Lyrics Page

I've Just Seen Jesus

By Sandi Patty + Larnelle Harris + David Phelps + Lana Ranahan + Gaither Vocal Band

2,190 views Sep 29, 2026 updated Verified editorial review

Song Meaning

Written as two overlapping eyewitness accounts rather than a single narrator, this song opens in the flattest, most physical language of grief — 'we knew he was dead... Joseph begged for his body' — before pivoting hard into the chorus's present tense: 'I've just seen Jesus, I tell you he's alive.' That shift from past-tense burial detail to present-tense testimony is the whole argument of the song, compressed into one line.

The second voice belongs to Mary at the tomb, and the song follows John 20 closely — 'it was his voice she first heard,' asking why she wept, until 'child, it is I, I am here' answers the question before she can finish it, echoing the moment Jesus simply says her name and she recognizes him. The refrain 'all that I'd done before won't matter anymore' reaches for the same ground as 2 Corinthians 5:17's claim that old things have passed away and all things have become new — resurrection here isn't only about an empty tomb two thousand years ago, but about what a person is allowed to become after encountering it.

Lyrics Verified by Editorial Team

We knew he was dead

It is finished, he said

We had watched as his life ebbed away

Then we all stood around

Till the guards took him down

Joseph begged for his body that day


It was late afternoon

When we got to the tomb

Wrapped his body and sealed up the grave

So I know how you feel

His death was so real

But please listen and hear what I say


I've just seen Jesus

I tell you he's alive

I've just seen Jesus

Our precious Lord alive

And I knew, he really saw me too

As if till now, I'd never lived

All that I'd done before

Won't matter anymore

I've just seen Jesus

And I'll never be the same again


It was his voice she first heard

Those kind gentle words

Asking what was her reason for tears

And I sobbed in despair

My Lord is not there

He said, child! it is I, I am here!


I've just seen Jesus

I tell you he's alive

I've just seen Jesus

Our precious lord alive

And I knew, he really saw me too

As if till now, I'd never lived

All that I'd done before

Won't matter anymore

I've just seen Jesus

I've just seen Jesus

I've just seen Jesus

All that I'd done before

Won't matter anymore

I've just seen Jesus

And I'll never be the same again

I've just seen Jesus!


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