The Paradox Par Excellence
No life ever lived is so paradoxical as that of Jesus Christ- the “Man God”. Anyone come to earth is born to live. But Jesus was born to die. Dying was the reason for His coming. Of course His dying was not for the sake of just dying. Hence His humiliation, suffering and death have a counterpoint of glory. Divinity shines forth whenever His human nature is humiliated. This intrinsic relationship runs all through His life. Sure, He was born of a humble maid in a stable. But there were angels to announce His glory. He lowered Himself to the companionship of an ox and an ass in a manger. But there was a unique and shining star to lead the gentiles (the Magy) to guide them to Him, the King of Kings. He was hungry and tempted in the wilderness. But there were angels to minister unto Him. His Blood poured forth in Gethsamene. But it was because His Heavenly Father reached Him a cup. He was arrested because His hour had come. There were twelve legions of angels to liberate Him if He wanted to. But He wanted to offer His life for the liberation of men from the bondage of satan. He did humble Himself to receive John’s baptism. But simultaneously God the Father did proclaim the glory of His Eternal Son who needed absolutely no purification. If there were some townpeople to reject Him and throw Him over a cliff, He had the divine power to walk through the midst of them unharmed. If He was nailed to the Cross, there was a sun to hide its face in shame. There was an earth quake in protest against the creatures for what the creatures did to its creator. He was laid in a tomb. But there were angels to herald His Resurrection.
The life of Christ is unique. He conditioned the establishment of His reign on earth and in heaven on His suffering and death. His victory over satan has a representative and victorious character. Quoting Isaiah He says He came to be counted among the malefactors. The cross is everywhere in His Life. However, even His closest friends, the Apostles, could not grasp its meaning. Hence, often Our Lord kept the sublime truth to Himself. His first public announcement of His death He made when the Pharisees referred to fasting. A devout Israelite used to fast twice- on Mondays and Fridays. The Lord’s concept of fasting was different from that of the Baptist. This is the justification for the Pharisees to describe the Lord as “glutton and a wine bibber.” The reason He gave is more profound than seems at first sight. “Jesus replied, Do wedding guests fast while celebrating with the groom? Of course not. They can’t fast while the groom is with them” (Mk.2 :19).
Jesus calls Himself “the Bride groom”. The Pharisees, rather well versed in the OT do know the image. The relation between God and Israel is one of Bride- Bride groom relationship. Over seven centuries before prophet Hosea heard God speak of Israel. “I will make you my wife for ever, showing you righteousness and justice, unfailing love and compassion”(Hos. 2:19). Prophet Isaiah trails the same path. “For your Creator will be your husband; the Lord of Heaven’s Armies is his name! the God of all the earth” (Is. 54:5).
His listeners knew well what He meant. He is God. He is the Lord to whom Israel is espoused. He steps into God’s shoes (OT) claiming the same rights and privileges. Our Lord makes other references two, to refer to Himself as the Bride groom.
