Lesson 4

MARRIAGE SUPPER OF THE LAMB

 

  1. Marriage in bible times. 
    1.      These wedding customs had three major parts. 
      1.  First.
      2. A marriage contract was signed by the parents of the bride and the bridegroom. 
      3. The parents of the bridegroom or the bridegroom himself would pay a dowry to the bride or her parents.
      4. This began what was called the betrothal period—what we would today call the engagement. This period was the one Joseph and Mary were in when she was found to be with child (Matthew 1:18; Luke 2:5).
      5.  Matthew 1:18 (ESV) — 18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed (engaged) to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit.
      6. Luke 2:4–5 (NLT) — 4 And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. 5 He took with him Mary, to whom he was engaged, who was now expecting a child.
    2. Second
      1. The second step in the process usually occurred a year later. 
      2. The bridegroom, accompanied by his male friends, went to the house of the bride at midnight, creating a torchlight parade through the streets. 
      3. The bride would know in advance this was going to take place, and so she would be ready with her maidens, and they would all join the parade and end up at the bridegroom’s home.
      4. The Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids
      5. Matthew 25:1 (NLT) — 1 “Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom.
    3. Third
      1. The third phase was the marriage supper itself. 
      2. This could last for days. 
      3. The first miracle of John. (7 miracles)
      4. John 2:1–2 (NLT) — 1 The next day there was a wedding celebration in the village of Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, 2 and Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the celebration.
      5. John 2:11 (NLT) — 11 This miraculous sign at Cana in Galilee was the first time Jesus revealed his glory. And his disciples believed in him.
      6. vi.     John 2:12 (NLT) — 12 After the wedding he went to Capernaum for a few days with his mother, his brothers, and his disciples.

John’s Vision

  1.      The wedding feast. 
    • The Lamb (Jesus Christ) 
      1.      See the Passover in Exodus 12
      2.      Exodus 12:13–14 
      3. His bride (The Church)
      4. The implication is that the first two phases have already taken place.
  2. Phase one 
    • The first phase was completed on earth. 
    • The happens when a person places their faith in Christ as Savior and become a believer. 
    • The dowry paid to the bridegroom’s parents (God the Father) … 
      • Christ’s shed blood on behalf of the Bride. 
      • The Church on earth today, then, is “betrothed” (engaged) to Christ.
      • Watch how Jesus gives us a glimpse into the Kingdom of God
      • Back to the parable of the ten bridesmaids. 
      • Like the wise virgins in the parable, all believers should be watching and waiting for the appearance of the Bridegroom. 
  3. Phase two 
    • The second phase symbolizes the rapture of the Church. 
    •                                              ii.     This is when Christ comes to claim His bride and take her to the Father’s house. 
  4. Phase three 
    • The marriage supper 
    •   It is my view that this supper will happen during the 7 years of tribulation on earth. 
    •  Others are invited to the supper not just the church. 
    • The “others” include the Old Testament saints. 
    • V:9 Then the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!” And he added, “These are the true words of God.”
    •   The marriage supper of the Lamb is a glorious celebration of all who are in Christ!