Going Home - Part 2

The Jewish Galilean Wedding Custom
Dr. Michael Richardson

Part II—The Jewish Galilean Wedding Custom 
   A. There are 11 places in the gospels showing that Jesus is our bridegroom
   B. Let me give you just one: Luke 5:34 “And he said unto them, Can ye make the children of the  
        bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them”
   C. The Jewish Galilean Wedding Custom pictures our soon heavenly homecoming
   D. The Jewish betrothal period was more serious that our engagement period because they were  
        considered man and wife even though the marriage vows had not yet taken place
   E. When the covenant was made, they broke bread and drank from a cup to seal the covenant
   F. That is what the Lord’s Supper is all about. I Cor. 11:26 “For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink  
       this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.
   G. The Bridegroom paid for the price of the wedding. So, the parable of the Pearl of Great Price
       shows us how Christ sees his bride, the Church. Also, there is I Cor. 6:20 “For ye are bought with a  
        price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.”
   H. The Bridegroom then told his bride he would leave to build a bridal chamber for his bride BUT  
        THAT HE WOULD RETURN to take her there. John 14:1-3
    I. Only the father knew when he would tell his son to go get his bride. Mark 13:32,33 “But of that
       day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the
       Father. Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is. 
    J. In the Galilean Wedding the Bridegroom’s return was announced by the shout of the friend of
       the bridegroom When Jesus returns, he will return with a shout. I Thess. 4 13-18
    K. In the Jewish Wedding ceremony when the Bridegroom returned, they would put the bride in a
      chair and carry her to the Bridegroom. One day soon we will be taken in the air to our new home
      to be with Jesus  I Thess. 4:13:18
   L. In I Thess. 4:17 the Greek word for caught up is “harpazo” It means to be taken up by force.
   M. The Bridegroom took his bride to his wedding chamber for 7 days.
   N. After that, occurred the Wedding feast.