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Jesus the Bridegroom: The Greatest Love Story Ever Told
In "Jesus the Bridegroom," Brant Pitre once again taps into the wells of Jewish Scripture and tradition, and unlocks the secrets of what is arguably the most well-known symbol of the Christian faith: the cross of Christ. In this thrilling exploration, Pitre shows how the suffering and death of Jesus was far more than a tragic Roman execution. Instead, the Passion of Christ was the fulfillment of ancient Jewish prophecies of a" wedding," when the God of the universe would wed himself to humankind in an everlasting nuptial covenant.
To be sure, most Christians are familiar with the apostle Paul's teaching that Christ is the 'Bridegroom' and the Church is the 'Bride'. But what does this really "mean"? And what would ever possess Paul to compare the death of Christ to the love of a husband for his wife? If you would have been at the Crucifixion, with Jesus hanging there dying, is that how "you" would have described it? How could a first-century Jew like Paul, who knew how brutal Roman crucifixions were, have ever compared the execution of Jesus to a wedding? And why does he refer to this as the "great mystery" (Ephesians 5:32)?
As Pitre shows, the key to unlocking this mystery can be found by going back to Jewish Scripture and tradition and seeing the entire history of salvation, from Mount Sinai to Mount Calvary, as "a divine love story" between Creator and creature, between God and Israel, between Christ and his bride--a story that comes to its climax on the wood of a Roman cross.
In the pages of "Jesus the Bridegroom," dozens of familiar passages in the Bible--the Exodus, the Song of Songs, the Wedding at Cana, the Woman at the Well, the Last Supper, the Crucifixion, and even the Second Coming at the End of Time--are suddenly transformed before our eyes. Indeed, when seen in the light of Jewish Scripture and tradition, the life of Christ is nothing less than the greatest love story ever told.
To be sure, most Christians are familiar with the apostle Paul's teaching that Christ is the 'Bridegroom' and the Church is the 'Bride'. But what does this really "mean"? And what would ever possess Paul to compare the death of Christ to the love of a husband for his wife? If you would have been at the Crucifixion, with Jesus hanging there dying, is that how "you" would have described it? How could a first-century Jew like Paul, who knew how brutal Roman crucifixions were, have ever compared the execution of Jesus to a wedding? And why does he refer to this as the "great mystery" (Ephesians 5:32)?
As Pitre shows, the key to unlocking this mystery can be found by going back to Jewish Scripture and tradition and seeing the entire history of salvation, from Mount Sinai to Mount Calvary, as "a divine love story" between Creator and creature, between God and Israel, between Christ and his bride--a story that comes to its climax on the wood of a Roman cross.
In the pages of "Jesus the Bridegroom," dozens of familiar passages in the Bible--the Exodus, the Song of Songs, the Wedding at Cana, the Woman at the Well, the Last Supper, the Crucifixion, and even the Second Coming at the End of Time--are suddenly transformed before our eyes. Indeed, when seen in the light of Jewish Scripture and tradition, the life of Christ is nothing less than the greatest love story ever told.
