, distracted lives, we must regularly return to the foot of the cross. We must see the thorns, feel the shame, remember His agony—and be changed by it. Let us now explore the message of each stanza and the call it places upon us to follow Christ faithfully.

Stanza 1 – King of my life, I crown Thee now
“King of my life, I crown Thee now,
Thine shall the glory be;
Lest I forget Thy thorn-crowned brow,
Lead me to Calvary.”

This stanza begins with an act of surrender. Jesus is not merely a Savior—He is King. The crown of thorns was a cruel mockery (John 19:2), but we now crown Him in reverence and truth. Psalm 24:10 calls Him the “King of Glory.” The plea “Lest I forget…” acknowledges our tendency to drift. We must be led again and again to the foot of the cross to keep our hearts tender and our devotion sincere.

Stanza 2 – Show me the tomb where Thou wast laid
“Show me the tomb where Thou wast laid,
Tenderly mourned and wept;
Angels in robes of light arrayed
Guarded Thee while Thou slept.”

This verse takes us to the tomb. Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus laid Him there (John 19:38–42). Women mourned, and angels appeared (Matthew 28:2–6). We must not rush past this scene. It represents the cost of our sin and the triumph over death. Romans 6:4 reminds us that we are buried with Him in baptism and raised to walk in newness of life.

Stanza 3 – Let me like Mary, through the gloom
“Let me like Mary, through the gloom,
Come with a gift to Thee;
Show to me now the empty tomb—
Lead me to Calvary.”

This stanza highlights Mary Magdalene’s faithfulness. In the early dawn, through grief and confusion, she came to the tomb (John 20:1–18). Her love drove her to seek the Lord. We, too, must come to Jesus even in sorrow or doubt, bringing the gift of our devotion. Hebrews 11:6 says He rewards those who diligently seek Him.

Stanza 4 – May I be willing, Lord, to bear
“May I be willing, Lord, to bear
Daily my cross for Thee;
Even Thy cup of grief to share—
Thou hast borne all for me.”

This is the hymn’s call to action. Luke 9:23 commands each disciple to “take up his cross daily and follow” Christ. Just as Jesus prayed, “Let this cup pass from Me” (Matthew 26:39), we must be willing to share in His sufferings. Romans 8:17 teaches that if we suffer with Him, we will be glorified with Him. This final verse brings us full circle—from remembering Calvary to living the cross daily.

Chorus – Lest I forget…
“Lest I forget Gethsemane;
Lest I forget Thine agony;
Lest I forget Thy love for me,
Lead me to Calvary.”

The chorus is the heartbeat of the hymn. It pleads with God to keep us from spiritual amnesia. Forgetting Calvary leads to complacency and sin. Remembering brings us back to grace, gratitude, and holiness. Galatians 6:14 proclaims, “God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Lead Me to Calvary Sermon Outline:

Introduction

• The hymn is a plea for remembrance and devotion

• Luke 22:19 – “Do this in remembrance of Me”

Stanza 1 – Crowning Christ as King

• John 19:2 – The crown of thorns

• Psalm 24:10 – Jesus is the King of Glory

• Call to surrender and obedience

Stanza 2 – The Tomb of Christ

• John 19:38–42 – Christ buried in Joseph’s tomb

• Matthew 28:2–6 – Angels present at the resurrection

• Romans 6:4 – Burial and resurrection symbolized in baptism

Stanza 3 – Mary’s Faithful Love

• John 20:1–18 – Mary Magdalene at the tomb

• Hebrews 11:6 – God rewards those who seek Him

• Devotion through sorrow and faith

Stanza 4 – Daily Cross-Bearing

• Luke 9:23 – Take up your cross daily

• Matthew 26:39 – Christ’s agony in Gethsemane

• Romans 8:17 – Suffering with Christ leads to glory

Chorus – A Prayer Not to Forget

• Galatians 6:14 – Boast only in the cross

• The importance of remembrance in Christian living

Call to Action
Jesus gave everything for us at Calvary. Have we forgotten? Let this hymn awaken our hearts. Remember the thorns, the tomb, the love, and the cross. Return to Calvary today in remembrance and repentance. And if you’ve never come to Jesus in obedience, why wait? Let the journey begin now.

Scripture Reference List:

• Luke 22:19 – Remembering Christ through communion

• John 19:2 – Crown of thorns placed on Jesus

• Psalm 24:10 – Jesus is the King of Glory

• John 19:38–42 – Burial of Jesus

• Matthew 28:2–6 – Angelic announcement of the resurrection

• Romans 6:4 – Baptism as burial and resurrection

• John 20:1–18 – Mary’s faith and devotion at the tomb

• Hebrews 11:6 – God rewards those who seek Him

• Luke 9:23 – Call to daily discipleship

• Matthew 26:39 – Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane

• Romans 8:17 – Suffering with Christ and sharing His glory

• Galatians 6:14 – Boasting in the cross of Christ

Song History
Jennie Evelyn Hussey wrote “Lead Me to Calvary” in 1921. Despite lifelong physical challenges due to arthritis, she remained spiritually strong and focused on serving Christ. Her deep desire to keep Calvary central in her life shines through this hymn. It was set to music by William J. Kirkpatrick, making it one of the most beloved invitation and communion songs in churches of Christ.

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

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