One Thing's Needful Lord This Treasure
One thing's needful, Lord, this treasure
This hymn exemplifies Lutheran emphasis on Christ as the center of Christian life and faith, drawing from Luke 10:42's teaching that sitting at Jesus' feet listening to His word is the 'better part.' It reflects the Reformation principle that Christ alone is our treasure and that personal relationship with Him supersedes external works or distractions.
History & Background
Written by Nikolai Zinzendorf, founder of the Moravian Church, this hymn reflects the pietistic and contemplative spirituality of the Moravian tradition. Translated by John Christian Jacobi from the German original, it became widely used in Lutheran hymnals throughout the 18th and 19th centuries.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 576
- Lutheran Service Book — 536
- Lutheran Worship — 277
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 366
Translation
Bulletin Note
Written by Count Zinzendorf in 1725, this Moravian hymn echoes the Reformation's insistence that Christ alone is our treasure, drawing its strength from Luke 10:42's invitation to 'the better part.'
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies the Lutheran Gospel witness: the Law accuses us of divided hearts and restless striving, while the Gospel comforts us with intimate access to Christ as our all-sufficient treasure and sustenance.
Themes
Devotion to Christ Single-minded faith Mary and Martha Spiritual priority Christ-centered life