208 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2014
280 people are currently reading
2080 people want to read
About the author
Brant Pitre
43 books438 followersDr. Brant Pitre is Professor of Sacred Scripture at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans, Louisiana. He earned his Ph.D. in Theology from the University of Notre Dame, where he specialized the study of the New Testament and ancient Judaism. He is the author of several articles and the books Jesus, the Tribulation, and the End of the Exile (Baker Academic, 2005); Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist (Image Books, 2011); and Jesus the Bridegroom (Image Books, 2014). Dr. Pitre is an extremely enthusiastic and engaging speaker who lectures regularly across the United States. He has produced dozens of Bible studies on CD, DVD, and MP3, in which he explores the biblical foundations of Catholic faith and theology. He currently lives in Gray, Louisiana, with his wife Elizabeth, and their five children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
April 1, 2021
I think this could be a 5 star book for me if I had been able to read it with better attention. For Lent this year, one of my new things to try was to read a spiritual book before bed, and I chose Jesus the Bridegroom. Unfortunately, I often fell asleep while I was trying to read so the sections that I read each evening were not terribly cohesive. A few things that stood out to me were: The Old Testament preparation of the people of Israel to see their Messiah as their bridegroom. New Testament indications that Jesus gave, especially referenced were the Wedding at Cana and the Last Supper. An extensive exploration of the theme of Jesus as Bridegroom related to the Woman at the Well and the Crucifixion. In a nutshell, we should see ourselves in the Samaritan woman's desire to find the union and fulfillment that only Jesus can give in numerous husbands. Where are we looking for fulfillment and union we desire outside of a relationship with Jesus? I was really touched by the view of Jesus' total gift of self in the Crucifixion as being His gift of Himself to us, His bride. This is not a new concept for me, but there is something about the buildup in the book of seeing Jesus as my Bridegroom, the Bridegroom of the Church, on a deeper level that made me really stand in awe of this concept and appreciate Mass more. Other points included in the book which I do not remember as well are the bridal aspects of the end of time and those aspects in the sacraments. I picked out this book for Lent because it was recommended as additional reading for a video course on the Eucharist led by Brant Pitre. Reading this when I wasn't too sleepy brought to my mind his youthful and enthusiastic voice. I do not know how many video courses he has recorded, but I highly recommend them as his enthusiasm for the Faith and the Bible are infectious. Lastly, there are extensive informative notes in the back of the book - the kind that it is worth the trouble looking up while one reads the book. Unfortunately, I didn't see them until I was finished. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to dive deeper into getting to know Jesus better and that includes myself. Hopefully, this is a book that I will read twice.
January 19, 2022
The scholar who seeks to trace a theme throughout the OT and NT, and to draw upon Jewish literature outside the Bible in the process, has one definite strength and two potential weaknesses.
The definite strength is that such a study, when done well and properly, will demonstrate the inherent theological and Spirit-created unity from Genesis to Revelation. This is something that Brant Pitre has done exceptionally well in Jesus the Bridegroom. He draws from all over the OT and NT to illustrate, in a rich and meaningful variety of ways, how Christ is the Bridegroom of the church.
Simultaneously, the scholar will face two potential weaknesses. One of these is that, because he is focused upon a single theme, he will be tempted to hammer that thematic square peg into every round hole of Scripture. In other words, if there is even the slightest hint that some biblical text might correlate with this theme, he may seek to read his theme into that text, even if it seems forced or overdone.
There are times when Pitre seems guilty of this as well, especially in his treatment of the crucifixion of Jesus as a wedding. I am thinking specifically of Jesus wearing the crown of thorns (which Pitre connects to the Jewish bridegroom wearing a crown and being “king for the day”) and of the Gospel’s description of his seamless tunic (which the author says is reflective of Jesus’ priesthood). Overall Pitre does a good job of avoiding the temptation to force texts into his thematic mold, but it does happen. This is almost inevitable with this kind of book. The reader shrugs, says, “Hmm, maybe not,” and reads on to cover more convincing material.
The other potential weakness is that, when authors draw upon Jewish literature outside the Bible to buttress their thesis, they may read much later material back into the first century AD context. In my opinion, Pitre is guilty of this repeatedly. It is a major weakness of the book. Well over a hundred times, he uses expressions like “ancient Jewish perspective,” “through ancient Jewish eyes,” “the ancient Jewish idea,” or “ancient Jewish evidence.” Most of the time, however, what he cites as “ancient” postdates the New Testament writings by well over a century, if not more. The Talmud, which he also cites as “ancient,” postdates the NT writings by several more centuries.
In my writings and research, I too draw upon the Mishnah, Talmud, Midrashim, Targums, and other Jewish literature. This is all well and good. But, for the sake of honest scholarship, we must emphasize the fact that, while these writings often claim to represent much older traditions, those traditions ordinarily cannot be verified to be true. Thus, importing Jewish material from two, three, or four centuries after the NT, as evidence of “ancient Jewish tradition” that sheds light on the NT, is not helpful. It is misleading to the uninformed reader.
I did like Jesus the Bridegroom and recommend it. The book is well written and presents an immensely important teaching about who Christ is and who the church is. I would urge the reader, however, to focus on the biblical material and to treat the “ancient Jewish traditions” with circumspection.
