The Friend of the Bridegroom

John 3:29-30, "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. Then my joy is fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease."

I thought I'd just write a few thoughts on these two verses...

When John the Baptist spoke these words, "friend of the bridegroom" was actually a title. It was similar to our "best man" in some respects. I think it's important to understand this because all minister's are in essence called to act as "friends of the bridegroom."

The friend of the bridegroom was someone who was appointed by the bridegroom. He was usually someone that the bridegroom knew well, a close acquaitance. When a man wanted to get married, he would send this person on his behalf to negotiate with the bride's family. He also would act as the go-between during the time of courtship, as open communication between the two parties was rarely, if ever, allowed. He also was the guardian of the brides virtue. As you can see this was a very important and trusted position. The Apostle Paul used an analogy to this position in 2 Corinthians 11:2, when he said that he was jealous over his converts with a godly jealousy.

The simularities between a "friend of the bridegroom" and a minister are several. Both are chosen by the Bridegroom for this role, not self-appointed. Both speak on behalf of the Bridegroom who is not physically present. Their aim is to guard the bride and help her to be true to the Bridegroom until He comes to take her away. Their success or failure lies in if they are able to stay out of the picture and promote the happiness of another.

Conversely, I think we can all imagine how angry a bridegroom would be if he found that his friedn had abused his position and had used it to steal the affections of the bride for himself. That is a picture of how Jesus feels when His ministers take His glory and woo people after themselves.

If God has given you a ministry and you read this, just consider it a little while then say with John, "I must decrease, that He might increase."

God bless.