John 3:29-30 He that has the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which stands and hears him… I. HERE IS AN INTERESTING PORTRAITURE OF CHRIST AND HIS CHURCH AS THE GLORIOUS BRIDEGROOM AND HIS ILLUSTRIOUS BRIDE. 1. Christ is the Bridegroom (Psalm 45.). 2. The Church the Bride (J. Stoughton, D. D.) 3. The union of the Bridegroom and the Bride. "He that hast." Which has reference to the fact that she is Christ's (1) in the purpose of His good pleasure; (2) By the price paid for her redemption; (3) By the voluntary surrender of herself to Him for ever. 4. The entireness of the union. II. A STRIKING REPRESENTATION OF A PART OF THE BRIDEGROOM'S RETINUE. John well deserved to be called the friend of Christ, in that he was wholly devoted to the interests of his Master. He represents the Christian ministry. 1. In its character. A minister should be the friend of Christ. Can those be such who deny His Divinity and outrage His laws? 2. In its duties. To "hear the Bridegroom's voice," receive His instructions, and carry them into execution. 3. Its pleasures. "He rejoiceth greatly." These pleasures are not those of literature, science, art, etc., but, (1) in communion with Christ. (2) Working for Christ. (3) Reward by Christ. (J. Clayton, jun.) 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. |
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