The definite strength is that such a study, when done well and properly, will demonstrate the inherent theological and Spirit-created unity from Genesis to Revelation. This is something that Brant Pitre has done exceptionally well in Jesus the Bridegroom. He draws from all over the OT and NT to illustrate, in a rich and meaningful variety of ways, how Christ is the Bridegroom of the church.
Simultaneously, the scholar will face two potential weaknesses. One of these is that, because he is focused upon a single theme, he will be tempted to hammer that thematic square peg into every round hole of Scripture. In other words, if there is even the slightest hint that some biblical text might correlate with this theme, he may seek to read his theme into that text, even if it seems forced or overdone.
There are times when Pitre seems guilty of this as well, especially in his treatment of the crucifixion of Jesus as a wedding. I am thinking specifically of Jesus wearing the crown of thorns (which Pitre connects to the Jewish bridegroom wearing a crown and being “king for the day”) and of the Gospel’s description of his seamless tunic (which the author says is reflective of Jesus’ priesthood). Overall Pitre does a good job of avoiding the temptation to force texts into his thematic mold, but it does happen. This is almost inevitable with this kind of book. The reader shrugs, says, “Hmm, maybe not,” and reads on to cover more convincing material.
The other potential weakness is that, when authors draw upon Jewish literature outside the Bible to buttress their thesis, they may read much later material back into the first century AD context. In my opinion, Pitre is guilty of this repeatedly. It is a major weakness of the book. Well over a hundred times, he uses expressions like “ancient Jewish perspective,” “through ancient Jewish eyes,” “the ancient Jewish idea,” or “ancient Jewish evidence.” Most of the time, however, what he cites as “ancient” postdates the New Testament writings by well over a century, if not more. The Talmud, which he also cites as “ancient,” postdates the NT writings by several more centuries.
In my writings and research, I too draw upon the Mishnah, Talmud, Midrashim, Targums, and other Jewish literature. This is all well and good. But, for the sake of honest scholarship, we must emphasize the fact that, while these writings often claim to represent much older traditions, those traditions ordinarily cannot be verified to be true. Thus, importing Jewish material from two, three, or four centuries after the NT, as evidence of “ancient Jewish tradition” that sheds light on the NT, is not helpful. It is misleading to the uninformed reader.
I did like Jesus the Bridegroom and recommend it. The book is well written and presents an immensely important teaching about who Christ is and who the church is. I would urge the reader, however, to focus on the biblical material and to treat the “ancient Jewish traditions” with circumspection.
August 29, 2018
This is really a Fantastic book. I read one of Brant Pitre book last year The Case for Jesus: The Biblical and Historical Evidence for Christ wonderfully written with collective evidence. This present book is more than the first one I read. This book changed many of my view about the Gospel, Brant Pitre managed to give several new insights to me. This will really help me in my Gospel preaching and homilies. Jesus as a Bridegroom, though I heard this concept in several times in theology and scriptural classes, it was not convincing for me. But when I read this book it really made sense in me.
The Manifestation at Cana, Samaritan Woman, and several other passages made really meaningful after reading this book. The several interpretations the author gives are really attractive. I loved to read it again. I got a bulk of notes from this book, thanks to Brant Pitre for his hard work. God will bless you to do His more fruitfully and it will help us again to understand the Scripture and love it with our heart.
The Manifestation at Cana, Samaritan Woman, and several other passages made really meaningful after reading this book. The several interpretations the author gives are really attractive. I loved to read it again. I got a bulk of notes from this book, thanks to Brant Pitre for his hard work. God will bless you to do His more fruitfully and it will help us again to understand the Scripture and love it with our heart.
July 19, 2023
This is the third book I have read by Brant Pitre and my third 5 star read... he is up there with Scott Hahn and Bishop Barron as one of my favourite living theologians/apologetics authors to learn from. By the end of these book I had a greater understanding and appreciation for the depth of meaning behind the imagery of Jesus as a bridegroom and the Church as a bride.
