In the fourteenth chapter of the Gospel of John, Jesus is quoted saying the following:
In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again and take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.
When Jesus told His disciples, “I go to prepare a place for you,” they didn’t hear merely comforting words. They heard wedding language. For first-century Jews, every phrase carried layers of meaning. Jesus wasn’t simply promising heaven one day — He was describing Himself as the Bridegroom and inviting His followers into a covenant relationship unlike anything they had imagined.
That truth became wonderfully clear during our recent conversation with psychologist, author, and Bible teacher Don Lichi, as we explored the rich symbolism of Jewish marriage customs and how they illuminate God’s plan of redemption from Genesis to Revelation. Once you see these parallels, you’ll never read Scripture the same way again.
The Bride Price Was Paid
In a ancient Jewish betrothal, the groom entered into a legally binding covenant with the bride. A marriage contract, called a ketubah, established the promises of the relationship, and the groom paid the bride price to demonstrate the value of his bride. That beautiful tradition points directly to Jesus. Our salvation was never purchased with silver or gold. It was purchased with the precious blood of Christ. Think about that for a moment. Your worth isn’t determined by the opinions of others, your accomplishments, or your failures. Your value is demonstrated by what Jesus was willing to pay to redeem you. The cross forever declares that you are deeply loved.
The Engagement Gift
After the covenant was established, the groom gave his betrothed a gift as a pledge that he would return. Likewise, Jesus has given believers the Holy Spirit as His seal and guarantee. The Holy Spirit continually reminds us that we belong to Christ. He comforts us. He guides us. He produces His fruit within us. He is God’s constant reminder that His promises never fail.
“I Go to Prepare a Place”
One of the most beautiful customs of a Jewish wedding came after the betrothal. The groom returned to his father’s house to prepare a place for his bride. Only the father determined when everything was ready. Then he would send his son to bring his bride home. Suddenly, Jesus’s words in John 14 come alive! “I go to prepare a place for you . . . ” He wasn’t speaking abstractly. He was speaking as a Bridegroom. And just as the bride didn’t know the exact day her groom would return, believers today eagerly await Christ’s return, trusting the Father’s perfect timing.
Waiting Doesn’t Mean Sitting Still
Waiting for the Bridegroom wasn’t passive in Biblical times. The bride prepared herself. She remained faithful to her betrothed. She anticipated the day of celebrations. Our calling is no different. We aren’t simply counting the days until heaven. We are abiding in Christ, growing in Him, walking by the Spirit, serving faithfully, and sharing the invitation with others. As Don reminded us, the fruit of the Spirit isn’t something we manufacture by trying hard to exhibit love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. It naturally grows from abiding in Christ. The goal isn’t producing fruit — it’s cultivating intimacy with Jesus.
The Invitation is Still Open
Perhaps the most beautiful part of God’s story is this: the invitation is still being extended! Every day, believers are invited to tell others, “There is a seat waiting for you.” The Bridegroom has made every preparation. The table is being set. The celebration is coming. And everyone who places their faith in Christ is welcomed with grace. No one is excluded because of their past. No one is beyond redemption. As Don beautifully reminded us, you are loveable, you are valuable, you are forgivable, and you are changeable. Perhaps most comforting of all, You will ever be alone because Christ has promised never to leave His people.
Perhaps the most beautiful part of God’s story is this:The invitation is still being extended.Every day, believers are invited to tell others,”There is a seat waiting for you.”The Bridegroom has made every preparation.The table is being set.The celebration is coming.And everyone who places their faith in Christ is welcomed with grace.No one is excluded because of their past.No one is beyond redemption.As Don so beautifully reminded us, you are lovable.You are valuable.You are forgivable.You are changeable.And perhaps most comforting of all—You will never be alone because Christ has promised never to leave His people.
Living with Great Expectation
Knowing we are the Bride of Christ changes everything. It transforms the way we live, as well as the way we love, endure suffering, and the way we view our future. Instead of fearing tomorrow, we anticipate the day when our Bridegroom returns. Scripture closes with a wedding feast. The Marriage Supper of the Lamb, the greatest celebration in history, is coming. One day, faith will become sight, waiting will turn to rejoicing, and the Bride will finally be with her Bridegroom forever. Until that glorious day, we continue abiding in Christ, living by His Spirit, and extending His invitation to a world longing for hope. There truly is a place for you at His table. If you haven’t taken your seat, please do! If you have, invite others to join you!
To watch the full conversation with Dr. Lichi, visit the link here.
