Title: There’s not a friend like the lowly Jesus
Hymn Number: SS&S 904 (Sacred songs and solo)
1 There’s not a friend like the lowly Jesus,
No, not one ! no, not one !
None else could heal all our soul’s diseases,
No, not one ! no, not one !
Refrain: Jesus knows all about our struggles,
He will guide till the day is done ;
There’s not a friend like the lowly Jesus,
No, not one ! no, not one !
2 No friend like Him is so high and holy,
No, not one ! no, not one !
And yet no friend is so meek and lowly,
No, not one ! no, not one !
3 There’s not an hour that He is not near us,
No, not one ! no, not one !
No night so dark but His love can cheer us,
No, not one ! no, not one !
4 Did ever saint find this Friend forsake him ?
No, not one ! no, not one !
Or sinner find that He would not take him ?
No, not one ! no, not one !
5 Was e’er a gift like the Saviour given ?
No, not one ! no, not one !
Will He refuse us a home in heaven ?
No, not one ! no, not one !
About The Hymn
The hymn “There’s Not a Friend Like the Lowly Jesus”, numbered 904 in Sacred Songs and Solos, was written by Johnson Oatman Jr. This beloved hymn is a tender and heartfelt expression of the unique and incomparable friendship believers have with Jesus Christ. Through its five verses, the hymn emphasizes Christ’s accessibility, His deep understanding of human struggles, His boundless love, and the assurance of His presence in every circumstance.
Verse 1: Jesus, the Perfect Friend
“There’s not a friend like the lowly Jesus—no, not one! no, not one! None else could heal all our soul’s diseases—no, not one! no, not one!”
The opening verse establishes Jesus as a friend like no other. The term “lowly” reflects His humility and willingness to meet humanity where they are, regardless of their status or condition.
The verse also highlights His role as the ultimate healer, addressing the spiritual and emotional wounds of the soul. It underscores the uniqueness of Jesus, affirming that no one else can provide the depth of care, love, and healing that He offers.
Verse 2: Christ’s Understanding of Human Struggles
“No friend like Him is so high and holy—no, not one! no, not one! And yet no friend is so meek and lowly—no, not one! no, not one!”
The second verse emphasizes the paradoxical nature of Jesus: though He is exalted as high and holy, He is also meek and approachable. This makes Him uniquely qualified to be both Lord and friend.
This verse comforts believers with the assurance that Jesus understands their struggles and meets them with compassion and humility, offering a model of divine grace and accessibility.
Verse 3: The Consistency of Jesus’ Love
“There’s not an hour that He is not near us—no, not one! no, not one! No night so dark but His love can cheer us—no, not one! no, not one!”
The third verse focuses on Jesus’ constant presence. It reassures worshippers that there is no moment in life—whether joyful or sorrowful—when Jesus is absent.
Even in the darkest times, His love brings comfort and hope. This verse highlights the unchanging nature of Christ’s care and His ability to provide peace, regardless of circumstances.
Verse 4: The Sacrificial Love of Jesus
“Did ever saint find this friend forsake him? No, not one! no, not one! Or sinner find that He would not take him? No, not one! no, not one!”
The fourth verse affirms Jesus’ faithfulness to those who trust in Him. He never abandons His followers, and He welcomes all sinners who come to Him in repentance.
This verse emphasizes the inclusivity of Jesus’ love, reminding believers that no one is beyond His reach. It celebrates His willingness to accept and transform lives through His grace.
Verse 5: The Assurance of Eternal Friendship
“Was e’er a gift like the Savior given? No, not one! no, not one! Will He refuse us a home in heaven? No, not one! no, not one!”
The final verse turns the focus to eternity, celebrating the unmatched gift of salvation through Jesus. It assures believers of the hope of heaven, made possible by His sacrificial love.
The rhetorical questions highlight the certainty of Jesus’ promises, reinforcing the faithfulness of His friendship and His commitment to bring His followers to eternal joy.
Refrain: The Uniqueness of Jesus’ Love
Each verse is followed by the refrain:
“Jesus knows all about our struggles, He will guide till the day is done; there’s not a friend like the lowly Jesus—no, not one! no, not one!”
The refrain is a constant reminder of Jesus’ intimate knowledge of human struggles and His enduring guidance. It reinforces the hymn’s central theme: the uniqueness and sufficiency of Jesus as the ultimate friend and Savior.
Overall Message and Significance
“There’s Not a Friend Like the Lowly Jesus” is a hymn of reassurance and hope. Its five verses explore the depth of Jesus’ love, the comfort of His presence, and the assurance of His faithfulness.
The hymn celebrates Jesus’ humility, His understanding of human struggles, and His ability to bring healing and joy in all circumstances. It also looks forward to the eternal hope of heaven, made possible through His unmatched gift of salvation.
Through its simple yet profound message, this hymn continues to inspire believers to trust in Jesus as their closest and most dependable friend, offering comfort and hope in every season of life.