Betrothal

 

Betrothal? I can almost hear some people’s questioning of this archaic word, which is defined as, a formal, mutual promise or contract between two people to get married in the future. In other words, it’s getting engaged.

Usually, before the proposal, the guy would go to the girl’s father to ask for her hand in marriage, once the father agrees, the guy would then propose, place a ring on the girl’s finger and that would signify that they’re engaged – a promise to marry.

Under our modern Western influence, there’s dating, engagement then marriage but in Jesus’ day in Israel, the tradition was, and still is in other parts of the world, slightly different.

Similarly, the guy would leave his father’s house to go to the girl’s father’s house but then he would offer her father a price to marry her. The two would then engage in haggling and only if they came to an agreement on the price, would it be paid and a covenant made.

Then, to seal the deal, so to speak, the groom and bride would drink from a single cup of wine; this symbolized their shared life of their new covenant. That was the betrothal.

Jesus’ promise to His disciples at the “Last Supper”, was also a betrothal.

There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. – John 14:2-3 (NLT)

Jesus left His Father’s house, came to our house on this earthly plain (see John 6:38 &16:28a) and paid a hefty price for His bride – the Church, us as a whole and us as individuals. The price Jesus paid to share His Life with you and with me, was His own blood.

When in Luke 22:20 (NASB), Jesus, in the upper room with His disciples, took the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup, which is poured out for you, is the new covenant in My blood”, He ratified the agreement with them and by extension all of mankind in a heavenly betrothal.

Beloved, even though Jesus paid the highest price possible for all mankind, it’s still up to mankind to accept His proposal. It’s still up to you and me to say “Yes” to Him.

To the members of the church in Ephesus, Apostle Paul wrote,

As the Scriptures say, “A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.” This is a great mystery, but it is an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one. – Ephesians 5:31-32 (NLT)

But you can’t be united into one with Jesus if you don’t accept that first step of betrothal. And if you have already accepted but find yourself sliding back, that’s okay because Jesus’ purchase makes provision for that too, once you’re willing to return to Him. After all, God Himself said,

“Return, faithless people…for I am your husband. I will choose you…” – Jeremiah 3:14 (NIV)

God has chosen you and will always choose you.

Amen †

 

Shelley Johnson “Betrothal” © 2026 October 3, 2026