“The kingdom of heaven is like a king, who gave a wedding feast for his son” (Matt. 22:2).
A wedding is traditionally celebrated with a grand feast and a most joyous time. Christ is the Bridegroom and we are His bride. He invites us all to a great feast in His kingdom of heaven. When the Bride accept one in marriage the Bridegroom pledges His inheritance and glory. It is a union where two become one. As we join with Him as His bride we become one just like the bride and groom become one in the marriage ceremony. But with this invitation comes a warning. In the words of the King, “The wedding is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy” (Matt. 22:8).
It is us who are not worthy? Will we be accep[ted in His Kingdom. Will we become His bride? On one of several occasions, the Lord was asked why His disciples did not observe the prescribed fasting periods of the Jewish faith, Christ responded, “Can you make wedding guests fast, when the bridegroom is with them (Luke 5:34)?” And He went on to say, “The days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them… (Luke 5:35).”
Christ the Bridegroom
During the first three nights of Holy Week we are reminded of the Second Coming of Christ. These are called the Bridegroom services. Why the Bridegroom?
