Communion and the Joy of the Bridegroom
This Communion meditation reflects on John the Baptist’s joy in pointing others to Jesus, the true bridegroom. It invites believers to see Communion as a moment of worshipful tribute, humble surrender, and joyful anticipation of Christ’s return.
- John the Baptist understood his role as the friend of the bridegroom.
- Communion helps believers honor Jesus as the groom and the church as his bride.
- Followers of Jesus look forward to the day when their joy is complete in his presence.
By Doug Redford
The “job description” of the best man at any wedding is rather simple: support the bridegroom in any way needed and stand by his side during the ceremony. Afterward, the best man usually delivers a toast to the groom, which includes a brief speech offering some personal thoughts along with best wishes to the couple.
John the Baptist and the Bridegroom
John the Baptist used the bridegroom illustration when some of his disciples expressed their concern to him over the growing number of people who were deserting him and starting to follow Jesus (John 3:26). John was not disturbed or upset in the least by this news. He was content to do what he was called to do. He knew his role before the Lord (both to serve in the Lord’s presence and to come before and introduce the Lord Jesus), and he was satisfied to carry that out. Here are some of John’s best best man words: “The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom (John) waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s (Jesus’) voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. He (Jesus) must become greater; I (John) must become less” (John 3:29-30, New International Version). That last statement should become our motto for living.
Communion as Tribute to Christ
We may be hesitant to think of Communion as a kind of toast to Jesus, and yet as we partake, we can reflect upon what it means to acknowledge Jesus as our groom and we as part of his bride, the church. John the Baptist paved the way for Jesus’ first coming; we as followers of Jesus are commissioned to prepare ourselves and others for Jesus’ return. We look forward to that day when we hear his voice welcoming us to our new, eternal home. Each of us will be able to say, “That joy is mine, and it is now complete!”
Perhaps at this time in our worship, we can include the thoughts penned by Jude, if not as a toast, as a boast in tribute to the one we honor, at Communion and with our daily living: “To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy—to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen” (Jude 24-25).
Author: Doug Redford
Doug Redford has served in the preaching ministry, as an editor of adult Sunday school curriculum, and as a Bible college professor. Now retired, he continues to write and speak as opportunities arise.
