What a Friend We Have in Jesus

Songbook Hymn Sermons

What a Friend We Have in Jesus

A Sermon based on the Hymn by Joseph M. Scriven

Introduction:
“What a Friend We Have in Jesus” is one of the most beloved hymns in Christian history. Written by Joseph M. Scriven in 1855, it expresses deep personal comfort, rooted in faith and built upon the promise of Jesus' constant presence in our lives. Unlike many friendships that come and go, Jesus’ friendship never fails. It is founded on His sacrificial love, His understanding of our weaknesses, and His desire to bear our burdens.

This hymn draws heavily from scriptures such as John 15:13–15, Hebrews 4:15–16, and Philippians 4:6–7. It teaches us that we can bring everything—our worries, griefs, temptations, and trials—to Jesus in prayer. In Him, we find not only a Savior but a Friend who walks with us through every circumstance.

As we examine this hymn stanza by stanza, let us be reminded that our greatest source of strength, comfort, and guidance is found in the friendship of Jesus Christ. May it move us to pray more earnestly, trust more deeply, and walk more closely with Him every day.

Stanza 1: “What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear...”
This opening line speaks to the dual role Jesus plays—He bears our sins and our sorrows. Isaiah 53:4–5 affirms this: “Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows.” Jesus’ friendship is proven not by sentiment but by sacrifice. He gave His life to take away our sins (1 Peter 2:24) and to lift our burdens (Matthew 11:28).

We often carry unnecessary pain because we do not take everything to God in prayer. Philippians 4:6–7 urges us to bring all our requests before Him with thanksgiving. In Jesus, we have more than a sympathetic ear—we have an Advocate, an Intercessor, and a constant Companion who understands our deepest needs.

Stanza 2: “Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?”
This stanza invites self-reflection. The answer to its questions is a resounding “Yes.” Life is full of trials and temptations. But the next line gives the answer: “We should never be discouraged—take it to the Lord in prayer.” 1 Corinthians 10:13 promises that no temptation is beyond our ability to endure, and that God will make a way of escape.

James 1:2–4 reminds us that trials test our faith and produce patience. Discouragement is common, but it should not be permanent. We find strength by turning to our faithful Friend who will never abandon us in our struggles. When the world fails us, Jesus remains.

Stanza 3: “Can we find a friend so faithful, who will all our sorrows share?”
This stanza highlights the unmatched loyalty of Jesus. Earthly friendships often falter under pressure, but Jesus is “a friend who sticks closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24). Hebrews 4:15–16 teaches that He sympathizes with our weaknesses and invites us to approach the throne of grace with confidence.

Jesus doesn’t just listen—He shares in our sorrows and helps carry our burdens. Galatians 6:2 calls us to “bear one another’s burdens,” and in Christ, we have the perfect example. He is not only faithful in good times but ever-present in our pain. There is no truer Friend.

Stanza 4: “Are we weak and heavy-laden, cumbered with a load of care?”
This final stanza brings us back to Jesus’ own words: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). The hymn paints a picture of a weary soul struggling under life’s burdens. Yet Jesus invites us to bring our load to Him.

We are often “cumbered” by worry, fear, sin, and guilt. But the answer is always the same: “Take it to the Lord in prayer.” He will not cast us out (John 6:37). The privilege of prayer is the gift of communion with the One who is able and willing to help.

Chorus (implied throughout the hymn): The Power and Privilege of Prayer
While this hymn has no separate chorus, the repeated exhortation—“Take it to the Lord in prayer”—functions as the refrain. It is both an invitation and a command. Luke 18:1 tells us that we “ought always to pray and not lose heart.” Prayer is how we lean on our Friend. It is our lifeline in every situation.

What a Friend We Have in Jesus Sermon Outline:
Stanza 1: The Friend Who Bears Our Sins and Griefs

• Jesus bore our sorrows: Isaiah 53:4–5

• Forgiveness through His sacrifice: 1 Peter 2:24

• Prayer relieves anxiety: Philippians 4:6–7

• Come to Him with every burden: Matthew 11:28

Stanza 2: The Friend Who Strengthens Us in Trials

• No temptation is too great: 1 Corinthians 10:13

• Trials test and mature our faith: James 1:2–4

• Discouragement is lifted through prayer

• Jesus never fails us in hardship

Stanza 3: The Friend Who Is Faithful and Understanding

• Closer than a brother: Proverbs 18:24

• Sympathetic High Priest: Hebrews 4:15–16

• Shares our sorrows: Galatians 6:2

• We are never alone in our pain

Stanza 4: The Friend Who Offers Rest to the Weary

• Rest for the heavy-laden: Matthew 11:28

• Cast your cares on Him: 1 Peter 5:7

• Prayer is our constant access to help

• Jesus welcomes the broken and burdened: John 6:37

Call to Action:
Do you truly know Jesus as your Friend? Not just in theory—but in practice? He wants to bear your sins, your sorrows, your temptations, and your fears. But you must come to Him. If you have not obeyed the gospel—believe, repent, confess His name, and be baptized. If you are already His, take everything to Him in prayer. You are never alone. No one understands like Jesus—and no one loves like He does. Let Him be your Friend today and forever.

Scripture Reference List:
Isaiah 53:4–5 – He bore our griefs and carried our sorrows
1 Peter 2:24 – Jesus bore our sins on the cross
Philippians 4:6–7 – Be anxious for nothing; pray about everything
Matthew 11:28 – Come to Me and I will give you rest
1 Corinthians 10:13 – God provides a way of escape from temptation
James 1:2–4 – Trials produce patience and maturity
Proverbs 18:24 – A friend who sticks closer than a brother
Hebrews 4:15–16 – Jesus sympathizes with our weaknesses
Galatians 6:2 – Bear one another’s burdens
1 Peter 5:7 – Cast all your care on Him
John 6:37 – He will not cast out those who come to Him
Luke 18:1 – Men ought always to pray and not lose heart

Song Author Credit:
This hymn was written by Joseph M. Scriven (1819–1886), an Irish-born Christian who moved to Canada and lived a life of quiet sacrifice. He wrote this poem to comfort his dying mother, never imagining it would become one of the world’s most cherished hymns. His words reflect a deep trust in Christ’s friendship and sustaining power.

Song History:
“What a Friend We Have in Jesus” was originally penned as a private poem in 1855 and later set to music by Charles C. Converse. It has been translated into countless languages and remains a staple in churches of Christ. Its timeless message continues to comfort the grieving, uplift the weary, and call the faithful to prayerful communion with their Savior.

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

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