I Am Jesus' Little Lamb
I am Jesus' little lamb
The hymn expresses Lutheran confidence in Christ's pastoral care and the assurance of salvation through personal relationship with Jesus. It embodies the Lutheran emphasis on God's grace protecting the believer and the comfort of divine shepherding, particularly appropriate for catechumens and children in faith formation.
History & Background
Originally written in German by Henrietta Louisa Soss and published in 1859, this hymn became popular in German Lutheran hymnals. William Merrell Taylor provided the English translation in 1889, which has remained the standard English version.
Hymnal Appearances
- Lutheran Service Book — 740
- Lift Up Your Hearts — 473
- Lutheran Worship — 517
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 648
Translation
Bulletin Note
Written by Henrietta Louisa Soss in 1859, this hymn captures the Lutheran reassurance of grace through the image of Christ as shepherd. Its simplicity and directness made it a staple of catechesis and children's worship.
Preaching Connection
This hymn distills the Gospel into its essence: the sinner's comfort lies not in moral achievement but in the intimate, protective relationship with Christ the Shepherd, whose care leaves no room for fear or condemnation.
Themes
Assurance of salvation Divine care and protection Child-like faith Pastoral imagery Security in Christ