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 3 – The Passover Meal
Read: Luke 22:7-38; John 13:1-30, 17:1-26
(The Beloved To His Friends)
“Eat, O friends!
Drink, yes, drink deeply,
O beloved ones!” – SOS 5:1b
This day of Passover is finally here. With fervent desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. Today the lamb is to be slaughtered. Remember me. Remember me. This matzah, the unleavened bread, will be a reminder of my body. It is without leaven and pricked with holes, just like my body is sinless and is broken for you. This cup of wine is a sign of my new covenant with you for I will fulfill the requirements of the old. By partaking of the wine in my remembrance, you are sharing in my suffering and my victory. You are mine.
“Come with me from Lebanon, my spouse,
With me from Lebanon.
Look from the top of Amana,
From the top of Senir and Hermon,
From the lions’ dens,
From the mountains of the leopards.” – SOS 4:8
Here we are in the upper room all set and ready. This is the last Passover with my twelve disciples who have followed me the last three years. It troubles me deeply that Judas is going to betray me. I have extended my full love and grace over Judas regardless of his stealing and wandering heart. I have washed his feet with the same love as I have for the other eleven after we came into this room. I have bared my heart to him. He has no remorse when I prophesy that he is my betrayer. My end is determined with or without his betrayal. Yet he has chosen the thirty pieces of silver over me. I will not stop him and he has to do what he set out to do. Peter you will deny me trice. Remember this, I have not once stopped loving you despite your weaknesses. I have prayed for you. I have loved my own and loved you to the end (John 13:1b).
Know that I have given you a kingdom, just as My Abba has bestowed one upon me (Luke 29:22). This kingdom is different from that of the world. I have set an example that servitude and humility is the way to greatness. I served you and washed your feet even though I am the greatest. In this way, there is no competition for the first or best.
Abba, I pray that “they all may be one, as You, Abba, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.” – John 17:20-23.
