Total Time: ~2.5–3 hours
Focus: Seeing God’s plan of salvation, grace, and eternal union through the lens of ancient Jewish wedding customs.
💍 Session 1 — The Betrothal: Covenant Initiated (45–60 mins)
📖 Reading
Hosea 1–3 — God’s covenant love shown through the prophet’s marriage.
📖 Key Passages
- Hosea 2:19–20 — “I will betroth thee unto me forever… in lovingkindness, and in mercies.”
- Hosea 3:1 — “Go yet, love a woman beloved of her friend, yet an adulteress… according to the love of the LORD…”
📖 Additional Passages
- Jeremiah 31:31–34 — “I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel…”
- Matthew 1:18–25 — "…before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost."
🧠 Study & Reflection
The Jewish betrothal was not a casual engagement—it was a binding legal covenant, often arranged and sealed before the actual union. Through Hosea, God portrays His unwavering love for His people, even amid betrayal. The betrothal is God’s declaration: “You are mine forever.” This image of sacred commitment reveals God’s grace in pursuing a people who often wander. It sets the tone for understanding salvation not just as a rescue but as a covenantal relationship of love.
🔍 Word Study Suggestions
| KJV Word | Original Language | Original Word |
|---|---|---|
| Betroth | Hebrew (OT) | אָרַשׁ (‘arash) |
| Covenant | Hebrew (OT) | בְּרִית (beriyth) |
| Espoused | Greek (NT) | μνηστεύω (mnēsteuō) |
🕯️ Session 2 — Preparation & Waiting: The Bridegroom’s Departure (45–60 mins)
📖 Reading
John 13–14 — Jesus comforts His disciples and promises to prepare a place.
📖 Key Passages
- John 14:2–3 — “I go to prepare a place for you… I will come again, and receive you unto myself.”
📖 Additional Passages
- Matthew 25:1–13 — “Behold, the bridegroom cometh…”
- Song of Solomon 2:8–13 — “The voice of my beloved! behold, he cometh leaping upon the mountains…”
🧠 Study & Reflection
In Jewish custom, after betrothal the bridegroom would leave to prepare a home for his bride—usually an addition to his father’s house. The bride waited, not knowing the hour of his return, but trusting he would come. In John 13–14, Jesus takes the role of that bridegroom. He assures His disciples that though He departs, His love and promise remain. We are called to wait expectantly and faithfully, keeping our hearts ready for His return.
🔍 Word Study Suggestions
| KJV Word | Original Language | Original Word |
|---|---|---|
| Virgins | Greek (NT) | παρθένος (parthenos) |
| Watch | Greek (NT) | γρηγορέω (grēgoreō) |
| Prepare | Greek (NT) | ετοιμάζω (hetoimazō) |
🎉 Session 3 — The Wedding & Union: Eternal Joy (45–60 mins)
📖 Reading
Revelation 19–21 — The marriage supper of the Lamb and the New Jerusalem.
📖 Key Passages
- Revelation 19:7–9 — “The marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.”
- Revelation 21:2 — “As a bride adorned for her husband…”
📖 Additional Passages
- Isaiah 62:4–5 — “As the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so shall thy God rejoice over thee.”
- Ephesians 5:25–32 — “This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.”
🧠 Study & Reflection
The wedding is not the end of the story—it is the eternal beginning. The union between Christ and His Bride, the Church, will be celebrated in joy and glory. Revelation gives us a glimpse of the final celebration: white garments, rejoicing multitudes, and the dwelling of God with man. We are no longer waiting—we are united, made one forever. This hope gives purpose to our waiting and longing.
🔍 Word Study Suggestions
| KJV Word | Original Language | Original Word |
|---|---|---|
| Marriage Supper | Greek (NT) | γάμος (gamos) |
| Rejoice | Hebrew / Greek | ש׆וּש׆ (sû»£) / χαίρω (chairō) |
| Adorned | Greek (NT) | καλέω (kaleō) |
✝️ Memory Verse
Isaiah 54:5 — “For thy Maker is thine husband; the Lord of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called.”