Jesus, I My Cross Have Taken

By Henry F. Lyte

Lyrics

1. . Jesus, I my cross have taken,
All to leave and follow thee;
Destitute, despis'd, forsaken,
Thou from hence my all shalt be.
Perish, ev'ry fond ambition,
All I've sought, and hop'd, and known;
Yet how rich is my condition;
God and Heav'n are still my own!

2. . Let the world despise and leave me;
They have left my Savior, too;
Human hearts and looks deceive me;
Thou art not, like them, untrue;
And while thou shalt smile upon me,
God of wisdom, love, and might,
Foes may hate, and friends may shun me;
Show thy face, and all is bright!

3. . Go then, earthly fame and treasure!
Come, disaster, scorn, and pain!
In thy service, pain is pleasure;
With thy favor, loss is gain.
I have called thee Abba, Father;
I have stayed my heart on thee;
Storms may howl, and clouds may gather;
All must work for good to me.

4. . Haste then on from grace to glory,
Arm'd by faith, and wing'd by pray'r;
Heav'n's eternal day before thee;
God's own hand shall guide me there.
Soon shall close thy earthly mission;
Swift shall pass thy pilgrim days;
Hope soon change to glad fruition,
Faith to sight, and pray'r to praise.

Bible Reference

Matthew 16:24

About This Hymn

“Jesus, I My Cross Have Taken” is a deeply devotional hymn written by Henry Francis Lyte in 1824, reflecting his deep commitment to Christ and understanding of discipleship. Lyte, a Scottish-born Anglican minister, is best remembered as the author of “Abide with Me,” but this hymn equally demonstrates his poetic skill and rich theological insight. Written during a period of personal spiritual growth and pastoral ministry, the hymn reflects Lyte’s own experience of loss, suffering, and dedication to Christ. The words are drawn directly from Christ’s teaching in Matthew 16:24, emphasizing the believer’s call to forsake worldly pleasures and take up the cross to follow Jesus.

The hymn’s text unfolds with profound spiritual depth, calling Christians to embrace humility, obedience, and faith as they walk with Christ. Its verses contrast the fleeting nature of earthly treasures with the eternal hope found in God’s promises. Lyte’s pastoral heart is evident in his focus on surrender, trust, and contentment, themes that mirror his own life of physical weakness and unwavering service to his parishioners. The hymn was originally published in Go, Labour On: Miscellaneous Poems in 1824 and quickly gained popularity in hymnals throughout England and America, often paired with powerful tunes such as “Houghton” and “Ellers.”

This hymn continues to be a favorite in both traditional and contemporary worship contexts because of its honest call to discipleship and its assurance of Christ’s sufficiency. Lyte’s writing reflects a life deeply anchored in Scripture, shaped by pastoral compassion, and marked by personal sacrifice. “Jesus, I My Cross Have Taken” remains a timeless reminder that the Christian life is one of joyful surrender and steadfast hope, a truth that has resonated with believers for nearly two centuries.