Metaphors are widely used in the Bible to describe Jesus. The Bridegroom is a metaphor employed to understand better the relationship between Jesus, His ministry, and the Kingdom of God. So, why is Jesus called the Bridegroom?
Jesus, the Son of God, is often referred to as the Bridegroom in the Bible to convey His intimate and loving relationship with his followers, who are referred to as the bride. Jesus likens the His Church and the followers to that of the Kingdom of God. He suggests that the Kingdom of God works the same way as marriage between a bride and a bridegroom.
So, what is the bridal paradigm in the Bible? What does it mean that Jesus is the Bridegroom? Where in the Bible does it say that Jesus is the Bridegroom? What are some of the bible verses about Jesus as a bridegroom? What does it mean that the Church is the bride of Christ? And what does Christ the Bridegroom teach about marriage? Keep reading to learn more.
What is the bridal paradigm in the Bible?
Biblically, the bridal paradigm is a teaching that depicts the Church as the Bride of Christ and the Kingdom of God as an affection of love between Jesus and His bride (followers) (Matthew 9:16)
It simply refers to having a bridal perspective of the Kingdom of God. As Christians, we view the Kingdom of God as our bride. We receive the Kingdom in devotion to steadfast love.
We learn that we must have a deep love for the Messiah, Jesus, who saved us all from the sin and torments of the earth. Jesus is the only way to our salvation, so for us to be coheirs of the Kingdom and God’s children, we must raise our love in Christ. Jesus is our ladder toward the Kingdom of God.
Based on the bridal paradigm passage, Christians are called to view themselves as married to Christ. If we are seeking a suitable life partner, then Jesus is the true answer. He will never forsake us, and He has a strong bond of love and affection once we accept Him as our Bridegroom in life.
What does it mean that Jesus is the Bridegroom?
In the Bible, the metaphor of the Bridegroom conveys the idea of Christ having a loving and committed relationship with the Church, who are His followers. A bridegroom is willing to commit to his bride, love and cherish her, and provide for her. It is the same way that Jesus is committed to his followers. He is willing to love and cherish them and to provide for them.
Christ is committed to strengthening His relationship with His followers so that it becomes easy for His believers to enter the everlasting Kingdom. Just as a husband (Bridegroom) relates with his bride (the Church), Christ waters down the necessary ingredients to sustain the relationship between Him and His believers.
Where in the Bible does it say Jesus is the Bridegroom?
The metaphor of the Bridegroom is first used in both the Old Testament and the New Testament. Isaiah speaks of God as the Bridegroom and Israel as the bride. This metaphor conveys God’s intimate and loving relationship with his chosen people. Jesus shared the same power as God, so when Isaiah refers to God, Jesus is also depicted in the picture. (Isaiah 62:5)
In the same way, Jesus is also referred to as the Bridegroom in the New Testament. The books of the gospels, John, Mark, Mathew, and Luke, all record the passage on Jesus as the Bridegroom. This metaphor is used to convey the intimate and loving relationship that Jesus has with his followers, who are referred to as the bride.
Moreover, the book of Ephesians 5:21-24 implies that the Church should be submissive to the Lord, for God is the supreme head of the Church (His believers). This implies that we are all created by God, and Jesus is our superior. We are called to honor Jesus and glorify His name to enter the Kingdom of God.
Bible verses about Jesus as a bridegroom
The passage of Jesus’ teaching on Christ and the Bridegroom is well recorded in the books of the Holy gospel, namely John, Luke, Mark, and Matthew.
Mathew 9:15 says, “The attendants of the Bridegroom cannot mourn as long as the Bridegroom is with them. Can they? But the days will come when the Bridegroom is taken away, and they will fast.” This means that Jesus Christ (Bridegroom) is truly present in our lives (Church). Christians are reminded to honor and glorify Him, for He is watching over all of us.
The gospel of John 3:29 says, “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. So this joy of mine has been made full.” We are called to enjoy in the fullness of Christ as He is ready to welcome us into His Kingdom. Jesus’ is so powerful and mighty that His power rules is our defense. Christians are challenged to walk in the voice and light of Jesus.
Furthermore, in the gospel of Mark 2:19, Jesus says, “While the Bridegroom is with them, the attendants of the Bridegroom cannot fast, can they? So long as they have the Bridegroom with them, they cannot fast. Same to John’s gospel above, we are reminded to believe in the full power of Jesus. Abiding by Him will lead us into heaven, our final home.
What does it mean that the Church is the bride of Christ?
The metaphor that the Church is the bride of Christ means that with Christ’s life, crucifixion and death on the cross, and His ultimate resurrection, Jesus became the living manifestation of the Bridegroom and a faithful husband who was willing to give up His life for the one He loved, the Church. (John 3:16)
That implies that Christ is the Bridegroom and the Church is His bride. God formed a covenant with all who believed in Jesus Christ and surrendered their lives to serve the Lord, their creator. Those who believe are called the Church. Christ promised to make a purified relationship with the Church, His bride.
What Christ the Bridegroom teaches us about marriage
We learn a few but most essential lessons from Christ the Bridegroom that affect the institution of marriage.
- Unity with God
A bridegroom is someone who is united with his bride. Those in marriage should strengthen their union just as Christ the Bridegroom strengthened his union with the Kingdom. Further, married couples should work together and conform to their covenant. Keeping the promise of the covenant means a reward from God. Unity is key in every marriage. Married couples are challenged to stick together and maintain their status quo like Christ maintained a committed relationship with the Church, His bride who are believers of His word.
- Sacrifice
John 3:29 records, “A friend who attends the Bridegroom waits and listens for him and is full of joy when he hears the Bridegroom’s voice. That voice is mine, and it is now complete.” Married couples should learn how to tolerate each other, listen to each other, and endure the pains and sufferings of their love in marriage. Couples are called to endure all storms in the marriage and overcome the temptations of the marriage while praying to God to stabilize their union, just like Christ has a stable union with the Church.
- Salvation and Love
Husbands are encouraged to love their wives just as Christ loved the Church. (Ephesians 5:22-33) The salvation of mankind starts at the basics of the family. Married couples are urged to broaden their relationship with God as Christ likens it to His Kingdom.
Furthermore, husbands are called to love their wives just as Christ loved the Church that he gave up Himself for the redemption of the whole world. He made the Church holy again and cleansed her by spreading God’s Holy word. Marriages are encouraged to follow the examples of Christ and the Bridegroom to make it a clean and purified marriage free from staining.
References
What does it mean that the Church is the bride of Christ?
What is the bridal paradigm in the Bible?
Where in the Bible does it say that Jesus is the Bridegroom?
Bible verses about Jesus as a bridegroom
What Christ the Bridegroom teaches us about marriage.
As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.
