Marriage Supper
Just as the Jewish feasts proclaim the coming of Jesus Christ, the Jewish marriage feast does too. Jesus even referred to the Jewish marriage traditions when He said, I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also (Jn. 14:2-3). The bride prepared herself for his return while he prepared a place for them to live. When he finished the work at the approval of his father, the groom returned for his bride. This, my friend, is a beautiful and insightful picture of the joy that ensues for the people of God when Jesus returns for His bride, the Church.
Cana Wedding
John records the first miracle of Christ to be in Cana of Galilee at a wedding feast. And when the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to Him, "They have no wine" (Jn. 2:3). Jesus had the servants fill 6 water pots with water which he miraculously converted to wine. And the headwaiter marveled that the bridegroom had saved the best for last.
Jesus began His ministry in Cana instead of Jerusalem, performing signs that would reveal His glory to the humble in heart. The prideful Jewish leadership was not privy to His majesty for the Lord reveals Himself only to the humble. To the lowest of servants He revealed this wedding miracle, to His disciples and to his mother.
How appropriate that after the 3rd day in Galilee, the Messiah performs His first miracle at a wedding feast who instead of turning the water into blood as Moses did in Egypt, changes the water into celebratory wine. Joy instead of judgment. Relationship instead of ruin. Majesty instead of misery. Jesus came for salvation not judgment and to redeem His bride. No doubt He had this second coming in mind, knowing that the best was yet to come at His own wedding!
The Church of Jesus Christ is His bride. When the New Covenant or Testament refers to the bride of Christ, the reference is to a union of saints by the blood of Christ of every nation, not two brides but one to be received together when He returns.
Marriage events according to Jewish custom:
1- Shidduch - A relative or friend selects the bride for the groom. All that the Father gives me shall come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out (Jn. 6:37).
2- Tenaim - Marriage contract is drawn up and parties commit to one another. Salvation is a covenant relationship of commitment.
3- Prior to the marriage, the couple is separated for preparation. The bride was to have her lamps lit and ready for His return. (Mt. 25:1-13)
4- Ketuvah - The marriage contract is signed.
5- Bedekin - Bride is veiled right before the ceremony.
6- The marriage is consummated with a supper celebration. The bride is then unveiled, announced and revealed.
7- Chupah - The couple stands together under a finely decorated cloth which symbolizes a new home and life together without past sins.
What does Revelation have to say about the marriage feast?
The marriage of the Lamb has come! (Rev. 19:7-10)
The bride has made herself ready. (Rev. 19:7)
It was given to her to clothe herself in fine linen. (Rev. 19:8)
Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb. (Rev. 19:9)
The coming of the Christ for His bride! (Rev. 19:11-19)
When will the Christ return for His bride?
Joel 2:15-16 puts this event at the gathering of His people which according to Matthew 24:30-31 occurs when the Son of Man comes on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory...after the tribulation.
