I often wonder why most folks say Groom without saying, Bridegroom. Most men, about to be married, define themselves as a Groom. Jesus identifies Himself as the Bridegroom, combining the Bride with the Groom. It’s kind of like saying, “As One.” Yes, this is the way it should be, as one.
We, as followers of Jesus, are called the Bride of Christ, the church, preparing for the Bridegroom’s return. In Jewish customs in Biblical days, the marriage ceremony of a bride and groom was done in two parts. The first part was the engagement or betrothal where the bride would remain in her father’s home, eagerly anticipating the return of her bridegroom to complete the second part of the marriage. The groom would go back to his home and prepare a home for his bride, soon-to-be wife. The second part would start with the groom going to get the bride and returning to his home where the second part ceremony would occur. These wedding feasts would last up to seven days. That’s some kind of celebration!
Jesus has told us, “My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” John 14 2-3
Jesus, our Bridegroom, is coming back for His Bride.
He has been preparing our heavenly home, the place where we will be with Him forever. We are told in the last book of the Bible, “Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready.” Revelation 19: 7
In the book of John, there is a scripture that tells of Jesus being the Bridegroom. John taught this, saying, “A person cannot receive even one thing unless God bestows it. You’ve heard me tell you that I am not the Messiah, but certainly I am the messenger sent ahead of him. He is the Bridegroom, and the bride belongs to him. I am the friend of the Bridegroom who stands nearby and listens with great joy to the Bridegroom’s voice. Because of his words, my joy is complete and overflows! It is necessary for him to increase and for me to decrease.” John 3: 27-30
John’s disciples were coming to him and telling him that Jesus was also baptizing people to large crowds as well. They were all “bent out of shape” over this matter, but John knew what his place was. He knew where his firm place was and what he was called to do. He was to prepare people to come to the Messiah. His call was to build the kingdom. That’s why he calls himself a friend of the Bridegroom who stands nearby and listens to what the Bridegroom is saying.
Are we preparing in the same way? Are we working alongside others for Kingdom purposes; or are we concerned about our own recognition?
There’s a lesson here to be learned. I love how these commentaries explain and point out John’s humble actions by saying,
- “It is not John’s regret that men are attracted to Jesus: rather it is the fulfillment of his work and hope.” (Dods)
- “John displays no sense of envy or rivalry. It is not easy to see another’s influence growing at the expense of one’s own; it is even less easy to rejoice at the sight. But John found his joy completed by the news which his disciples brought.” (Bruce)
The words of Jesus are shouting in my spirit when He said, “Make My joy complete by being like-minded having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.” Philippians 2: 2
Being A Friend Of The Bridegroom promotes His agenda, not our own.
Let’s not forget Jesus calls us friends.
KINGDOM ASSURANCE
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