Tell Me the Story of Jesus

Almost everyone loves to listen to stories. In this gospel song, Fanny Crosby, the blind hymnwriter, asks to be told the story of Jesus, and in the process of asking, she tells the story of Jesus herself. The first verse tells of his birth with the choir of angels singing. The second verse tells of his ministry on earth, despised, afflicted, homeless, rejected, and poor, and the third verse tells of his death and resurrection, concluding with the wonderful line, “Love paid the ransom for me.” Many people today don’t know that wonderful story. We often find it easier to talk about our church, but maybe people are really saying, “Tell me the story of Jesus.” So let’s tell them that story. Scriptures: Acts 1:7-9; Acts 26:22-23; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 Themes: Jesus’ Ministry, Incarnation 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.” Tell me the story of Jesus, Write on my heart every word; Tell me the story most precious, Sweetest that ever was heard. 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. 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: Lord, may I always remember Love paid the ransom for me. FANNY JANE CROSBY (1820–1915)
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.”
Tell me the story of Jesus,
Write on my heart every word;
Tell me the story most precious,
Sweetest that ever was heard.
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.”
Tell me the story of Jesus,
Write on my heart every word;
Tell me the story most precious,
Sweetest that ever was heard.
“Glory to God in the highest!
Peace and good tidings to earth.”
Tell me the story of Jesus,
Sweetest that ever was heard.
Songwriters: John R. Sweney, Clydesdale David Thomas, Crosby Fanny.

Below is an audio clip of me playing the hymn “Tell me the story of Jesus” on my custom Ratliff mandolin.