(Matthew 3:17 – “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”)
In 1 Samuel 18, we witness the remarkable love and devotion between Jonathan and David, a bond so deep that Jonathan willingly surrenders his royal garments, weapons, and even his right to the throne to David. This chapter paints a powerful picture of how love, loyalty, and devotion should look when one recognizes God’s anointed king. In the same way, Jesus—the ultimate Beloved Son—calls us to a love and devotion that surpasses all else.
David, the Anointed One, and Jesus, the Greater Anointed One
David, fresh from his victory over Goliath, enters into a new phase of his life. The people love him, King Saul grows jealous of him, and Jonathan—the king’s son—forms an unbreakable bond with him. This mirrors Jesus, who, after His baptism, is declared by God to be His beloved Son (Matthew 3:17). Just as David inspired loyalty in Jonathan, Jesus calls us into a love that surrenders everything for Him.
1. Jonathan’s Love for David – A Picture of Our Devotion to Jesus
Jonathan’s love for David was not ordinary. The Bible says:
“The soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.” (1 Samuel 18:1)
Jonathan recognized something special in David—he saw God’s anointing and willingly gave up his royal robe, armor, sword, bow, and belt (1 Samuel 18:4). This was an extraordinary act because, as the king’s son, Jonathan was next in line for the throne. Yet, he surrendered his position, choosing to love and serve David instead.
Jesus and the Call to Surrender
Jonathan’s surrender points us to Jesus, the true and rightful King. Just as Jonathan willingly laid down his royal identity for David, Jesus calls us to lay down our own self-rule and submit to Him:
“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” (Luke 9:23)
When we encounter Jesus—the true King—we are called to a radical love and devotion that makes Him the center of our lives. Our response should be like Jonathan’s: willing to lay down our pride, possessions, and plans for the sake of the One who deserves it all.
2. Saul’s Jealousy – A Contrast to True Love
While Jonathan loved David, Saul resented him. The women of Israel sang,
“Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.” (1 Samuel 18:7)
This song sparked jealousy in Saul’s heart. He could not accept David’s rising influence, and instead of embracing him as God’s chosen king, Saul sought to destroy him.
The Religious Leaders’ Jealousy of Jesus
Saul’s response is eerily similar to the religious leaders’ reaction to Jesus. When Jesus performed miracles and taught with authority, the Pharisees grew envious:
“For he knew that it was out of envy that they had delivered him up.” (Mark 15:10)
Like Saul, they saw Jesus’ growing influence and wanted to eliminate Him. But their opposition only fulfilled God’s greater plan—just as Saul’s attempts to kill David could not stop God’s will, so too could nothing stop Jesus from fulfilling His mission.
The contrast between Jonathan and Saul is clear: Jonathan represents those who love and submit to Jesus, while Saul represents those who resist Him out of pride and jealousy.
3. Jesus, the Beloved Son Who Inspires True Devotion
The key verse from Matthew 3:17—“This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased”—reminds us that Jesus is God’s chosen King, just as David was.
When Jesus was baptized, the heavens opened, and God declared His deep love for His Son. This moment is pivotal because it reveals that Jesus is worthy of all love, devotion, and surrender. Jonathan saw David’s anointing and loved him; we, too, must recognize Jesus as the Father’s beloved Son and respond with wholehearted devotion.
How Should We Respond to Jesus?
- Like Jonathan, we should surrender our rights to Jesus.
Just as Jonathan gave up his robe and sword, we are called to surrender our self-will and follow Christ. - Like David’s followers, we should rejoice in Jesus’ victories.
The people of Israel celebrated David’s triumphs—do we celebrate Jesus as our victorious King? - Unlike Saul, we should humble ourselves before Jesus.
Saul clung to his own power and position; let us not make the same mistake by resisting Christ’s lordship.
Conclusion: Will You Love Jesus as Jonathan Loved David?
The story of Jonathan and David is a beautiful shadow of our relationship with Jesus. Jonathan’s love led him to give up everything for David, just as true faith leads us to surrender everything for Jesus.
Jesus is the Beloved Son, and the Father has declared His love for Him. The question is, will you respond like Jonathan, in deep love and devotion? Or will you respond like Saul, in fear and resistance?
May our hearts be fully devoted to Jesus, our true and rightful King, as we echo the Father’s words:
“This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17)
