Jesus. Priceless Treasure - Hymn with Lyrics

1. Jesus, priceless treasure,
source of purest pleasure,
friend most sure and true:
long my heart was burning,
fainting much and yearning,
thirsting, Lord, for you.
Yours I am, O spotless Lamb,
so will I let nothing hide you,
seek no joy beside you!

2. Let your arms enfold me:
those who try to wound me
cannot reach me here.
Though the earth be shaking,
every heart be quaking,
Jesus calms my fear.
Fires may flash and thunder crash;
yea, though sin and hell assail me,
Jesus will not fail me.

3. Hence, all worldly treasure!
Jesus is my pleasure,
Jesus is my choice.
Hence, all empty glory!
What to me your story
told with tempting voice?
Pain or loss or shame or cross
shall not from my Savior move me,
since he chose to love me.

4. Banish thoughts of sadness,
for the Lord of gladness,
Jesus, enters in;
though the clouds may gather,
those who love the Savior
still have peace within.
Though I bear much sorrow here,
still in you lies purest pleasure,
Jesus, priceless treasure!

Scripture; Exodus 12:1-20; 

Deuteronomy 33:27; 

Psalm 16:2; 

Zechariah 2:13

The hymn "Jesus, Priceless Treasure" was written by Johann Franck, a German hymnwriter, in 1649. Franck was born in 1618 and lived during a tumultuous period in German history, marked by the Thirty Years' War (1618–1648), a conflict that devastated much of Europe. As a young man, Franck studied law, but his deep religious convictions led him to write hymns that reflected his personal faith.

The text of "Jesus, Priceless Treasure" was inspired by the teachings of the Bible, particularly the Apostle Paul’s letters, which highlight the theme of finding Christ as the ultimate and most valuable possession. In a time of hardship and suffering, Franck sought comfort in the idea that Christ’s presence is the greatest treasure that anyone could have.

The hymn reflects both the suffering Franck experienced due to the war and the peace and joy he found in Jesus, who he saw as a treasure beyond earthly riches. The words express the idea that, regardless of what happens in life, Christ is the most precious possession a believer can have, and that His presence is a source of comfort, security, and hope.

The tune most commonly associated with the hymn is "Wann wir in höchsten Nöten sein", which was composed by the German composer and musician, Johann Crüger. This melody is uplifting, and it complements the text’s message of joy and confidence in Christ.

"Jesus, Priceless Treasure" has become a beloved hymn in many Christian traditions, particularly in the Lutheran and Protestant churches. It emphasizes the worth of Jesus as the believer's greatest treasure, offering a deep expression of faith and trust in God's love and provision.