Joyful Bridegroom

John 3:29-30 “The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. 30 He must become greater; I must become less.”
 
JOHN the Baptist continued to speak to his disciples about the Kingdom’s movement forward. They are
frustrated for two reasons. The Jews are speaking against John’s baptism. Plus, they seemed jealous of Jesus’ growing following. John has reminded them of his own calling that he is “not the Christ” (verse 28). How wonderful it is to know that John’s attitude is “That joy is mine and it is now complete.”  
   As we have seen in Jesus’ Cana miracle, a wedding was a week-long celebration. The bridegroom’s friend, one we call the “best man” today, would oversee many of the activities. He looked after the groom. He paid attention to the refreshments and wine distribution. He kept the feast in order to point to the groom.
   John the Baptist describes himself as Jesus’ “best man”. He enjoyed seeing Jesus honored and was eager for all to look to the groom. John knew his role was to be the “best man of God” to prepare for the Son of God to become the Bridegroom to his church. Two times in two chapters John has used the wedding to illustrate the gospel. This affirms the high role of marriage in creation and the New Creation. Of all relationships on earth, God designed marriage to be the most committed, sacrificial and joyful union. See the commitment in Genesis 2:23-24 “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman’ for she was taken out of man. 24 For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.”  Focus on the bridegroom’s sacrifice in Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. Then realize the bridegroom’s celebration joy in Revelation 19:7 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. 
   Isn’t it fascinating to see how often joy is expressed in John? Could it be the good news really is joyful news?
 
Prayer: May I awaken each day to joyfully know the Bridegroom is committed, sacrificial and joyful toward me. May I be the same to him. In Jesus’ name, amen.