April 24, 2024
THE DATING FAST READ I NEEDED🤌🏽 Not super tender or deep but it came into the picture right after a month of incredible prayer and provided the structural integrity for my heart to maintain a constant hope in Jesus’ desire to be intimately close to me! If you like John 4… read this book and I can guarantee you’ll never read the woman at the well the same way ever again!!!
I used to hear that sex is a joke compared to the kind of relationship the Lord wants with you and I always liked that but could never explain why. (Besides like… vulnerability? Divine Intimacy?) This book has provided me with the historical Jewish context for the wedding feast of Jesus and the consummation of His love displayed in his life, death and the life of the church. It drew me closer to the cross, to the Gospels and increased my desire for Heaven!
I used to hear that sex is a joke compared to the kind of relationship the Lord wants with you and I always liked that but could never explain why. (Besides like… vulnerability? Divine Intimacy?) This book has provided me with the historical Jewish context for the wedding feast of Jesus and the consummation of His love displayed in his life, death and the life of the church. It drew me closer to the cross, to the Gospels and increased my desire for Heaven!
November 30, 2015
"He already knows 'everything we've ever done' (cf. John 4:29). And he is waiting by the well anyway."
Dr. Brant Pitre never disappoints! Want to know how much Jesus loves you? Read this book!
Dr. Brant Pitre never disappoints! Want to know how much Jesus loves you? Read this book!
February 8, 2023
Brant Pitre, in his easy-to-read and engaging style, explores the depth of the teaching of Jesus as the Bridegroom and the Church as His Bride. There is a lot of material here, so I recommend having a Bible handy to reference along with Pitre as he goes. I also liked how he referenced extra-Biblical Second Temple materials and other documents. The ending really left an impact on me, as it enlightened how the average Christian can be mindful of the spousal element of our relationship with Christ in prayer.
October 26, 2025
Wow! I will read this again. There is so much in it to ponder.
November 21, 2023
Really deep & theological, but honestly the author wrote in such a way that it made sense for a beginner in theology (aka me). Also, the last chapter on spousal love was beautiful & would recommend even just to read this part.
May 17, 2017
This book is a solid look at a beautiful and glorious approach to our relationship with Christ. The author delves deeply into Scripture and yet makes it a very accessible book to read. I love the historical analysis of Jewish thought and culture in relation to what is revealed in Scripture. The author's presentation of these materials invite the reader to a deeper understanding of meaning, symbolism, and message. I am certainly curious about the author's other books after reading this one. Again, a very solid book. One which leaves me in love with Jesus, and enthralled about studying His Word more deeply.
April 13, 2025
This book is incredible. Focuses on John and Song of Solomon, and it reveals the ways in which Jesus is revealed to be the bridegroom of his people, as well as why that is good news for us. Can’t wait to read more Pitre.
November 4, 2020
4 ✩
Be subject to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives, submit to your husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. As the church submits to Christ, so let wives also submit in everything to their husbands. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. Even so husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no man ever hates his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body. "For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one." However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband (Ephesians 5:21-33).
Be subject to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives, submit to your husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. As the church submits to Christ, so let wives also submit in everything to their husbands. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. Even so husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no man ever hates his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body. "For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one." However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband (Ephesians 5:21-33).
May 4, 2024
“Acesta este ultimul mister al vieții creștine luminate de realitatea mirelui Isus: misterul rugăciunii. Nu numai prin botez și euharistie sau prin căsătorie, feciorie consacrată sau celibat putem intra în marele mister al iubirii lui Cristos pentru Biserică, ci și prin întâlnire personală cu Dumnezeul cel viu cunoscută ca rugăciune (…).
