‘There Was Jesus’ Explained: The Biblical Meaning & Story Behind the Song

Q: Who is the original singer of There Was Jesus?

Zach Williams: The Voice Behind the Song. The powerful and moving song "There Was Jesus" found its primary voice in the acclaimed Christian artist, Zach Williams. He is widely recognized for his unique blend of country, southern rock, and gospel music. Williams brings a gritty authenticity and a profound spiritual depth to his performances. Before dedicating his career to Christian music, Zach Williams toured extensively with various rock bands. However, a transformative encounter with Jesus Christ redirected his path. This personal testimony of redemption deeply infuses his songwriting and delivery. His distinctive raspy voice perfectly conveys the raw honesty and unwavering hope found in the Gospel message. Williams' music consistently points listeners to the Lord. His songs often speak of God's unfailing grace and constant presence, even through life's darkest moments. This aligns perfectly with the core message of "There Was Jesus." Indeed, his journey is a testament to how the Lord can transform lives and use every experience for His glory (Romans 8:2

Posted on 4 November 2025

‘There Was Jesus’ is a Grammy-winning Christian song by Zach Williams and Dolly Parton. The song is a powerful testimony about looking back at life’s highs and lows—the joys, sorrows, and mistakes—and recognizing the constant, faithful presence of Jesus Christ through it all.

Life’s journey is a tapestry of joy, struggle, triumph, and uncertainty. Looking back, we can often see God’s guiding hand, even in moments when we failed to recognize it. This profound realization is at the heart of the powerful song, ‘There Was Jesus,’ a beloved collaboration between Grammy-winner Zach Williams and country music legend Dolly Parton. More than just a melody, the song resonates deeply with believers because it echoes a timeless biblical truth: Jesus Christ is always present, walking alongside us through every season, trial, and victory.

At Just Jesus Time, we are called to deepen our understanding of Christ’s unwavering faithfulness. ‘There Was Jesus’ serves as a magnificent modern hymn that affirms this truth. In this article, we will explore the story behind the song and the rich biblical meaning embedded in its lyrics. We will also examine how Zach Williams’ heartfelt testimony and Dolly Parton’s iconic voice combined to create a powerful testament to God’s unfailing love—an anthem that encourages believers to acknowledge the constant presence of Jesus Christ in their own lives.

Join us as we unpack the profound message of ‘There Was Jesus’ by Zach Williams and Dolly Parton. Together, we will celebrate the blessed assurance that Jesus is there, no matter where our path leads. This journey is designed to strengthen your faith and offer a fresh perspective on God’s omnipresent grace, reminding us of the enduring truth that Jesus Christ is Lord, yesterday, today, and forever.

What is the story behind the song ‘There Was Jesus’?

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A Testimony of Looking Back and Seeing God’s Hand

The powerful song “There Was Jesus” offers a profound look at God’s unchanging presence. Co-written by Zach Williams, this deeply personal anthem stemmed from a time of reflection on his own life and journey.

Looking back, Williams recognized God’s hand in every season, including both triumphs and trials. He saw how the Lord had guided him through all circumstances, a realization that birthed the song’s core message about God’s unwavering faithfulness.

Many believers share this experience, often seeing God’s grace more clearly in hindsight and recognizing His quiet work behind the scenes. This song encourages this same reflection, calling us to ponder His constant love. As it says in Scripture, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23).

Ultimately, the song became a testimony to God’s sovereign plan. Zach Williams openly shares his journey from personal struggles to finding salvation in Christ, and the song beautifully expresses his gratitude for this life-transforming truth. ^[1]

Analyzing the Lyrics: Grace in the Wilderness

The lyrics of “There Was Jesus” paint a vivid picture of Christ’s constant presence throughout life. As the song moves through various stages and challenges, it consistently affirms that Jesus was there in every one.

Consider these lyrical themes:

Early Life and Innocence: “In the beginning, when I was a child.” This line affirms that Jesus was present even then, guiding and protecting, making His grace foundational from our earliest days.
Moments of Doubt and Search: “When I was searching, when I was lost.” Resonating with many, these lines highlight our human tendency to stray. Yet, they also remind us that Jesus remains a constant light, waiting for us to turn to Him.
Times of Trial and Despair: “In the shadows, in the pain.” The song acknowledges life’s difficulties, offering comfort by declaring Jesus’ presence in our deepest sorrows. He walks with us through every “wilderness” experience.
Victories and Breakthroughs: “In the wonder, in the wild.” Even in moments of joy and success, the song reminds us that Jesus is there as the source of all good things (James 1:17), and all glory is owed to Him.

The collaboration with Dolly Parton adds another layer of authenticity and depth. Her iconic voice helps underscore the universal truth of God’s presence, turning the song into a powerful anthem for believers. It reminds us that Jesus is the unwavering anchor through all seasons of life, whose grace truly meets us in every wilderness.

