Tell Me the Story of Jesus

Songbook Hymn Sermons

Tell Me the Story of Jesus

A Sermon based on the hymn by Fanny J. Crosby

Introduction

“Tell Me the Story of Jesus,” written by the prolific hymnwriter Fanny J. Crosby, is a plea from the heart. It asks to hear again and again the most important story ever told: the life, death, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. This hymn weaves together the beauty, sorrow, and glory of Jesus’ mission to redeem mankind. In a world of endless distractions and shallow stories, this hymn draws our hearts back to the only story that saves.

Each stanza of this hymn focuses on a central phase of Jesus’ life—His birth, His ministry, His suffering, and His triumph. Crosby’s words invite us not only to remember facts but to feel the depth of Christ’s sacrifice and love. This is the gospel told with reverence and simplicity, as we are instructed in 1 Corinthians 15:1–4—to remember that Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and rose again. This song reminds us of the importance of telling the gospel plainly and personally, just as Jesus commanded in Mark 16:15. Every Christian must cherish the gospel, live by it, and tell it. May this hymn inspire us to return daily to the cross and joyfully share the old, old story with a world in need of hope.

Stanza 1

“Tell me the story of Jesus, write on my heart every word;
Tell me the story most precious, sweetest that ever was heard.
Tell how the angels in chorus sang as they welcomed His birth,
‘Glory to God in the highest! Peace and good tidings to earth.’”

This stanza recalls the nativity of Jesus, beginning with the angelic announcement found in Luke 2:10–14. The desire to have this story “written on the heart” mirrors the spirit of Psalm 119:11, “Thy word have I hid in mine heart.” The gospel isn’t something to admire from afar—it must be internalized and cherished. This first stanza invites the listener to engage deeply and personally with the gospel message, beginning with Christ’s humble birth.

Stanza 2

“Fasting alone in the desert, tell of the days that He passed,
How for our sins He was tempted, yet was triumphant at last.
Tell of the years of His labor, tell of the sorrow He bore,
He was despised and afflicted, homeless, rejected, and poor.”

This stanza reflects the temptations of Jesus in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1–11; Hebrews 4:15). It then transitions to His earthly ministry, where He labored tirelessly, bore sorrow, and endured rejection (Isaiah 53:3; Luke 9:58). Jesus did not live a life of ease—He was a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief, and misunderstood by the very people He came to save. Yet He remained faithful in every trial, giving us an example to follow (1 Peter 2:21–23).

Stanza 3

“Tell of the cross where they nailed Him, writhing in anguish and pain;
Tell of the grave where they laid Him, tell how He liveth again.
Love in that story so tender, clearer than ever I see;
Stay, let me weep while you whisper, love paid the ransom for me.”

This final stanza brings us to the very heart of the gospel—the crucifixion, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:3–4). His agony on the cross was not just physical—it was spiritual and emotional suffering borne for our sins (Isaiah 53:5; Matthew 27). But the grave could not hold Him. “He liveth again” is the Christian’s victory cry (Romans 6:9). Crosby’s words “love paid the ransom for me” reflect 1 Timothy 2:6 and Titus 2:14—He gave Himself for us. This stanza calls for reverent reflection, even tears, at the love that gave us life.

Chorus

“Tell me the story of Jesus, write on my heart every word;
Tell me the story most precious, sweetest that ever was heard.”

The chorus repeats the heart’s request—tell me again and again. We never outgrow the gospel. Romans 1:16 calls it “the power of God unto salvation.” Whether new in the faith or a seasoned disciple, the story of Jesus should never grow old. May it be written on our hearts and shared with our lips.

Tell Me the Story of Jesus Sermon Outline:

Introduction

• Written by Fanny J. Crosby

• Summary of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus

• Inspired by Luke 2, Matthew 4, Isaiah 53, and 1 Corinthians 15

Stanza 1 – His Birth and the Angelic Proclamation

• Luke 2:10–14 – Angels announce Jesus’ birth

• Psalm 119:11 – Hide God’s word in our hearts

• John 1:14 – The Word became flesh

Stanza 2 – His Temptation and Ministry

• Matthew 4:1–11 – Jesus tempted in the wilderness

• Hebrews 4:15 – Tempted in all points, yet without sin

• Isaiah 53:3 – Despised and rejected

• Luke 9:58 – “The Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head”

• 1 Peter 2:21–23 – Christ’s suffering is our example

Stanza 3 – His Death, Burial, and Resurrection

• Isaiah 53:5 – He was wounded for our transgressions

• Matthew 27:35 – Nailed to the cross

• 1 Corinthians 15:3–4 – He died, was buried, and rose again

• Romans 6:9 – He lives again and death no longer rules

• 1 Timothy 2:6 – Gave Himself a ransom for all

• Titus 2:14 – Gave Himself to redeem us

Chorus – Our Lifelong Plea

• Romans 1:16 – The gospel is the power of God

• 2 Peter 1:12–15 – Keep reminding the brethren

• Hebrews 2:1 – We must not drift from what we have heard

Call to Action

Will you cherish the story of Jesus? Not just in song, but in your soul? If the gospel is truly “the sweetest story,” then let it shape your life. Believe in the Lord Jesus (John 8:24), repent of sin (Luke 13:3), confess Him (Romans 10:9–10), and be baptized into His death and resurrection (Romans 6:3–5). If you already walk with Him, tell others the story—live it, proclaim it, and never let it grow cold in your heart.

Scripture Reference List

Luke 2:10–14 – Angels proclaim Christ’s birth
Psalm 119:11 – Hide God’s word in your heart
John 1:14 – The Word became flesh
Matthew 4:1–11 – Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness
Hebrews 4:15 – Tempted yet without sin
Isaiah 53:3,5 – Man of sorrows; wounded for our transgressions
Luke 9:58 – No place to lay His head
1 Peter 2:21–23 – Follow in His steps
Matthew 27:35 – Crucifixion
1 Corinthians 15:3–4 – The gospel defined
Romans 6:9 – Christ lives and reigns
1 Timothy 2:6 – Jesus our ransom
Titus 2:14 – Redeemed by His sacrifice
Romans 1:16 – Gospel is God's power to save
2 Peter 1:12–15 – Constant reminder of truth
Hebrews 2:1 – Do not drift from the gospel
John 8:24 – Believe in Jesus
Luke 13:3 – Repentance
Romans 10:9–10 – Confession
Romans 6:3–5 – Baptism into Christ’s death and resurrection

Song History

Fanny J. Crosby (1820–1915), blind from infancy, wrote over 8,000 hymns. Though not a member of the church of Christ, her Christ-centered hymns have been treasured by generations of Christians. “Tell Me the Story of Jesus,” composed with music by John R. Sweney, remains a beloved favorite in a cappella congregations for its heartfelt retelling of the Savior’s life and love.

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

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