Căci dacă Isus este într-adevăr Mirele divin, iar Biserica este într-adevăr Mireasa Lui, atunci El se află acolo totdeauna, așteptând la fântână din toată veșnicia, așteptând să ne aducem la El trăirile și să-i cerem să ne dea darul Duhului Său. Și dacă facem asta zi de zi până la sfârșitul vieții, El ne va duce în ținutul numit “Cununată ( Beulah) (Isaia 62:4), unde morții vor învia și unde “nici nu se mai însoară, nici nu se mai mărită” (cf. Marcu 12:25) fiindcă “nunta Mielului” va fi venit în sfârșit și Mireasa “se va fi pregătit”. În ziua aceea Noul Ierusalim a coborât din cer în toată slava sa, ca “o mireasă împodobită pentru mirele ei” (Apocalipsa 21:2).Pe urmă când lumea cea veche se va sfîrși și va veni una nouă în care nu va mai exista plânset ori suferință căci totul s-a înnoit, atunci îl vom privi pe Acela care ne-a iubit și S-a dat pe Sine pentru noi. Atunci Îl vom privi pe Acela cu care am stat de vorbă La fântână, nu ca printr-o oglinda, ci “față în față” și în ziua aceea poate vom auzi și pe îngeri cântând ce i s-a spus cândva lui Ioan: “Vino să-ți arăt mireasa, femeia Mirelui.” (Apocalipsa 21:9) “
Căci dacă Isus este într-adevăr Mirele divin, iar Biserica este într-adevăr Mireasa Lui, atunci El se află acolo totdeauna, așteptând la fântână din toată veșnicia, așteptând să ne aducem la El trăirile și să-i cerem să ne dea darul Duhului Său. Și dacă facem asta zi de zi până la sfârșitul vieții, El ne va duce în ținutul numit “Cununată ( Beulah) (Isaia 62:4), unde morții vor învia și unde “nici nu se mai însoară, nici nu se mai mărită” (cf. Marcu 12:25) fiindcă “nunta Mielului” va fi venit în sfârșit și Mireasa “se va fi pregătit”. În ziua aceea Noul Ierusalim a coborât din cer în toată slava sa, ca “o mireasă împodobită pentru mirele ei” (Apocalipsa 21:2).Pe urmă când lumea cea veche se va sfîrși și va veni una nouă în care nu va mai exista plânset ori suferință căci totul s-a înnoit, atunci îl vom privi pe Acela care ne-a iubit și S-a dat pe Sine pentru noi. Atunci Îl vom privi pe Acela cu care am stat de vorbă La fântână, nu ca printr-o oglinda, ci “față în față” și în ziua aceea poate vom auzi și pe îngeri cântând ce i s-a spus cândva lui Ioan: “Vino să-ți arăt mireasa, femeia Mirelui.” (Apocalipsa 21:9) “
July 12, 2022
I really enjoyed this book!! I enjoyed reflecting on the Jewish idea of bride and bridegroom and how that connects to the idea of Jesus being the bridegroom and His Church being His bride. That phrase gets thrown around a lot and so it was interesting to read about where that phrase came from and its true meaning. The writing style is a little difficult to get used to because it feels more like the outline of a book than the final draft, but despite that flaw I still enjoyed this book very much. It was very enriching to my Faith!
July 6, 2023
A truth that is central to the entirety of Christian life, that deserves so much attention and contemplation, that leaves the heart that is thirsting for living water in wonder and awe - the truth that Jesus is the Bridegroom Who ardently desires union with His spouse: you.
“This world is the betrothal…the wedding will be in the days of the Messiah.” - Exodus Rabbah 15:31
“This world is the betrothal…the wedding will be in the days of the Messiah.” - Exodus Rabbah 15:31
May 13, 2018
Very good
This was a great read. So many nuggets of wisdom and new revelation for me. Jesus is the Bridegroom and we must make ourselves ready, but how ? Read the book and you will learn of His unfathomable love for His bride, the Church and how she makes herself ready.
This was a great read. So many nuggets of wisdom and new revelation for me. Jesus is the Bridegroom and we must make ourselves ready, but how ? Read the book and you will learn of His unfathomable love for His bride, the Church and how she makes herself ready.
June 30, 2019
Brant Pitre in "Jesus the Bridegroom" provides beautiful, well written insight into the marriage of Christ, the bridegroom, to his bride, the Church. Pitre uses examples from sacred scripture and the Catechism of the Catholic church to deepen our faith and show how the theme of Christ the bridegroom is at the very heart of salvation. I found this a very meaningful book that help strength my faith.
