Almost 2,000 years ago, Jesus and his disciples sang a hymn at Passover - Matthew 26:30 “And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.”

In the Jewish celebration of Passover, Psalm 116 is part of the Hymn. Below are some of the parallels between the verses in Psalm 116 and the events in the life of Jesus:

Psalm 116:3 The snares of death encompassed me; the pangs of Sheol laid hold on me; I suffered distress and anguish.

Luke 22:44 And being in agony, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat became like drops of blood falling to the ground.

Psalm 116:4 Then I called on the name of the LORD: "O LORD, I beseech thee, save my life!"

Luke 22:42 Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; nevertheless not my will, but yours, be done.”

Psalm 116:7 Return, O my soul, to your rest; for the LORD has dealt bountifully with you.

Luke 23:46 46 And Jesus, crying out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” And having said this, he breathed his last.

Psalm 116:8 For thou hast delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling; 9 I walk before the LORD in the land of the living.

Acts 13:30-31 But God raised him from the dead. 31 And for many days he appeared to those who came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are [now] his witnesses to the people.

Psalm 116:10 I kept my faith, even when I said, "I am greatly afflicted"; 11 I said in my consternation, "Men are all a vain hope."

Luke 23:34 Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

Psalm 116:12 What shall I render to the LORD for all his bounty to me? 13 I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD.

Matthew 26:27-28 Then he took a cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 For this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.

Psalm 116:16 O LORD, I am thy servant; I am thy servant, the son of thy handmaid. Thou hast loosed my bonds.

Luke 1:38 And Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her.

Psalm 116:17 I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the LORD.

Ephesians 5:2 And walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Psalm 116:18 I will pay my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people, 19 in the courts of the house of the LORD, in your midst, O Jerusalem. Praise the LORD!

Luke 13:33 Nevertheless I must journey today and tomorrow, and the day following; for it cannot be that a prophet should perish outside of Jerusalem.

J. Clontz – Editor of The Comprehensive New Testament