“Tell Me the Story of Jesus” has to be at the top of my list of favorite hymns. Seems that the lyrics just flow from my lips and the tune is so easy to sing. And if you really want to know the truth, it’s in the key of D. That is my favorite key.

Well, since I rarely sing any more, maybe it was my key.

One thing that I love about reading lyrics to any song is finding that one phrase that makes the whole song worth it. In “Tell Me the Story of Jesus,” the words that bring out the meaning of this hymn are the last line of the third verse. “Love paid the ransom for me.”

Without this great love God had for mankind, there would be no story to tell. Without His willingness to pay the ransom for me, I would know nothing of Jesus. Without Jesus, there is no hope of reconciliation.

So, just as this hymn suggests, tell me the stories of Jesus so that I can write them on my heart, believe in their words and allow these stories to transform my life. I pray that you will find this same encouragement from this hymn as I do.

Take a look at the lyrics and listen to the version of “Tell Me the Story of Jesus” below. Above all, I pray that your desire to draw closer to Jesus will deepen because of the ransom that was paid for you.

“Tell Me the Story of Jesus”

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.”

(Refrain)

Fasting alone in the desert, tell of the days that are past,

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.

(Refrain)

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.

(Refrain)

Refrain:

Tell me the story of Jesus, writing on my heart ever word;

Tell me the story most precious, sweetest that ever was heard.[i]

Click here to listen to the Gaither’s version of this beautiful hymn.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

[i] “Tell Me the Story of Jesus,” Words by Fanny J. Crosby, Music by John R. Sweeney, Public Domain, 1880.