Michael Card: The Lyrical Life of Jesus
Michael Card has spent decades captivating listeners with songs that are both deeply theological and profoundly personal. His music invites us to engage with Scripture in new and meaningful ways. In this conversation I had with him, Michael shares insights into his journey as a songwriter, his reflections on the life of Jesus, and the inspiration behind his work.
A Songwriter’s Journey into the Scriptures
Ashley Mofield: Michael, you’ve always had a unique way of weaving Scripture into your music. How did this focus develop in your songwriting?
Michael Card: It really goes back to my time in seminary. I was surrounded by people who loved Scripture deeply, and it became clear to me that every song I wrote needed to be anchored in the Word. I’ve always believed that music can teach. A good song can make the truth stick in your mind in ways that words alone might not.
Michael spoke about how Scripture not only informs his music but transforms his understanding of God. “When I write, I’m not trying to teach others as much as I’m trying to learn myself. The process of engaging with the text, wrestling with it—it changes me.”
The Lyrical Life of Jesus
Ashley Mofield: Many of your songs center on the life of Jesus. Why has His story been such a focus for you?
Michael Card: I think it’s impossible to exhaust the richness of His life. When you study Jesus in the Gospels, every interaction, every parable, every word is layered with meaning. He’s the ultimate expression of who God is.
Michael’s album The Life is a vivid example of his ability to bring Jesus’ story to life. Songs like El Shaddai and Immanuel remind us not just of the facts of Jesus’ life but the deep theological truths they reveal.
“When I wrote Immanuel, I wanted to capture the mystery of God becoming flesh. It’s not something we can fully grasp, but it’s worth meditating on over and over.”
A Focus on Lament
One of the more striking themes in Michael’s music is his willingness to engage with lament—a topic often avoided in contemporary Christian music.
Ashley Mofield: You’ve written a lot about lament. Why is it important for Christians to embrace this part of our faith?
Michael Card: Lament is a gift. It’s a way to bring our pain, our confusion, and even our anger to God. When we look at the Psalms, a third of them are laments. That tells me that God expects us to come to Him with our brokenness.
Michael referenced the song Come Lift Up Your Sorrows, a deeply moving reflection on finding hope in the midst of grief. “Jesus Himself lamented. On the cross, He cried out, ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’ That moment connects us to Him in our own suffering. It’s okay to ask hard questions and not have all the answers.”
The Power of Storytelling
Throughout the interview, Michael emphasized the power of storytelling in both music and Scripture.
Ashley Mofield: Your songs often feel like stories set to music. How do you balance storytelling with theology?
Michael Card: I think the Bible shows us how to do that. Jesus was the master storyteller. He used parables to teach deep truths, and He made those truths accessible to everyone. That’s what I aim for in my music.
Michael also shared how his personal experiences influence his storytelling. “Sometimes the best stories come from the hardest moments in life. It’s in those moments that God reveals Himself most clearly.”
Reflecting on Jesus in Our Own Lives
As the conversation came to a close, Michael encouraged listeners to see the life of Jesus not just as a historical account but as an invitation.
Michael Card: When we meditate on the life of Jesus, we’re drawn deeper into the mystery of who He is. He’s not just a figure to admire; He’s the Savior who walks with us today.
Michael’s reflections remind us of the beauty and depth of Jesus’ story—a story that continues to transform lives.
You can hear the entire interview here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1484281/episodes/8041313-michael-card-the-lyrical-life-of-jesus.mp3?download=true
Also, we have a bonus Q&A with Michael here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1484281/episodes/8041361-bonus-q-a-with-michael-card.mp3?download=true
If you’re looking for a fresh way to engage with Scripture and rediscover the richness of Jesus’ life, check out Mixtape Theology. It’s a devotional that blends theology with the music and culture of the 90s. Get your copy here and reconnect with the One who makes all things new.
-Dr. Ashley