March 22, 2024
Goodness, this book is good. So very good. To read about Brideship in light of the Church’s identity is absolutely stunning and completely whole. Pitre writes about bridal identity and the Lord’s perfect spousal love for us exactly for what it is: personal, sacred, and gloriously intimate.
November 18, 2019
There is always something new to learn about the Faith.
April 1, 2024
Highly recommend!!
April 10, 2024
Direct, well-researched, and accessible work on the essential yet overlooked core of the Christian faith.
December 7, 2024
Brant Pitre doesnt stop dropping amazing content. Really helps you understand scripture better as if you are there.
People are missing out on their faith.
People are missing out on their faith.
September 3, 2025
Extremely moving, especially on the eve of my own wedding.
March 15, 2025
Brant Pitre is such a dawg. I always learn new stuff from him. Also! Remember to look into Jewish tradition if you want to better understand Jesus, the Bible, and the whole story of salvation— it will blow your mind and change your life!
July 15, 2022
Dintre toate poveștile de dragoste citite sau auzite, aceasta e într-adevăr, așa cum șcrie și în subtitlul cărții, cea mai frumoasă și mai profundă poveste de dragoste a tuturor timpurilor- iubirea jertfitoare a Mirelui pentru mine-Mireasa Lui. Iubire pe care mintea nu poate să o cuprindă și să o înțeleagă într-u totul, în schimb o poate simți pe deplin.
April 16, 2024
Good stuff!
Pitre accessibly and attractively presents the too often ignored core of Christian life: the nuptial mystery of communion with God.
Pitre accessibly and attractively presents the too often ignored core of Christian life: the nuptial mystery of communion with God.
April 4, 2014
As a Christian, I have read and heard references to the church being the “Bride of Christ” and references to Jesus as the “Bridegroom”. But I have never really thought a lot about it other than seeing it briefly as a vague symbolism for human marriage and how much God loves us. This book showed me that it is a lot more complex than I thought.
The author shows how Jesus and the Jews would interpret these references. But I will let the author explain the background for his book in his own words:
“Before we can understand what it would have meant for Jesus and the first Jewish Christians to refer to Him as “the Bridegroom” we need to understand why it is that ancient Jews referred to YHWH, the God of Israel, as the divine “Bridegroom.” From an ancient Jewish perspective, the God who created the universe is the “Bridegroom,” and all of human history is a kind of divine love story. From an ancient Jewish perspective, the history of salvation was centered on the events that took place at Mount Sinai during the exodus from Egypt at the time of Moses. And from an ancient Jewish perspective, the relationship between God and Israel that was established at Mount Sinai was not just a sacred bond revolving around the laws of the Ten Commandments. From the perspective of the Biblical prophets, what happened at Mount Sinai was nothing less than a divine wedding.”
Wow! I had never even thought of that! From a Biblical perspective, a “covenant” was a sacred family bond between persons, establishing between them a permanent and sacred relationship.
The author also uses examples from the New Testament. He discusses the miracle at the wedding in Cana, the Samaritan woman at the well, the Last Supper, the Crucifixion, Baptism, the Lord’s Supper (Communion), and explains how the “Bride and Bridegroom” and marriage relationship are played out in those events.
I will be perfectly honest and tell you that at first I was uncomfortable with the idea that God uses human marriage as an example to help us understand His relationship with the church (and therefore, with us). Looking at marriage in 2014 and the mess we make of it sure isn’t what I want to think of when I think about my relationship with God. But the author explained how marriage is viewed through the eyes of God and how God really does use His relationship with Israel and the Church as a model to be reflected in human marriage.
I recommend this book to everyone interested in Biblical topics. At the back of the book the author lists many important Jewish sources utilized by contemporary scholars. I want to add all of them to my “want to read” list. Check it out!
I was provided a free copy of this book for review from Crown Publishing. I was under no obligation to provide a favorable review.
