Introduction
While country music legend Alan Jackson delivered a heartfelt rendition of “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” the song’s roots trace back to a different kind of comfort. In 1855, preacher Joseph Scriven, stationed in Canada, wrote the lyrics as a poem for his mother in Ireland. Grief had struck her life, and Scriven, facing his own struggles, aimed to offer solace through faith.
The poem, originally titled “What a Friend for Sinners,” expressed the unwavering companionship of Jesus even in the face of burdens and shortcomings. Lines like “all our sins and griefs to bear” resonated deeply, and Scriven anonymously published it in a religious periodical.
The power of the words transcended anonymity. Congregations embraced the poem as a hymn, and its message of solace in friendship with Jesus struck a chord. It wasn’t until the 1880s that Scriven received full credit for his creation, a testament to the hymn’s organic rise within the Christian community.
Fast forward to Alan Jackson’s rendition. The familiar melody and comforting lyrics take on a new layer of warmth with his country music charm. Jackson’s version, likely performed live, brings a touch of down-home authenticity to the timeless message.
So, as we hear the song, it’s not just a beautiful melody. It’s a powerful reminder of a friend who walks beside us, through life’s joys and sorrows – a message that began as a son’s act of comfort and has resonated for generations.