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He that 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: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.

John 3:29

The focus of this verse is primarily teaching Christ’s glory above all else, and in man’s acknowledgment of this fact he is blessed with the joy of it’s substance which is eternal life through Christ Jesus. The responsibilities and relationships of life can draw Christians away from the joy of our salvation in Christ, but in reading the Word, there are numerous reminders of how we should be appreciating and sharing the reality of this joy! John The Baptist tells of his joy in hearing Jesus’ voice as he witnessed the fulfilment of the prophesies of Christ’s coming as recorded in the Hebrew bible, Jesus’s coming then eventuated in His crucifixion and resurrection for the salvation of the Church and Israel, John the Baptist knowing this as he saw the very Son of God, the Messiah walking toward him, stated:

Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

John 1:29

John’s words glorified Jesus as he spoke of himself in 3:29 as being “the friend of the bridegroom”, his relationship with Christ was ordained by God to fulfil the announcement of Christ’s coming to the Jews. Commentators on the verse explain that the term “friend of the bridegroom” was used to depict the relationship of John to Christ as similar to that of the “friend” who presented the groom’s proposal to the bride and managed subsequent preparations for the wedding. John says he rejoiced because he heard Christ’s voice (the bridegroom’s); but this wasn’t the first time that John the Baptist expressed joy at the mention of Christ, the first time was when John was still in his mother, Elizabeth’s womb!

As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.

Luke 1:44

Although John’s infant mind hadn’t developed to maturity, his spirit was able to appreciate and express joy even within the body it was occupying.

“Joy” is a word that is scripturally referenced as being the experience of God’s obedient created beings both in heaven and on earth:

  • When an angel of the Lord announced the birth of Christ to the shepherds who were watching their flock by night “But the angel said to them, ‘Don’t be afraid. I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people’.” Luke 2:10
  • When the wise men saw the star over the place where baby Jesus lay “they rejoiced with exceeding joy.“ Matthew 2:10
  • After the two Marys were told by the angel at the tomb that Christ had risen, “they ran to tell the disciples with joy“! Matthew 28:8. I smile as I imagine these two women running with smiles you couldn’t wipe from their faces, so eager to get to the disciples to tell them “Jesus has risen!!! He’s alive!!!“.
  • When Christians take up their cross and follow Jesus we’re told: “Blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their ancestors treated the prophets…” Luke 6:22-23
  • When heavenly beings see repenting sinners: “And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbours, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’ I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents…” Luke 15:6-7
  • After Christ’s resurrection: “And they worshiped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy,” Luke 24:52
  • The will of Christ for the benefit of His body the church: “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and your joy may be full…” John 15:11
  • Jesus told His disciples that after He would rise from the grave: ” I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you.” John 16:22
  • David wrote in Psalm 16:11; “You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy;”

We should also join with John The Baptist, David, the two Marys, the disciples, all the redeemed and the angels in being full of joy at the work of the salvation of God’s people, both Jews and Gentiles, through Christ Jesus who has risen and is seated at the right hand of The Father! His work is continuing today, by His Spirit, for God’s glory and the saint’s eternal joy! I pray He blesses us with tongues and smiles as we run to tell the truth of His gospel in humility, love and joy! for His glory.

How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace,
Who bring glad tidings of good things!

Romans 10:15

APO 05Mar2024