Come, Ye Sinners

Are you weary? Come, ye sinners, to Jesus for soul rest.

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”—Matthew 11:28–29 NASB

Born in London in 1712, Joseph Hart resisted Christianity while a young man. To him, the faith made no sense. He even wrote a pamphlet called “The Unreasonableness of Religion.” He criticized the messages of Gospel ministers, including evangelist John Wesley; however, his life changed in 1757 after being convicted during a service in a Moravian Chapel in London.

Driven by his new faith, he began writing hymns. One of the first was “Come, Ye Sinners, Poor and Needy.” From his own experience, he understood why many people resist salvation. But he knew that “Jesus ready stands to save” the weak, wounded, sick, and sore. All they had to do was respond.

Paraphrasing Matthew 11, Hart wrote, “Come, ye weary, heavy laden, lost and ruined by the fall; if you tarry till you’re better, you will never come at all.” In response to resistance, he wrote, “All the fitness He requireth is to feel your need of Him.” He knew that Jesus would welcome their presence, and embrace them in His arms.

This hymn was popular in camp meetings on the American frontier in the nineteenth century. It was sung as people went forward who had been convicted of sin.

Today, Jesus calls you to come to Him just as you are. No matter what you have done, or what problems you face, He will welcome you, take away your burdens, forgive your sins, and save your soul.

Reflection Question: Write a prayer of repentance to God.