Steffany Gretzinger + Jeremy Riddle + Bethel Music - Give Me Jesus Lyrics

Give Me Jesus - Steffany Gretzinger & Jeremy Riddle | Bethel Worship

Give Me Jesus Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration

Released on December 27, 2016, the song "Give Me Jesus" featuring Steffany Gretzinger and Jeremy Riddle alongside Bethel Music is not just a musical track but a profound declaration set to melody. Drawing from the well-known traditional hymn, this interpretation strips away complexity to focus solely on its central, radical message. It’s a statement that cuts through the noise of modern life, placing a singular focus on the one thing deemed most valuable: Jesus himself.

The essence of the song is a soul’s cry, a deep yearning that overshadows all other desires and possessions. It presents a stark contrast between the riches, pleasures, and accolades the world offers and the incomparable worth found in Christ. The narrative woven through the simple, repetitive structure is one of ultimate surrender and prioritization. It’s the voice of someone who has weighed everything in the balance and found that nothing compares to knowing and having Jesus. The message isn't about adding Jesus to a list of good things; it's about choosing Him *instead* of everything else, viewing Him as the ultimate, sufficient portion.

Musically, the piece typically embodies the worship collective's signature style – a blend of atmospheric soundscapes and raw, authentic vocal delivery. Steffany Gretzinger and Jeremy Riddle’s voices often convey a sense of vulnerability and earnest devotion, which perfectly serves the unadorned honesty of the lyrics. The instrumentation likely supports the vocals without overwhelming them, allowing the weight of the message to land with clarity. This minimalist approach ensures the focus remains squarely on the lyrical content, creating a space for reflection and personal response. The structure, likely building slightly but staying centered on the core refrain, mirrors the unwavering focus of the theme – regardless of circumstance, the plea remains: "Give me Jesus."

This unwavering focus resonates deeply with foundational truths found throughout Scripture. The Apostle Paul articulated this radical reorientation of values in Philippians 3:7-8, stating, "But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord." The song echoes this sentiment precisely, presenting worldly gain, even life itself, as secondary or worthless compared to the treasure of Christ. It also aligns with the psalmist's declaration in Psalm 73:25-26, "Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." The song is a direct, melodic restatement of this ancient cry for God alone to be one’s portion and ultimate desire, particularly in moments of weakness or facing mortality.

Furthermore, the song’s insistence on needing only Jesus speaks to the concept of His complete sufficiency found in passages like Colossians 2:9-10, which tells us that in Christ "the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him." It’s a reminder that all that is truly needed for life, godliness, and eternal security is found in Him. By asking for *only* Jesus, the song challenges any reliance on external circumstances, personal achievements, or earthly security. It’s an invitation to stand on the solid ground of Christ’s presence and provision, a challenge to assess what we truly value when everything else is stripped away. This perspective aligns with Jesus’ own words in Matthew 16:26, questioning the value of gaining the whole world if one forfeits their soul – the implication being that the soul’s true gain is found solely in relationship with Him. Ultimately, this rendition serves as a powerful call to authentic worship, urging listeners to confront their own deepest longings and re-center them on the inexhaustible source of life and satisfaction that is Jesus.