The Nazarene

Jesus' life is a song that still resonates down through the ages. His deeds and words speak with beauty and mystery, both comforting and confounding us. Who is this man?

Over the course of his career, singer-songwriter Michael Card has explored the depths of Scripture by bringing together biblical study and the power of the imagination. Now he sheds light on the life of Jesus through lyrical reflections on the four Gospels. These forty meditations lead us to a place where Jesus becomes real and we can hear him with both hearts and minds.

Listen again to the life of the Nazarene. And discover anew the music of Christ in your soul.



Michael Card is an award-winning musician and performing artist. He earned a master's degree in biblical studies from Western Kentucky University under Dr. William Lane. His many books include Scribbling in the Sand, A Fragile Stone, Inexpressible, and the Biblical Imagination Series on the four Gospels.

Preface: Biblical Lyrics: Where Do They Come From?


1. Introduction: The Lyrical Life of the Nazarene
Part I. Matthew: The Penultimate Question


2. This Is Who You Are


3. Galilee


4. A Simple House


5. And Dreamed


6. His Humanity


7. The Gift to Believe


8. When Did We See You?


9. Go Find Out What This Means


10. The Kingdom
Part II. Mark: The Beginning of the Gospel


11. The Beginning of the Gospel


12. A Great Wind, A Great Calm, A Great Fear


13. The Service of the Sod


14. The Stranger


15. At His Feet


16. You Walk in Lonely Places


17. In His Arms


18. The Paradigm


19. In Memory of Her Love


20. Is It All Over Now?
Part III. Luke: A World Turned Upside Down


21. A World Turned Upside Down


22. What Sort of Song?


23. A King in a Cattle Trough


24. Simeon's Song


25. A Little Boy Lost


26. The Bridge


27. A Breath of a Prayer


28. How Much More a Servant Could He Be?


29. The Pain and Persistence of Doubt


30. Seven Endless Miles
Part IV. John: The Misunderstood Messiah


31. Come and See


32. The Bread, the Light, the Life


33. The One Who Was Sent


34. How Can These Things Be?


35. All I've Ever Done


36. Come to Me and Drink


37. Scribbling in the Sand


38. Jesus Wept


39. One Long Final Walk


40. Stranger on the Shore


Conclusion: A Lyrical Life


Appendix: A Musical Overview of the Bible


Lyric and Music Credits