The Biblical Foundation of God’s Constant Presence (Hebrews 13:5)

The central message of “There Was Jesus” is deeply rooted in Scripture, echoing the Bible’s consistent promises of God’s unfailing presence. One of the most comforting of these assurances is found in Hebrews 13:5, which declares, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

This verse is a cornerstone of Christian faith that affirms the unchanging character of God. Consider its profound implications:

God’s Covenant Faithfulness: This promise echoes throughout the Old Testament, where God made similar pledges to figures like Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, promising to be with His people always (Genesis 28:15).
Jesus’ Continued Presence: Before His ascension, Jesus promised His disciples, “I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). He fulfills the promise of Hebrews 13:5 through the Holy Spirit.
Comfort in Adversity: When facing trials, we can cling to this truth, remembering we are never alone. As our constant companion, Jesus provides strength, comfort, and hope (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).
Encouragement to Trust: Knowing God will never leave us empowers us to trust Him with our future. We can step out in faith, even when fearful, because His presence guarantees His provision.

Therefore, “There Was Jesus” is more than just a song; it is a declaration of Biblical truth. It affirms that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is our eternally present Savior, Lord, and faithful friend who was, is, and always will be there.

Who is the original singer of There Was Jesus?

Zach Williams: The Voice Behind the Song

The powerful and moving song “There Was Jesus” is performed by acclaimed Christian artist Zach Williams. Recognized for his unique blend of country, southern rock, and gospel, Williams brings a gritty authenticity and profound spiritual depth to his music.

Before his career in Christian music, Zach Williams toured extensively with various rock bands. A transformative encounter with Jesus Christ, however, redirected his path. This testimony of redemption became a central theme in his songwriting and delivery, and his distinctive, raspy voice perfectly conveys the raw honesty and unwavering hope of the Gospel message.

Williams’ music consistently guides listeners toward faith. His songs often speak of God’s unfailing grace and constant presence, even through life’s darkest moments. This theme aligns perfectly with the core message of “There Was Jesus,” and his journey is a testament to how God can transform lives and use every experience for His glory (Romans 8:28).

The ‘God-Thing’ Collaboration with Dolly Parton

While Zach Williams is the song’s primary artist, “There Was Jesus” soared to new heights through a remarkable collaboration with the legendary Dolly Parton. Their duet brought together two distinct musical worlds, united by a shared, deep Christian faith. Many, including Williams himself, describe the partnership as nothing short of a “God-thing” ^[2].

The idea for Parton’s involvement reportedly emerged during a writing session. Williams and his co-writers felt a female voice would beautifully complement the song’s message, making Dolly Parton—with her iconic status and well-known Christian roots—their dream choice. To their delight, she agreed to lend her unmistakable vocals to the track.

This powerful partnership resulted in significant success. The song reached number one on multiple Christian music charts ^[3] and earned a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song in 2021 ^[4]. Their combined voices created harmonies that resonate with believers everywhere, reminding us that Jesus is present in every chapter of our lives, faithfully guiding us home to God our Father (John 14:6).

The duet serves as a powerful example of how God often uses unexpected pairings to spread His message far and wide, orchestrating events beyond human planning for His divine purposes.

Why did Dolly Parton sing with Zach Williams?

A Partnership Rooted in shared Christian faith

The powerful collaboration between Dolly Parton and Zach Williams on “There Was Jesus” is more than a musical pairing; it’s a deep partnership rooted in their shared Christian faith. As devout believers, both artists used this endeavor to amplify a message close to their hearts.

Grammy Award-winning artist Zach Williams is known for raw, authentic worship music that consistently points listeners to Christ. Similarly, global icon Dolly Parton has always been open about her faith, which is a foundational part of her identity. This shared conviction is what made their duet a truly Spirit-filled offering.

The song itself is a testament to God’s unwavering presence, speaking of finding Jesus through every trial and triumph. This message, which resonates deeply with both Parton’s and Williams’ personal testimonies, brings comfort and hope to listeners. It serves as a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness in all seasons (Hebrews 13:5).

Through their joint performance, the artists merged their individual ministries to create a profound impact, showing how believers can unite to spread the Gospel. As a result, “There Was Jesus” became a beacon of hope for countless souls. Zach Williams himself described the collaboration as “a God-thing” ^[5].

Dolly Parton’s Lifelong History of Gospel Music

Dolly Parton’s decision to sing “There Was Jesus” with Zach Williams was no surprise. In fact, it was a natural extension of her lifelong connection to gospel music. Growing up in a deeply religious family in rural East Tennessee, her childhood church experiences profoundly shaped her musical journey.

Dolly sang gospel hymns from an early age, and these songs became the soundtrack of her youth. While her first recording at age 13 was the secular “Puppy Love,” gospel music always remained a core part of her repertoire, with spiritual themes often incorporated into her country songs.

Throughout her illustrious career, Dolly Parton has released several gospel albums. These include:

Golden Streets of Glory (1971)
Precious Memories (1999)
Sha-Kon-O-Hey! (2009)

In addition to her dedicated gospel albums, Parton frequently features spiritual tracks on her other records. Her heartfelt renditions of classics like “Amazing Grace” have touched many, demonstrating that her faith is a lived experience, not just a profession. She consistently credits God for her success and talent.

