Biblical Parallels between the Lives of Jesus and David
The amazing parallels between King David and King Jesus are evident throughout the scriptures: Both were descendants of Abraham and of the tribe of Judah.
Both were assigned duties as a shepherd:
David, as shepherd of his father's flock - Jesus, as the Great Shepherd of His Father's flock of His redeemed people.
Both experienced confrontation whilst in the wilderness:
David by a lion and a bear - Jesus by satan's temptations and lies.
Both became King:
David, the greatest of all kings of Israel - Jesus, crowned the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Both died in Jerusalem:
David ruled over Israel for 40 years and died at the age of around 70 - Jesus rules over all the earth. He died on Calvary's cross - but rose again and now lives forever.
Both loved God:
David, though sinful man, served and honoured the God of Israel.
Jesus, the perfect and sinless man, served and honoured His heavenly Father - the God of the whole world.
Both loved their People:
David, whose reign over Israel established him as that nation's most loyal and faithful king.
Jesus, who reigns eternally in heaven laid down His own life for His people and is still reaching out to all people.
Both suffered rejection:
David from the people of Israel whilst in the cave of Adullam, under the King at that time, Saul.
Jesus, from many in Israel, including the religious leaders of the day, and still today from many as he prepares for His return to this world.
Both were betrayed by someone close to them:
David, by Ahithophel a King's counselor.
Jesus, by Judas a disciple and later Apostle.
Both were misrepresented by others:
David, by his own son Absalom, who lied to Israel about his father in order to gain support for himself to take his father's throne.
Jesus, by the religious leaders of the day, the Sanhedrin, who constantly tried to divert attention away from Jesus in order to maintain their own position of authority and power.
Both reigned despite rejection and rebellion from others:
David, fulfilled God's plan for his rule over all Israel.
Jesus, who fulfilled God's plan for His rule over the whole world.
Both knew disappointment by the actions of those close to them:
David, by the betrayal of Joab, who against David's wishes killed his son Absalom.
Jesus, by the denial of Peter after Jesus' arrest. Jesus went on to restore Peter to himself.
Both wept on the mount of Olives over the tragedies taking place in Jerusalem:
David, as he ascended the Mount weeping over his betrayal by his son Absalom.
Jesus, as He prayed to His Father before his Crucifixion
Both defeated their enemies:
David the nations.
Jesus Christ sin and death.
David was called a man after God's own heart, and Jesus is God’s own heart.
A meaningful Hymn says:
“King of my life I crown Thee now,
Thine shall the glory be.
Lest I forget Thy thorn-crowned brow
Lead me to Calvary."
Are you ready to make that commitment today and give your life to King Jesus?