The author shows how Jesus and the Jews would interpret these references. But I will let the author explain the background for his book in his own words:
“Before we can understand what it would have meant for Jesus and the first Jewish Christians to refer to Him as “the Bridegroom” we need to understand why it is that ancient Jews referred to YHWH, the God of Israel, as the divine “Bridegroom.” From an ancient Jewish perspective, the God who created the universe is the “Bridegroom,” and all of human history is a kind of divine love story. From an ancient Jewish perspective, the history of salvation was centered on the events that took place at Mount Sinai during the exodus from Egypt at the time of Moses. And from an ancient Jewish perspective, the relationship between God and Israel that was established at Mount Sinai was not just a sacred bond revolving around the laws of the Ten Commandments. From the perspective of the Biblical prophets, what happened at Mount Sinai was nothing less than a divine wedding.”
Wow! I had never even thought of that! From a Biblical perspective, a “covenant” was a sacred family bond between persons, establishing between them a permanent and sacred relationship.
The author also uses examples from the New Testament. He discusses the miracle at the wedding in Cana, the Samaritan woman at the well, the Last Supper, the Crucifixion, Baptism, the Lord’s Supper (Communion), and explains how the “Bride and Bridegroom” and marriage relationship are played out in those events.
I will be perfectly honest and tell you that at first I was uncomfortable with the idea that God uses human marriage as an example to help us understand His relationship with the church (and therefore, with us). Looking at marriage in 2014 and the mess we make of it sure isn’t what I want to think of when I think about my relationship with God. But the author explained how marriage is viewed through the eyes of God and how God really does use His relationship with Israel and the Church as a model to be reflected in human marriage.
I recommend this book to everyone interested in Biblical topics. At the back of the book the author lists many important Jewish sources utilized by contemporary scholars. I want to add all of them to my “want to read” list. Check it out!
I was provided a free copy of this book for review from Crown Publishing. I was under no obligation to provide a favorable review.
April 28, 2014
The book Jesus the Bridegroom is a more detailed version of Dr. Brant Pitre's talk with the same name. Using covenantal theology and an understanding of Jewish custom, Dr. Pitre walks us step-by-step through the divine love story of Jesus and the human race. We begin with the covenant at Mount Sinai where God made Israel His people. Then, we quickly and constantly see Israel fall away and break the covenant, in such instances as the golden calf and their constant forsaking of God to follow false gods.
After that, Dr. Pitre introduces us to the key players. Jesus, of course, is the bridegroom and John the Baptist is the best man. But a groom can't be a groom without a bride. This leads to what I consider the most interesting chapter in the book - "The Woman at the Well." Dr. Pitre compares the story of the Samaritan woman at the well to Old Testament references of women at the well. Isaac's bride was found by Abraham's servant at a well. Both Jacob and Moses met their wives at wells also. In fact, Jesus met the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well. With Jesus approaching this woman at the well, he is extending His love to not only Israel but the whole human race. After this we see Jesus establish a New Covenant at the Last Supper, where He instituted the Eucharist with the twelve apostles who were symbolic of the Twelve Tribes of Israel. We see the actual wedding day on the Crucifixion.
This is an absolutely amazing book. I grew up a good Southern Baptist. I knew my parables, particularly the one of the Ten Virgins, and thus I knew that Jesus was groom; we were His bride; and to always be on the lookout for his Second Coming. What I didn't know is just how deep; how rich the theme of Jesus as the Bridegroom ran not only through the New Testament, but the Old Testament as well. My mind is literally blown and I want to read this book again just to let it sink in further and pick up points I missed. Dr. Pitre is an amazing scholar and, I can't wait to see what he has in store for us next!
After that, Dr. Pitre introduces us to the key players. Jesus, of course, is the bridegroom and John the Baptist is the best man. But a groom can't be a groom without a bride. This leads to what I consider the most interesting chapter in the book - "The Woman at the Well." Dr. Pitre compares the story of the Samaritan woman at the well to Old Testament references of women at the well. Isaac's bride was found by Abraham's servant at a well. Both Jacob and Moses met their wives at wells also. In fact, Jesus met the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well. With Jesus approaching this woman at the well, he is extending His love to not only Israel but the whole human race. After this we see Jesus establish a New Covenant at the Last Supper, where He instituted the Eucharist with the twelve apostles who were symbolic of the Twelve Tribes of Israel. We see the actual wedding day on the Crucifixion.
