This week’s devotion of the Passion Week from Jesus’ Perspective. The devotions are written as first person, from Jesus’ perspective, like His personal journal of his thoughts and words gathered through Scriptures as the scenes of the Passion Week unfolds.
There are a number of references to the Song of Songs to get a peep into Jesus’ love for His people. As there are many symbolism used in Song of Songs, the list below helps to explain some of them that are found in the verses quotation in this week’s devotions.
- Shulamite symbolizes Israel and the Church
- The Beloved symbolizes Jesus Christ, the Bridegroom King
- Spikenard symbolizes worship
- Myrrh symbolizes death
This devotion emphasizes more on the heart and the spirit, rather than knowledge.
- Take time to read the devotion slowly to allow the scriptures and events to go deep into you, beyond your mind.
- It helps to read it several times, asking the Holy Spirit to bring you deeper.
- Highlight the portions that jump out at you and write down your thoughts under “Personal Reflection” and also put into writing the response or even commitment that you want to make before God.
Day 1 – Jesus Among Friends
Read and meditate on John 12:1-11
Supper with my dear friend Lazarus at Bethany brings much comfort to me. As usual, Martha serves us a great feast as a good host. It blesses my heart to see Lazarus, my dear friend, who went through death’s hell as a sign for what I am about to do. Those who witness your resurrection bear witness of me. People still come to your home to verify for themselves your coming back to life and some are here when they know that I am also in the house. This is a foretaste of what is to come. Mary, who always loves to sit by my feet knows that this visit is different. She is at my feet again. But this time the smell of spikenard fills the room as she anoints my feet and uses her hair to wipe them. Such extravagant and fragrant worship that blesses my heart!
I have to silence Judas’ response to Mary. She understands something that you Judas do not – my impending death. King Solomon writes, “Do not stir up nor awaken love until it pleases” and no one should stop Mary. This is Mary’s expression of love. This is a preparation for my burial, my sacrifice. She will not have any other opportunity to do so after this.
“While the king is at his table, my spikenard sends forth its fragrance.
A bundle of myrrh is my beloved to me, that lies all night between my breasts.” SOS 1:12-13
I will pour out way beyond the worth of this spikenard. What is a year’s wage compared to the world’s eternal wages of sin? I will pour out my glory, my life and my all. My body would be broken like this spikenard jar. My blood will flow just as the spikenard. In my breaking, the fragrance of Life in my blood will flow as a perpetual sacrifice before the throne of God. You cannot fully comprehend it now but one day, my disciples will lay your lives when your eyes are opened.
“I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys. Like a lily among thorns, so is my love among the daughters.” (Song of Songs 2:1-2)
James and Peter, my invitation for you to follow me is still open and I know that you will follow me to the end (John 1:39). I pray the same for all the other disciples too. You will rise up and follow me to the end despite me going to the lowest place for the victory.
“Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away.” SOS 1:10 & 13
