John's Joy Is Complete

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.  Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled.  John 2:29

I’ve been in a few wedding parties enjoying the time leading up to the marriage.  It’s full of preparation including getting sized for suits, shoes, and shirts.  Cars need to be organized to drive the wedding party around on the day of the wedding.  The hall has to be decorated where the wedding meal will be eaten.  Speeches and toasts need to be prepared to add to the enjoyment of celebration of the nuptials’ vows.

The time leading up to the wedding day is filled with joy for the bridegroom and for me a time wondering where and how I can add to his special day.  Usually a party is organized for the bridegroom where he is the center of attention.  Often now these parties include both the bride and the groom.  Usually a meal is eaten and advice and congratulations are given. 

When the wedding day arrives and all the preparations have been made, it’s time for the friends of the bridegroom to step aside and let the groom take up his role as husband, make his vows, sign the marriage certificates and take his bride for himself.  The friends can watch with joy as the groom joins himself to his bride.

In this verse above John is making reference to Jesus beginning his ministry and the people of the time starting to go to him instead of John.  John is using the analogy of a wedding, the bride being the people John was preaching to (today anyone who believes in and follows Christ), Jesus being the bridegroom, the Saviour of the world.

John is happy to have fulfilled his role as the best man for the bridegroom.  When the bridegroom arrives John no longer has anything left to do but step aside and let this man take his place.  In spiritual matters John steps aside from people thinking he might be the Christ and lets Jesus take his rightful place as the Saviour of the world.  John has made all the preparations for the coming of the ‘bridegroom’, by telling everyone of the soon coming lamb of God.  John’s joy is complete.

Just as John had joy knowing that Jesus had come we also can find joy in knowing that we are:

Part of the ‘bride’ of Christ (we are included in His family) .

Sharing with those who are not yet following Jesus as to who He is and introducing them to the intimacy found with Him, which will be complete at the marriage feast of the lamb.