This is an absolutely amazing book. I grew up a good Southern Baptist. I knew my parables, particularly the one of the Ten Virgins, and thus I knew that Jesus was groom; we were His bride; and to always be on the lookout for his Second Coming. What I didn't know is just how deep; how rich the theme of Jesus as the Bridegroom ran not only through the New Testament, but the Old Testament as well. My mind is literally blown and I want to read this book again just to let it sink in further and pick up points I missed. Dr. Pitre is an amazing scholar and, I can't wait to see what he has in store for us next!
April 17, 2014
I received "Jesus the Bridegroom" by Brant Pitre as a Goodreads Giveaway. The short blurb explaining the topic and scope of the book intrigued me and I was quite eager to begin reading. I was highly disappointed as I read on however. I must admit that during I was the introduction and the first two chapters very intersting and educational. Pitre seems to assume that his reader is aware of and resistant to the idea of Jesus being the bridegroom and the church being his bride. That is a concept that I have heard about and been taught for many, many years so while I found his explanations a little redundant they made sense.
Beginning in the third chapter, concerning the Samaritan woman, I saw a major difference between what I've been taught over the years and that was the first thing that began to bother me about the book. I have always been taught and in what I've read I've always seen that the Jews didn't associate with Samaritans because they were mixed with foreigner blood. I was a little confused as to why that didn't seem to be mentioned.
I must ackowledge that I did find the in-depth research Pitre did into ancient Jewish wedding customs interesting, if not overzealous. I also found odd, unless somehow I skipped over it, that Pitre says he'll explain why "husbands apparently get off so easy with the simple command to 'love' their wives" and then that explanation is never fully given.
Overall, I would recommend avoiding this book. Yes there are valuable concepts explained. Yes Pitre did a large amount of research which he generously shares with the reader. However, in my opinion, this explanation and resaerch could have been shared in a much shorter and less convoluted way.
Beginning in the third chapter, concerning the Samaritan woman, I saw a major difference between what I've been taught over the years and that was the first thing that began to bother me about the book. I have always been taught and in what I've read I've always seen that the Jews didn't associate with Samaritans because they were mixed with foreigner blood. I was a little confused as to why that didn't seem to be mentioned.
I must ackowledge that I did find the in-depth research Pitre did into ancient Jewish wedding customs interesting, if not overzealous. I also found odd, unless somehow I skipped over it, that Pitre says he'll explain why "husbands apparently get off so easy with the simple command to 'love' their wives" and then that explanation is never fully given.
Overall, I would recommend avoiding this book. Yes there are valuable concepts explained. Yes Pitre did a large amount of research which he generously shares with the reader. However, in my opinion, this explanation and resaerch could have been shared in a much shorter and less convoluted way.
May 5, 2020
O interesantă expunere din perspectiva nupțială a legământului lui Dumnezeu făcut cu poporul Israel.
Efortul autorului în cercetarea textelor și culturii ebraice oferă un context in care interpretarea afirmațiilor pauline despre Hristos si Biserică devin mai clare. "Dezlegarea" misterului de la începutul lucrării lui Isus (nunta din Cana) accentuează identitatea divină și relația Mire-Mireasa (discutând in paralel si despre relația lui Dumnezeu cu Israel).
În ultimul capitol autorul discuta despre aspectul mistic al sacramentelor si felul in care acestea funcționează ca mijloace la participarea "iubirii tainice" dintre Hristos și Biserică (perspectiva catolică).
Efortul autorului în cercetarea textelor și culturii ebraice oferă un context in care interpretarea afirmațiilor pauline despre Hristos si Biserică devin mai clare. "Dezlegarea" misterului de la începutul lucrării lui Isus (nunta din Cana) accentuează identitatea divină și relația Mire-Mireasa (discutând in paralel si despre relația lui Dumnezeu cu Israel).
În ultimul capitol autorul discuta despre aspectul mistic al sacramentelor si felul in care acestea funcționează ca mijloace la participarea "iubirii tainice" dintre Hristos și Biserică (perspectiva catolică).
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