Jesus, Priceless Treasure
Jesus, priceless treasure, source of purest pleasure, truest friend to me
One of the great Lutheran devotional hymns, expressing the believer's love for Christ as the supreme treasure above all earthly goods. The six stanzas address Christ directly with increasing intimacy. Bach's motet Jesu meine Freude (BWV 227) is one of the most significant choral works in the repertoire.
History & Background
Written by Johann Franck (1618-1677) in 1653 as Jesu meine Freude. Bach wrote a magnificent motet based on this chorale (BWV 227) interweaving stanzas of the hymn with Romans 8. Translated by Catherine Winkworth in 1863.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 775
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 457
- Lutheran Service Book — 743
Bulletin Note
Jesus, Priceless Treasure — Johann Franck, 1653
Preaching Connection
Christ as the supreme treasure above all earthly goods — connects to Matthew 13:44-46.
Themes
Love for Christ Treasure Devotion Bach