Jesus, I my Cross Have Taken - Lyrics

1. Jesus, I my cross have taken,
All to leave and follow thee;
Destitute, despis'd, forsaken,
Thou from hence my all shalt be.
Perish, ev'ry fond ambition,
All I've sought, and hop'd, and known;
Yet how rich is my condition;
God and Heav'n are still my own!

2. Let the world despise and leave me;
They have left my Savior, too;
Human hearts and looks deceive me;
Thou art not, like them, untrue;
And while thou shalt smile upon me,
God of wisdom, love, and might,
Foes may hate, and friends may shun me;
Show thy face, and all is bright!

3. Go then, earthly fame and treasure!
Come, disaster, scorn, and pain!
In thy service, pain is pleasure;
With thy favor, loss is gain.
I have called thee Abba, Father;
I have stayed my heart on thee;
Storms may howl, and clouds may gather;
All must work for good to me.

4. Haste then on from grace to glory,
Arm'd by faith, and wing'd by pray'r;
Heav'n's eternal day before thee;
God's own hand shall guide me there.
Soon shall close thy earthly mission;
Swift shall pass thy pilgrim days;
Hope soon change to glad fruition,
Faith to sight, and pray'r to praise.

"Jesus, I My Cross Have Taken" is a powerful hymn of Christian discipleship, surrender, and devotion. Written in the early 19th century, it captures the resolve of a believer to forsake all for the sake of Christ and to trust Him through trials and loss.

🖋 Hymn Background

• Text Author: Henry Francis Lyte (1793–1847)

• Tune: Most commonly set to "Ellesdie" by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (arranged by H.A. César Malan) or "Hollingside" by Hubert Parry.

Henry Francis Lyte was a Scottish Anglican minister and hymnwriter, best known for the beloved hymn "Abide with Me." He wrote "Jesus, I My Cross Have Taken" in 1824, reflecting themes of self-denial, suffering, and the joy of following Christ.

Lyte’s ministry was deeply pastoral, often focused on the sick, poor, and marginalized. His own health was fragile throughout his life, and this hymn may reflect his personal trials and deep trust in the Savior amid affliction.

The hymn typically includes 6 to 7 stanzas, and each stanza grows in spiritual depth, affirming the Christian’s hope and ultimate joy in Christ despite earthly loss.

📖 Biblical Themes

• Matthew 16:24 (KJV) — "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me."

• Philippians 3:8 (KJV) — "Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord..."

• Romans 8:18 (KJV) — "For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us."

This hymn calls believers to examine their willingness to suffer for the cause of Christ. It’s not a melancholy song, despite its somber themes; rather, it is a triumphant declaration of love and loyalty to Jesus. It reminds us that the Christian life involves sacrifice, but the reward—Christ Himself—is infinitely greater.