Jesus Still Lead On

“Jesus Still Lead On” is a hymn of discipleship and trust, originally written in German by Count Nicolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf, the leader of the Moravian movement in the early 18th century. Zinzendorf, a man of noble birth who gave up wealth and position to devote his life to Christ’s service, had a passionate zeal for missions and a deep pastoral concern for believers. This hymn was composed in 1721 as an expression of the believer’s desire for Christ to guide through life’s journey, both in times of difficulty and in moments of joy. It reflects the Moravian emphasis on simple, heartfelt devotion and the centrality of following Christ as the Good Shepherd.

The hymn’s verses are short but powerful, each line serving as a prayer for direction, perseverance, and faithfulness. It presents the Christian life as a pilgrimage, full of challenges and uncertainties, yet always under the sure guidance of Christ. The words “Jesus, still lead on” capture both humility and confidence, recognizing the believer’s weakness and Christ’s unfailing strength. This focus on steady reliance on the Savior made the hymn especially meaningful to the Moravian missionaries, who carried it with them as they spread the gospel to distant lands, often at great personal cost. Its simplicity and heartfelt tone gave it lasting appeal for personal devotion and congregational singing alike.

Translated into English in the 19th century, the hymn has become part of many hymnals across denominations. It is often used in services of dedication, missionary gatherings, or times when believers are reminded of their call to follow Christ faithfully. Its enduring popularity testifies to the universal longing of Christians to be led securely by the Lord in every season of life. Zinzendorf, whose legacy includes a revival of hymn singing and missionary zeal, left in this hymn a timeless prayer that continues to guide believers in their walk with Christ.