Summary

In this episode, Dr. Travis Montgomery talks with Dr. Jeff Medders, Director of Theology and Content for Send Network and Visiting Professor at Midwestern Seminary, about the surprising benefit of studying the Song of Songs. Jeff shares how his PhD research on this often-overlooked book has transformed his understanding of Christ’s love and enriched his ministry. They discuss Spurgeon’s Christ-centered approach to the Song, practical ways to read it devotionally, and why recovering this book matters for Christian spirituality today. Jeff also offers recommended resources for pastors, students, and everyday believers.

About the Podcast

Local Theologians is a podcast for everyday Christians and ministry leaders from Midwestern Seminary's Global Campus. Learn more about online theological education at mbts.edu/global.

Keywords

Song of Songs, Christ-centered interpretation, Spurgeon, Christian spirituality, biblical theology, allegory, typology, marriage imagery, devotional reading, theological study

Takeaways

• The Song of Songs is not just about romance—it points to Christ’s love for His people.

• Spurgeon viewed the Song as the Holy of Holies of Scripture, a place of deep communion with Christ.

• Avoid decoding every detail; instead, meditate on metaphors and their spiritual significance.

• Reading the Song devotionally can warm affections and deepen assurance of Christ’s love.

• Our culture’s discomfort with intimacy makes recovering this book even more important.

• The Song teaches us about present-tense love—Jesus loves us now, not only in the past.

• Resources from church history and modern writers can guide faithful interpretation.

Sound Bites

• The Song of Songs is the Holy of Holies of Scripture.

• Every road in Scripture leads to Christ—and the Song is no exception.

• Jesus doesn’t have a man cave—He gives us full access to Himself.

• My beloved is mine and I am His—what greater assurance could we need?

Chapters

1. 00:00 Introduction and Jeff Medders’ Background

2. 02:08 The Surprising Benefit of Studying the Song of Songs

3. 03:25 How Jeff Discovered This Topic and Why It Matters

4. 06:55 Spurgeon’s Christ-Centered Approach to the Song

5. 11:13 Why the Song Is the Holy of Holies of Scripture

6. 13:21 Practical Ways to Read the Song Devotionally

7. 16:06 Cultural Challenges and Biblical Wisdom

8. 18:32 Marriage Imagery and Its Ultimate Referent

9. 21:18 Prophetic Poetry and the Bridegroom Motif

10. 23:40 Present-Tense Love: Jesus Loves Us Now

11. 26:58 Recommended Resources for Further Study

12. 30:28 Favorite Verses and How to Meditate on Them

13. 31:45 Closing Thoughts and Encouragement