John 3:22–36 – In his discourse with the Jewish leaders, John the Baptist continues some of the themes introduced in Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus, particularly that the only way to understand the kingdom of God is to receive it — to be born again — from above. But he also introduces a new theme: Christ as the bridegroom, whose voice is calling his bride to him. Drawing deeply from marriage themes throughout scripture, particularly Jeremiah 33, John rejoices to see the bridegroom calling his bride, and his bride responding — all of which points forward to the ultimate marriage, at the end of the Book of Revelation.
