Let’s talk about one little detail about the betrothal agreement in Jewish customs. One of the groom and bride’s things is when the groom will return for her. During this time, the groom will go away and prepare a place for them to live or, in other words, “dwell.” This is usually on family land. While the groom is building a home for them, the bride is preparing her wedding garments while waiting for the groom to return. She doesn’t know the exact day but knows the season that he will return.
In the Book of John, he had supper with the disciples and promised to pour out His life to forgive sin, and the disciples pledged their loyalty to Him. Peter made a vow to even go to death for Him. However, Jesus informed him that he would deny Him three times. Jesus began to speak comfort and promise to him.
Let’s read John 14:1-3. What did Jesus say? Could this be a bridegroom promise to the bride? Jesus promised that he would go to His Father’s House and prepare a place for His disciples and all believers in Him. Here is a fun fact for you. In those days, the culture was that the son would often build a house adjoining the father’s house, and those houses linked together would share a common courtyard. The father’s sons would raise their families together in that close-knit community. By the Father’s say, the house is done to go back for his bride.
Read Ephesians 5. What do you see about the price Jesus paid for His Bride? Read John 10:17-18, Jesus says, “I lay down my life. . . No one has taken it away from Me, but I lay it down on My own initiative. . .” Jesus did this for the church, His bride, which is all who believe and follow Him. What does Paul see about the church in Ephesians 5:30-32?
Christ has a two-fold goal for His Bride. The first part of His goal is found in Ephesians 5:25-26. The second part of the goal is found in Ephesians 5:27. What is His goal here?
Jesus Christ desires to present the Church (which is us) to Himself in glory. The Bride will stand as holy and blameless.
Are you preparing yourself for Christ’s return? Are you ready for His return at any moment?
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for sending your son to us. Thank you for your great love for us. I pray that as Jesus is preparing a place for us, we will be preparing ourselves for His return.
In Jesus Name
Amen
