Seeking for Me

“Seeking for Me” is a tender and deeply personal hymn that captures the heart of the Gospel message—the pursuing love of Christ for lost sinners. Though the authorship of the text remains uncertain, the melody by E. E. Hasty perfectly complements the hymn’s gentle tone of gratitude and wonder. Written during the late 19th century, this hymn became a favorite in evangelistic and revival meetings, where it moved hearts with its simple yet profound portrayal of divine compassion.

The opening lines, “Jesus my Savior to Bethlehem came, laid in a manger to sorrow and shame,” set the tone for the entire hymn. It begins not with human effort but with God’s initiative. From the cradle to the cross, Christ’s life is shown as an unbroken journey of redemptive love. Each verse builds upon the theme of divine pursuit, repeatedly echoing the refrain, “Seeking for me, for me.” This repetition reinforces the personal nature of salvation, reminding every believer that Christ’s mission was not abstract or general—it was specific and personal.

Luke 19:10, the key verse behind the hymn, encapsulates this truth. Jesus came to seek and to save the lost, meaning salvation is not humanity’s climb toward God, but God’s descent toward humanity. “Seeking for Me” turns this doctrine into a song of thanksgiving. The refrain transforms from a statement into a celebration: “Jesus, my Savior, seeking for me.”

E. E. Hasty’s melody is gentle, flowing, and emotionally expressive. It mirrors the quiet persistence of Christ’s love, building softly through each verse until it culminates in the joy of being found. The tune carries a sense of yearning and fulfillment, making it ideal for both personal reflection and congregational singing.

The hymn’s progression moves from Christ’s birth to His crucifixion and resurrection, capturing the full arc of the Gospel story. One stanza recalls the Savior’s agony: “Jesus my Savior was nailed to the tree, paying the debt that was owing for me.” Here, the focus shifts from Christ’s seeking to His suffering, showing that His pursuit of humanity came at the highest possible cost. Yet the hymn never lingers in despair—it always turns toward victory and joy. “Now He is pleading my cause in the sky,” the singer declares, rejoicing in the continuing work of Christ as intercessor.

Spiritually, “Seeking for Me” is a reminder that salvation is deeply relational. It speaks not only of forgiveness but of being found, known, and loved by God. The imagery of a Shepherd seeking His lost sheep is woven throughout, recalling Jesus’ parables in Luke 15. For believers, this hymn serves as both a confession of faith and a personal testimony of grace received.

The song has endured because its message is timeless. It offers comfort to those who feel forgotten and hope to those who sense their distance from God. It proclaims that no one is beyond the reach of divine mercy, for Christ continues to seek the lost even now.

As the final refrain repeats, “Seeking for me, for me,” the listener is drawn into worshipful gratitude. The words remind us that the story of salvation is not only about God’s power to save but also about His relentless love that will not give up until the wandering soul is found.