Christ the Bridegroom of the Church
J. Cumming, D. D. John 3:29-30 He that has the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which stands and hears him… As such He is represented throughout the Scripture (Matthew 25.; Ephesians 5.; Song of Solomon, and Revelation in particular). I. A BRIDEGROOM IS NOT SATISFIED WITH THE STATE IN WHICH HE IS, BUT DESIRES TO EXCHANGE IT AND BE MARRIED TO ANOTHER. SO the Lord of Glory was not satisfied to be alone. He was not complete until "the fulness of His body" was united to Him in everlasting and wedded love. II. A BRIDEGROOM, IF A DUTIFUL AND AFFECTIONATE SON, CONSULTS CONFIDENTIALLY WITH HIS PARENTS. So the Son of God "came forth from the leather," "not to do His own will, but the will of Him that sent Him." III. AN OBJECT OF AFFECTION IS NECESSARILY AND NATURALLY FIXED UPON BY THE BRIDEGROOM, WHOSE AFFECTIONS HE DESIRES TO WED TO HIMSELF. Christ fastened His love not on angels but on sinners (Deuteronomy 7.). The earthly bride. groom, however, fastens his affection on something that is attractive, and loves because there is something worthy of his love. IV. WHEN THE BRIDEGROOM HAS FOUND THE OBJECT OF HIS AFFECTIONS HE NATURALLY VISITS HER, ARRAYS HIMSELF IN SUITABLE APPAREL, AND COURTS HER FELLOWSHIP AND SOCIETY. Christ came from the height of glory to woo His Bride. V. WHEN A BRIDEGROOM GOES TO COURT HIS BRIDE, HE NATURALLY ASKS HER IF HER AFFECTIONS ARE DISENGAGED; and if they are engaged to one unworthy of her, warns her of the consequences. So Christ implores His Church to disengage herself from the world. VI. THE BRIDEGROOM USES ARGUMENTS TO INDUCE THE BRIDE TO ACCEPT HIS OFFERS. So our Lord tells His bride of the dowry wherewith He will enrich her, and the heaven He will make her home. VII. THE BRIDEGROOM WILL WAIT LONG BEFORE HE GIVES OVER. Christ stands at the door and knocks. VIII. THE TRUE BRIDEGROOM SEEKS THE BRIDE NOT FOR HER PORTION, BUT HERSELF. This must be the case with Christ; for our very righteousness is but as filthy rags. IX. IF REPULSED, THE BRIDEGROOM WILL USE VARIOUS PLANS AND MEANS TO INDUCE HIS DESIRED BRIDE TO COMPLY WITH HIS REQUEST. 1. He will employ friends, as Christ does His ministers. 2. He will send letters full of persuasive reasoning. Christ sends His gospels. 3. He will send love tokens. Christ has given us Baptism and the Lord's Supper.In conclusion: notice some points of difference between an earthly and the heavenly bridegroom. 1. In this world there is much of self to determine the choice of a man — to render life more happy, etc. But Christ was wholly disinterested. 2. In this world, when a bridegroom has found his bride, he cannot add one feature to her beauty or accomplishments; but Christ, when He takes His bride, adds to her all the glories of heaven, while He removes from her all traces of earth. 3. In this world the love of the bridegroom, who is most affectionate at first, may cool by years. Christ "having loved His own, loves them unto the end." Mark, then(1) The debt of gratitude we owe to Christ. (2) The great guilt and ingratitude of rejecting the offers of the heavenly bridegroom. (J. Cumming, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled. WEB: He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom's voice. This, my joy, therefore is made full.