Bible Lesson 18

Types and Metaphors

Christ The Bridegroom

Matthew 25:6

Introduction:

            In most western cultures, it is the bride and not the bridegroom that is the focus of attention in weddings.  However, in the Bible times, and even in many eastern cultures today, it is the bridegroom who is honored, Isaiah 61:10; Isaiah 62:5;

            The term ‘bridegroom’ may have one of two meanings depending on the context:

1. A man who was still single, but considered to be a suitor;
2. Someone who has taken a wife to himself and is now the husband of the bride.

The Word of God reveals Christ in both of these aspects.  He is that Lover, or suitor, who comes and woos the elect sinner to Himself.  However, it is not merely for the sake of wooing, but ultimately joining himself to that chosen one in a spiritual and everlasting marriage relation.

I. The definition of marriage clearly shows work of the Lord Jesus Christ in the salvation of sinners- Genesis 2:24,25.

A.     There is a LEAVING of Father and Mother- Although the Lord Jesus Christ enjoyed an eternal, perfect, union and communion with the heavenly Father, yet, desirous of pleasing the Father and joining himself to sinners whom the Father had chosen to give Him in salvation, the Son left the bliss of glory to come to seek and redeem to Himself a bride- Proverbs 8:30,31.

B.     There is a CLEAVING unto his wife- this word describes the love and affection that binds the husband to the wife in an everlasting bond.  The Lord Jesus has so loved those sinners that the Father has given him, that He will never depart from them nor send them away- John 13:1; 15:9;

C.    There is a JOINING together as one flesh- Two are made one, Matthew 19:5.  The union between them is so close, as if they were but one person, one soul, one body.  See John 17:26.  Note: The reason the Word of God stands against polygamy, unlawful divorces, and all uncleanness, fornication, and adultery, is because they all go against the truth of marriage, which is a type of salvation in Christ.

II. It is the role of Christ as the Bridegroom to come and seek for Himself a bride, and so He does according to the will of His heavenly father.

A.      As an obedient son, He followed the counsel of His Father in the choice of the bride- John 8:42.  That choice was not fixed on fallen angels, nor all mankind, but on those that were given Him of the Father- Hebrews 2:16-18.

B.      As a trustworthy suitor, the Son fixed His eye upon the object of His affection, and never wavered until He had accomplished every condition necessary for their uniting to Him.  See the example of Boaz out of love for Ruth 3:18.

C.      As a faithful bridegroom, the Lord Jesus makes Himself irresistible to His bride.

a.      He embraces her without condition, by taking her unto himself just as she is.

b.      He provides for her in all things- no hardship being too much.  It took the ultimate sacrifice to redeem her, his shed blood.  For what lesser thing then would He ever think of putting her away?

c.      He constantly commends his love to her  by the ongoing work of the Spirit upon her heart, and thereby draws her again and again to Himself through His grace- Revelation 3:20 with Song of Solomon 5.