In my last blog, we looked at Jesus’ departure from this earth and his reign in heaven and how that is ‘to our advantage’.

His current place, above all names, is referenced many times in the New Testament (for example: Philippians 2:9-11; Colossians 1:18; Hebrews 1:4; 1 Peter 3:22)

But there’s another dimension to his departure, and it’s related to the way a couple got married in Jesus’ time.

The process would start with a father choosing a bride for his son, sometimes the son would be involved in this process. A meeting would be held with the prospective bride’s family to agree a ‘price’. This was not buying the bride, rather it was demonstrating the ability of the bridegroom (and his family) to adequately provide for his future wife. 

The price would be paid, and the agreement ratified with the couple sharing a cup of wine. This was a legal agreement – the couple were ‘betrothed’ but not yet married – a covenant which could only be broken by death or divorce. 

At this point the bridegroom would go away. This departure would be a fairly long time, possibly a year, during which time the couple would communicate with each other through a ‘best man’.  It was a time pf preparation. The bridegroom would be building their future home, a ‘mansion’ or addition to his father’s home. Meanwhile, the bride was preparing her wedding garments and, crucially, keeping her lamp ready because she didn’t know when her groom would return.

Here’s the thing – the groom couldn’t return until his father said the preparations were complete.

When he finally did return, he would get his friends together and arrive unannounced, often at night. The bride was then ‘caught up’ literally ‘snatched away’ and the wedding party would go back to the groom’s father’s house for a seven-day party. It was during this time that the marriage would be consummated while the guests celebrated.

Can you see the parallels?

The Church is a ‘chosen people’ who are the Bride of Christ. See 1 Peter 2:9 and Ephesians 5:25-32.

A price has been paid, and the covenant sealed with a shared cup of wine. 1 Peter 1:18-19; Luke 2:20

Jesus leaves to go and prepare a place. John 14:1-3. 

His return is known only to his Father. Matthew 24:36

(When Jesus says that he doesn’t know when he will return, he’s not abdicating his divinity, rather he’s placing himself as a son/bridegroom, an image his disciples will have been very familiar with).

We are in the middle of a betrothal/marriage process. A time of waiting and hope. But also one of certainty and confidence. The bride knew she was legally bound to her groom and him only, she knew he was preparing a place for her to be with him, and she knew he would return. She just didn’t know when.

When we take communion, we are reminding ourselves of the covenant that Jesus established, paid for in his blood. Our status is secure. While we wait for his return, we prepare ourselves with garments of righteousness – the process of sanctification. Our communication is with and through the Holy Spirit who teaches us about Jesus, and helps us in our sanctification as Helper, Advocate (defender), Encourager and more.

This seems to me to be a brilliant picture of the relationship between Jesus and his Church (and it’s the Church, the people of God, not just ‘me’). For sure, he has a position of power and authority, but this is relational, intimate and compelling.

And it brings yet more life to his statement that it truly is to our advantage that he goes away. It really is.