What Jesus Did! 'The Joy of the Bridegroom' — John 3:28-29

Friday, February 23, 2018

[John the Baptizer said,] "You yourselves know how plainly I told you, 'I am not the Messiah. I am only here to prepare the way for him.' It is the bridegroom who marries the bride, and the bridegroom's friend is simply glad to stand with him and hear his vows. Therefore, I am filled with joy at his success."
— John 3:28-29 NLT
Illustration of John 3:28-29 NLT — ' It is the bridegroom who marries the bride, and the bridegroom's friend is simply glad to stand with him and hear his vows.

Key Thought

What a beautiful image. The friend of the bridegroom finds his joy in seeing the bride come to her groom. Imagine if we all lived with the same commitment that John had. What amazing power would be unleashed among God's people if we all lived to prepare the way for Jesus to come to other people! So why don't we? Why not start right now and make a commitment to give the rest of your life to prepare the way for others to know Jesus?!

Today's Prayer

Loving Father, please use my words, my influence, and the rest of my life to help others come to know Jesus and his love. Open my eyes to the opportunities around me to touch others with your grace. Open my ears to hear the cries of those hungry for your bread of life. Please give me the joy of the friend of the bridegroom! In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • John 1:19-26
  • John 1:35-37
  • Philippians 1:15-18

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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