About this Song
Artist: David Slater
Song Title: Have You Seen Jesus My Lord?
Genre: Contemporary Christian / Worship Hymn
Release: Commonly dated to the 1970s (exact release date not clearly documented)
Have You Seen Jesus My Lord? is a well-known Christian worship song by David Slater that has endured far beyond its original era. Frequently sung in churches, youth gatherings, and informal worship settings, the song is cherished for its simplicity, gentle repetition, and reflective tone. Rather than presenting faith as distant or abstract, it invites listeners to recognize Christ in everyday moments—through suffering, love, and human connection. Its relational message and easy-to-follow structure have helped it remain a meaningful and accessible worship song across generations.
Lyrics
Have you seen Jesus my Lord?
He’s here in plain view.
Take a look, open your eyes
He’ll show it to you.
Have you ever stood at the cross
With a man hanging in pain?
Seen the look of love in his eyes?
Then I say you’ve seen,
Jesus, my Lord.
Have you seen Jesus my Lord?
He’s here in plain view.
Take a look, open your eyes
He’ll show it to you.
Have you ever stood in the family
With the Lord there in your midst?
Seen the face of Christ on your brother?
Then I say you’ve seen,
Jesus, my Lord
Have you seen Jesus my Lord?
He’s here in plain view.
Take a look, open your eyes
He’ll show it to you.
Have you seen Jesus my Lord?
He’s here in plain view.
Take a look, open your eyes
He’ll show it to you.
NOTE: Lyrics are the property of their respective owners and are shared here for educational, commentary, and review purposes.
Song Overview & Analysis
At its heart, Have You Seen Jesus My Lord? is not a song about searching for Jesus in distant or mystical places—it’s about recognizing Him right in front of us. The repeated question in the title acts less like a challenge and more like a gentle invitation. The song suggests that Jesus is not hidden or inaccessible; He is “in plain view” for those willing to truly look.
Mood & Style
The mood is quietly reverent, contemplative, and intimate. Rather than dramatic musical complexity, the song relies on repetition and calm phrasing, which mirrors its message: spiritual clarity often comes through stillness and attentiveness. This makes it especially effective in worship environments where reflection matters more than performance.
Wording & Structure
The lyrics are simple and direct, using everyday language rather than theological jargon. This accessibility is intentional—it allows listeners of any age or spiritual maturity to connect with the message. The recurring lines reinforce the idea that seeing Jesus requires open eyes and an open heart, not special knowledge.
Themes & Meaning
The song presents several powerful images:
- The cross — pointing to compassion, suffering, and sacrificial love
- Community and family — suggesting Jesus is present in relationships, especially through love shown to others
- Seeing Christ in others — a central Christian teaching drawn from the idea that love for people reflects love for God
Rather than asking listeners to imagine Jesus historically or abstractly, the song urges them to recognize Him in pain, in love, and in human connection. This makes the message deeply personal and practical.
Why the Song Endures
Its endurance comes from its universality. The song doesn’t tie Jesus to a specific place, time, or denomination. Instead, it frames faith as something lived and observed daily. That timeless perspective keeps it relevant across generations.
