One of the fascinating aspects of the New Testament writings is the incorporation of Jewish marriage and betrothal symbols. Understanding these symbols provides deeper insight into the theological structure of the Bible. In the ancient Jewish culture, marriage is a sacred covenant, and many elements of this tradition were reflected in the teachings and parables of Jesus and the apostles.

Through the use of marriage and betrothal symbols, the New Testament writers conveyed older and more established Biblical truths. For example, the relationship between the Messiah and the Church is often likened to that of a bridegroom and bride, but why? The imagery of the bridegroom preparing a place for his bride in the gospel of John echoes the customs of ancient Jewish weddings, which are described in various Old Testament narratives, poetry, and structures. By exploring these symbols and concepts, we gain a richer understanding of the overarching theological themes of redemption, covenant, and unity present in both the Old and New Testaments.

Key Lesson Concepts:

• Jewish marriage and betrothal symbols were incorporated into the New Testament writings continuing Old Testament themes.
• Marriage was considered a sacred covenant in ancient Jewish culture.
• The relationship between Messiah and the Church is depicted using marriage imagery.

The New Testament continues this same theme intentionally with the names of the books of the four Gospels, hinting that the structural composition of the Bible, both Old and New Testaments, is not a hodgepodge of source materials, but is in fact intentionally constructed. It is quite possible, as suggested here, that this intentional construction was recognized by and was continued by the earliest New Testament compilers:

Matthew

Thread: Here is your Blessed Man Bridegroom.  This is his genealogy so you can check it against Genealogies in the Book of Moses and the Chronicles.

·  Translation: Gift of God

·  The Bridegroom is portrayed as Bride-Israel’s savior, the Messiah, the King of the Jews.

The credentials of your King and Messiah have been presented to you. Your Bridegroom, sent by his father.

·  These credentials are presented to you in person in the Jewish Ketubah Ceremony (Jewish marriage contract ceremony; aka: the Last Supper), which you did not complete at Mount Sinai.[47]

Mark

Theme: Here is your Blessed Man Bridegroom who has suffered and serves you

·  Translation: Huge Hamer/Battering Ram

·  Mark presents the Bridegroom as a man of action.

Luke

Theme: Your Blessed Man Bridegroom the Son of David, the Son of God has come from humble beginnings in the same way his father, David, came to you.

·  Translation: Of Light

·  The Bridegroom is presented by the Best Man, John the Baptizer, who is also the rightful heir to be High Priest and who would in ancient times has anointed the Blessed Man as King.

John

Theme: The Blessed Man Bridegroom, your Creator, has come with Signs and Wonders, exactly as Moses and the Prophets promised He would!

·  Translation: Yah [Messiah Pre-Incarnate} is Gracious.

·  The Blessed Man does not bring the Covenantal Betrothal Wine from his Father’s House, he Creates it from water, as he also Created the World from Water.

Lesson Summary

One fascinating aspect of the New Testament writings is the incorporation of Jewish marriage and betrothal symbols, providing deeper insight into the theological structure of the Bible:

• Marriage in ancient Jewish culture was seen as a sacred covenant, with elements of this tradition reflected in the teachings and parables of Jesus and the apostles.
• Through these symbols, the New Testament writers conveyed established Biblical truths, depicting the relationship between the Messiah and the Church as that of a bridegroom and bride.
• The imagery of the bridegroom preparing a place for his bride in the gospel of John mirrors customs of ancient Jewish weddings found in various Old Testament narratives, poetry, and structures.
• Exploring these symbols leads to a richer understanding of theological themes of redemption, covenant, and unity present in both the Old and New Testaments.

Key Lesson Concepts:

• Jewish marriage and betrothal symbols were incorporated into the New Testament writings continuing Old Testament themes.
• Marriage was considered a sacred covenant in ancient Jewish culture.
• The relationship between Messiah and the Church is depicted using marriage imagery.
• The New Testament intentionally continues this theme, reflecting the structured composition present in the Bible.

Insights from the Gospels:

• Matthew: The Blessed Man Bridegroom, portrayed as Bride-Israel’s savior, presented in the Jewish Ketubah Ceremony.
• Mark: The Blessed Man Bridegroom who has suffered and serves, depicted as a man of action.
• Luke: The Blessed Man Bridegroom, the Son of David, has come from humble beginnings, presented by the Best Man John the Baptizer.
• John: The Blessed Man Bridegroom, your Creator, has come with Signs and Wonders, creating Covenantal Betrothal Wine as he created the world from water.