Therefore, her collaboration on “There Was Jesus” fits seamlessly into her legacy as a powerful affirmation of her enduring faith. Dolly Parton has consistently used her platform to give glory to God, uplifting and inspiring listeners through Christian music ^[6]. Her commitment to sharing the message of Jesus remains unwavering.

What is the Deeper Theological Message?

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Finding Jesus in Every Season of Life

“There Was Jesus” offers a powerful reminder of Christ’s unwavering presence through life’s unexpected turns. It affirms that whether in moments of joy or in our deepest valleys, He is there. This message of constant companionship brings immense comfort to believers.

This central theme is rooted in Scripture. The Lord promises, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5) and assures His followers, “I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). These verses reinforce the song’s declaration of His faithfulness.

Zach Williams and Dolly Parton’s collaboration highlights this cornerstone of Christian faith. It reassures listeners that no matter what they face, Jesus is ever-present to guide their steps and provide His strength.

A Modern Hymn of God’s Unfailing Faithfulness

This powerful song functions as a modern hymn, weaving together contemporary sounds with timeless theological truths. The result is a profound declaration of God’s steadfastness.

Like many timeless hymns, the song celebrates God’s unchanging nature. Its lyrics describe a faithfulness that spans generations and circumstances, reflecting the truth that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).

The lyrics glorify the Lord’s constant character, echoing ancient hymns that extolled His mercy and love. As the Bible states, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23).

The song serves as a vital reminder that God’s faithfulness is not based on our feelings or circumstances. Instead, it is rooted in His very nature, providing a firm foundation for every believer.

The song’s impact as a modern hymn is undeniable. Its win for a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song ^[7] highlights its widespread recognition and resonance within the faith community.

How the Song Encourages Believers Today

For believers worldwide, “There Was Jesus” offers profound encouragement. It instills hope by reminding listeners of God’s active involvement in their lives. When life feels chaotic, the song serves as an anchor, strengthening trust in His divine plan and redirecting focus back to Christ.

This message complements the scriptural promise that God works all things for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). By reinforcing this truth, the song helps build a solid foundation for faith, assuring listeners that His sovereign hand guides all things.

Ultimately, the song encourages a posture of grateful reflection. It invites listeners to look back on their own lives and recognize Jesus’ hand in every triumph and trial. This realization—that His presence makes all the difference—is the song’s most powerful gift.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Zach Williams religion?

Zach Williams is an openly devout Christian. His faith is the cornerstone of his life and ministry. Before his career in Christian music, Williams experienced a powerful conversion, turning away from a life of addiction and secular rock music to fully embrace Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior ^[8].

This dramatic transformation is a central theme in his music. For instance, songs like “Chain Breaker” and “There Was Jesus” are direct testimonies to the saving power of God. Zach Williams’s journey is a vivid illustration of the biblical truth that “if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). His music consistently points listeners to the hope and redemption found only in Jesus Christ.

What religious songs does Dolly Parton sing?

While known for her diverse musical catalog, Dolly Parton has a deep and abiding connection to gospel music. This connection stems from her upbringing in a devout Christian home, which has heavily influenced her artistry. Throughout her illustrious career, she has recorded numerous songs that express her spiritual convictions.

Some of Dolly Parton’s notable religious and faith-themed songs include:

“There Was Jesus” (with Zach Williams): A powerful testament to God’s constant presence in life’s ups and downs ^[9].
“Coat of Many Colors”: While not strictly a gospel song, it shares a profound message of faith, family, and God’s provision in times of poverty.
“I Will Always Love You”: Although primarily a love song, Parton has stated its spiritual undertones, viewing love as a divine gift.
“Precious Memories”: A classic hymn that Dolly often performs, reflecting her spiritual heritage.
“The Old Rugged Cross”: Another beloved hymn that speaks to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
“Go Tell It on the Mountain”: A joyful Christmas carol celebrating the birth of Jesus.
“In the Good Old Days (When Times Were Bad)”: This song reflects on her family’s faith and resilience during hardship.

Dolly Parton’s embrace of gospel music is a testament to her faith. She uses her platform to share messages of hope, love, and the enduring grace of Jesus Christ.

What religion was Dolly Parton?

Dolly Parton is a devoted Christian. She was raised in a deeply religious family in the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee, where her grandfather was a Pentecostal preacher. Faith was an integral part of her upbringing, and these early experiences formed the bedrock of her worldview, continuing to shape her character and music ^[10].

Her Christian faith is not merely a historical footnote; it remains an active and consistent force in her life. Dolly often speaks about her belief in God, her daily prayers, and the importance of living out biblical principles. She attributes her success and resilience to an unwavering trust in Jesus Christ. Her life and work stand as a testament to the power of a simple, sincere faith.

Sources

Tags: Biblical meaning, Christian music, Dolly Parton, Song analysis, Zach Williams