Rejoice, The Bridegroom Is here
John 3:22-36, Ephesians 5:25-27.
In his colorful response to a question surrounding purification and baptism, John the Baptist explains the importance of who Jesus is and what it means for us as his followers.
Read verses twenty-five through thirty. Did you notice the theme John used in describing a wedding? There’s a lot of beauty packed inside this metaphor. Let’s unpack it a bit.
First, we recognize that John is not talking about an actual wedding. Rather, he is talking about the arrival of Jesus in human form on earth. Perhaps you have heard it said that we are Christ’s bride (Ephesians 5:25-27). This idea that Jesus would give Himself to His people in a beautiful covenantal love is exactly what John is talking about.
In verse twenty-nine, John pivots the conversation from being focused on his ministry to being focused on Jesus. He explains that Jesus, the great bridegroom, has come to rightfully claim his bride: God’s beloved people.
As we read, we must understand marriage as a gift representing God’s love for His people. Think about someone you love. Because of sin, our love is riddled with imperfection. Imagine how perfectly Christ loves his bride. Have you ever considered the depth of his love for you?
Next, John puts himself in the position of the bridegroom’s friend. If you’ve ever been to a wedding, you know that typically, the best man is overjoyed by the marriage taking place. In the same way, John is overjoyed when he sees Jesus entering to claim his bride. John understands that he has the honor of being a friend of the bridegroom and not the bridegroom himself. Like John shared the good news of a coming Messiah, when we are sent to the lost, we can also cling to Jesus as our true friend and source of joy in hardship.
This leads us to the next point. John explains that he finds an overflow of joy when he sees Christ claiming his bride. When we share the gospel with those who may have never heard it, we can experience the joy that John describes. After many faithful years of serving, John finally had the delight of witnessing his greatest desire: to see others experience the assurance of salvation in Jesus.
Lastly, let's look at verse thirty. “He must increase; I must decrease.” This verse portrays John's deepest outlook towards life. The more we understand God’s holiness, the more we will understand our shortcomings. This basic knowledge of our shortcomings unlocks an awareness of our need for God’s grace. He is our perfect King, and as recipients of grace, we may gladly serve Him.
Like John, we must allow the goodness of Jesus to both impact our hearts and stir us to action.
Does knowing Jesus impact your life? Does it bring you joy? How can you act out of a posture of joy today?
