voice” (John 3:29). This makes Jesus the bridegroom—the one who gives himself to the bride. Jesus sometimes used the same imagery to explain his saving work. He compared his kingdom to a king who throws a wedding feast for his son (Matt. 22:2) or to maidens waiting to meet the groom (Matt. 25:1). Later, when the apostle Paul wanted to explain what Jesus had done to save his people, he said it was like a husband who loved his wife so much that he gave himself up for her (Eph. 5:25–27). Jesus is so