Jesus said: “The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them.” Mark 2:20
TOPIC: Jesus likens himself to a bridegroom and the Church to his bride.
BACKGROUND: Jesus was asked why his disciples did not fast. He said that now he is with them in person, but there would come a time when he would no longer be present. Then they could fast. Cross reference Matthew 9:14-17, and Luke 5:33-39.
Throughout Jesus’ ministry we notice those around him had great difficulty figuring out who he was. The Pharisees asked him, “Who are you?” (John 8:25). At Jesus’ trial he was asked, “Are you the king of the Jews? Are you the Son of God?” Once he even asked his disciples, “who do you say that I am?” (Matthew 6:15). That is why Jesus frequently used metaphors to explain himself. He would tell them, I am the door, the light, the good shepherd, the bread, the alpha and omega, the resurrection, the way, the truth, and the life. Jesus again uses picture talk to explain to his disciples and the teachers of the law that he is the bridegroom.
Weddings were a high point in Jewish society. From the betrothal on, plans were made for large wedding feasts that lasted for days.
As a bridegroom, Jesus is showing that the Church is his bride. As such, they love him, want to be with him, want to join themselves to him and promise to keep themselves pure for the marriage. They promise to follow him and respond to his every need. Paul wrote about this in 2 Corinthians 11:2,3, “I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to him.”
How blessed we are that Christ promises his devotion and his love and care for us. We await our marriage in heaven. “The wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear. Then the angel said to me, ‘Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!’” (Revelation 19:7-9).
PRAYER THOUGHT: by James Stephens
The Bridegroom meets His bride,
Arrayed in garments white;
She waged a lifelong war,
And conquered in His might.
PAUL WRITES ABOUT JESUS: “We share in the terrible sufferings of Christ, but also in the wonderful comfort he gives.” 2 Corinthians 1:5 CEV
From At the Feet of Jesus by Reynold R. Kremer