October 23 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 continues to speak to his disciples. They are frustrated for two reasons. The Jews are speaking against John’s baptism. Plus, they seem 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 not a resigned, “I guess that’s the way it has to be.” In contrast, John says, “That joy is mine and it is now complete.”  And he illustrates his joy through the imagery of the wedding, one the Jews’ most joyful celebrations.
   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 distribution of the wine. He kept the feast functioning well, so the guests would focus on 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. Again, John knew his role. He was a “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 as a sign of the gospel. This illustrates the 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 G 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 bridegrooms’ 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. 
   Since we ended the study of Luke with a focus on joy, 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.