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 4 – The Garden of Gethsemane
Read Luke 22:39-53 & John 18:1-11.
Gethsemane, another familiar place that feels so different today. I need time alone with my Abba. My beloved disciples sit and wait while I go further. Peter, James and John, stay nearer and watch with me for my soul is extremely sorrowful, to the point of death. Abba! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine. My heart is even heavier when I find the three sleeping when I ask them to keep watch and stay vigilent for just an hour. Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak! Back to Abba I go. Abba, if this cup cannot be taken away unless I drink it, your will be done. Sweat like blood flows down as I agonize before my Abba. Once again, when I step out, my three are sleeping after my chiding just a while ago! Abba, for the third time I come to you with the same prayer. I submit for these people need me. Seal it and bring it to pass. For the third time, Peter, James and John, you are still sleeping and resting. It is time.
Shulamite
I sleep, but my heart is awake; It is the voice of my beloved!
He knocks, saying, “Open for me, my sister, my love, My dove, my perfect one;
For my head is covered with dew, My locks with the drops of the night.” – SOS 5:2b
Judas is among the crowd coming towards us with their clubs and swords. Judas, O Judas, you call me rabbi and give me a kiss. My friend, why do you come to me with a kiss of betrayal? My invitation to you is not just to my kingship, but also to my death and sacrifice. Instead of being with me in my death, you have chosen to be on the other side. The crowd takes me like a prisoner, a convict. Peter, I have allowed them to take me and this is the cup from Abba that I have to drink, so keep your sword. I love the high priest servant, Malchus, and your cutting of his ear is not going to change what is to come. I heal Malchus so that he can know me.
Shulamite
I arose to open for my beloved,
And my hands dripped with myrrh,
My fingers with liquid myrrh,
On the handles of the lock. – SOS 5:5
Abba, my diciples are safe as written in Your Word that none that You give me will be lost, except for the betrayer. They have all run away and hide. They are fearful.
