This mystery is great—but I am actually speaking with reference to Christ and the church.
Ephesians 5:32
Into the Text
Paul’s writing on marriage is two-fold. It is firstly a teaching about the right relationship between a husband and wife, but – in a much deeper and even mysterious sense – it finds its foundation in the relationship of Christ and the church.
As wives are called to submit to and respect their husbands, and husbands are called to sacrificially love their wives, the church is also to mirror the same relationship.
Everything we do in the church is in obedience to Jesus’ commands, teachings, and leadership. Jesus’ ultimate goal is to build His church into a people who are redeemed and are seeking to live in the way that gives glory and praise to God. In Jesus, there is no selfishness, no unreasonable commands, and no absentee leadership. Isn’t that a leader worth following?
And, just as marriages are meant to be permanent and not broken by either husband or wife, so the church is not meant to be something we try out for a little while. God wants us to be committed to His people, even calling us to be willing to give up our lives for Jesus and His church.
With Christ at the head of the church where he perfectly loves and leads us, it makes it easy to delight in following His ways. It is a privilege and joy to be part of such a fellowship.
Prayer
Jesus, thank you for your church. Thank you that you are a Savior who perfectly loves and leads. May I value and love the church as you have so loved us. Amen.