Juan 3:29

John’s illustration showed that his attitude and behavior were consistent with normal conduct. In the illustration Jesus is the bridegroom and John is the bridegroom’s friend.

"The assistant acted on behalf of the bridegroom and made the preliminary arrangements for the ceremony." [Note: Blum, p. 283.]

The bride is probably a reference to Israel (cf. Isaiah 54:5; Isaiah 62:4-5; Jeremiah 2:2; Jeremiah 3:20; Ezekiel 16:8; Hosea 2:16-20). John was therefore implying that he played a supporting role in Messiah’s union with Israel. This was a testimony to Jesus’ identity as Messiah whom John said he rejoiced to hear.

When John the Baptist spoke these words the church was an unknown entity in God’s plan, so it is unlikely that it was in his mind. However the original readers of this Gospel were probably familiar with the Apostle Paul’s revelations concerning the church being the bride of Christ (e.g., 2 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 5:25-27; Ephesians 5:32). Israel had spurned her bridegroom when He came for her, and consequently He had taken a different bride for Himself. John’s joy was complete or full (Gr. pleroun) because he knew that he was fulfilling his role faithfully. Jesus’ increasing popularity filled John’s disciples with resentment, but it filled John with joy.