ell Me the Stories of Jesus I Love to Hear

“Tell Me the Stories of Jesus” was written in 1885 by William H. Parker, a Sunday School teacher in Nottingham, England. Parker often wrote hymns specifically for the children in his class, and this particular hymn grew out of that ministry. His desire was to give young learners simple, memorable, and biblically rich lyrics that would help them understand the life and love of Christ.

The hymn captures the childlike longing to hear again the stories of Jesus, reflecting the spirit of Psalm 78:4, which declares, “We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the Lord, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done.” The hymn embodies this commitment to passing down the stories of Christ to the next generation.

Matthew 19:14 also resonates strongly with the hymn’s tone: “But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” This verse reflects the gentle welcome Christ extends to children, which is echoed in the hymn’s affectionate language and simple structure meant for young voices.

The final stanza of the hymn points toward the ever growing wonder of Christ’s works, which connects with John 21:25: “And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written.” This sense of endless richness in the life of Jesus helps explain the hymn’s enduring appeal.

Musically, the hymn is commonly paired with bright, singable melodies that make it accessible for children while still enjoyable for adult worshippers. It is widely used in children’s services, family worship, and church schools because of its engaging and memorable storytelling focus.

“Tell Me the Stories of Jesus” continues to serve as a gentle invitation to dwell on the life and ministry of Christ. Its warmth, simplicity, and clear desire to know the Savior more deeply make it a lasting contribution to Christian hymnody and a treasured song for believers of all ages.