CHRIST & HIS CHURCH | Jesus Shows Us the Way Back

DAY 3 | CHRIST & HIS CHURCH

Jesus Shows Us the Way Back

READ

Ephesians 5:21–33

“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for her.”

Ephesians 5:25

 

THE TRUTH

God established marriage in Genesis 2. Sin distorted it in Genesis 3. But Jesus came to redeem what sin had broken.

That's why when Paul teaches about marriage in Ephesians 5, he doesn't simply give husbands and wives a list of responsibilities.

He points them to Jesus.

Husbands are told to look at how Christ loves His Church.

Wives are told to look at the Church's relationship with Christ.

Then Paul says something remarkable:

“This mystery is profound, but I am talking about Christ and the church.”

Christian marriage is meant to point beyond itself.

Marriage is meant to tell a story about Jesus and His Bride.

That means the answer to brokenness in marriage isn't simply trying harder to fulfill a role. It begins with both husband and wife surrendering themselves to Jesus.

Before a husband can faithfully lead, serve, guard, sacrifice, provide, or care for his wife, he must first follow Christ.

Before a wife can faithfully help, complement, respect, encourage, support, or walk alongside her husband, she must first follow Christ. Jesus leads them both. And when we look at Jesus, we discover what relationships shaped by Him actually look like.

Jesus loves unconditionally.

Jesus cares selflessly.

Jesus protects actively.

Jesus provides purposefully.

Jesus leads through humble service.

Jesus pursues intentional intimacy with His people.

Jesus remains faithfully devoted.

 

These aren't merely characteristics for husbands. They aren't merely characteristics for wives.

They are characteristics of Jesus that every follower of Jesus should increasingly display.

Our different roles in marriage never excuse either spouse from becoming more like Christ.

In fact, we cannot faithfully live out the roles God has given us without Him.

A husband doesn't become Christlike by demanding that his wife follow him.

A wife doesn't become Christlike by simply checking off a list of marital responsibilities.

We become Christlike by following Christ. And as husbands and wives increasingly surrender themselves to Jesus, He teaches them how to love one another.

So before asking: “Is my spouse fulfilling their role?”

Ask a better question: “Does the way I love my spouse look increasingly like Jesus?”

 

REFLECT

1. Of the seven relationship characteristics of Jesus, which one is currently strongest in your relationships: unconditional love, selfless care, active protection, purposeful provision, servant leadership, intentional intimacy, or faithful devotion?
2. Which characteristic is most difficult for you to consistently practice?
3. Read Ephesians 5:21–33 again. Instead of focusing first on what the passage says someone else should do, ask: What does this passage reveal about Jesus that I need to imitate?

 

A HAPPILY MARRIED REMINDER

It is easy to read Ephesians 5 looking for your spouse's assignment.

Husbands can focus on what Scripture says to wives.

Wives can focus on what Scripture says to husbands.

Today, resist that temptation. Read the passage looking for your own call to obedience and Christ's example for you to follow.

 

TOGETHER OR INDIVIDUALLY

IF YOU'RE MARRIED

Look at the seven relationship characteristics of Jesus together:

Unconditional Love

Selfless Care

Active Protection

Purposeful Provision

Servant Leadership

Intentional Intimacy

Faithful Devotion

 

First, encourage one another. Each spouse choose one characteristic you already see your spouse demonstrating and tell them specifically where you see it. Then choose one characteristic you personally want Jesus to develop more deeply in you. 

 

Don't choose one for your spouse. Choose your own.

Then tell your spouse: “I want to grow in __________ because...”

 

IF YOU'RE SINGLE

The seven characteristics aren't qualities you should simply look for in a future spouse.

They are qualities you should be developing in yourself as you follow Jesus.

Look at your relationships right now: family, friends, church, coworkers, dating relationships, or people God has entrusted to your care.

 

Which characteristic of Jesus needs to become more evident in the way you relate to others?

Don't wait for marriage to begin practicing Christlike relationships. Become more like Jesus now.

 

FROM THE MARRIAGE CREED

“I will lead my spouse humbly serving them. My leadership will not be domineering or controlling but sacrificial and nurturing. Servant leadership will combat any pride, ego or selfish motives.”

 

Jesus completely redefines what leadership looks like.

He is Lord, yet He washes feet. He has all authority, yet He serves. He deserves everything, yet He gives Himself.

Jesus said:

“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life, a ransom for many.”

Mark 10:45

 

Whatever responsibility, influence, authority, or leadership God has entrusted to you should increasingly look like Jesus.

 

Christlike leadership doesn't ask: “How can I get people to serve me?”

It asks: “How can I use what God has entrusted to me for their good and His glory?”

 

RESPOND

TODAY I WILL...

Choose one of the seven relationship characteristics of Jesus to intentionally practice today.

I need to grow in:

 

Today I will practice this by:

 

Don't leave it abstract.

Choose something you can actually do today.

Love.

Serve.

Protect.

Provide.

Listen.

Pursue.

Remain faithful.

Follow Jesus' example.

 

PRAY

Jesus, thank You for loving me when I could never earn Your love. Thank You for serving me, caring for me, providing for me, protecting me, pursuing me, and remaining faithful to me. You are the example I need.

Forgive me for the times I have expected Christlike behavior from others while refusing to examine whether I am becoming more like You. Teach me to love as You love. Teach me to serve as You serve.

Teach me to use whatever strength, influence, responsibility, resources, and opportunities You have given me for the good of others rather than myself.

For those who are married, help both husband and wife follow You first so that their marriage increasingly reflects Your relationship with Your Church.

For those who are single, develop these characteristics now so that every relationship in their life increasingly reflects You.

Jesus, lead us. And teach us to follow closely behind You.

Amen.

 

TOMORROW

We've seen God's design, what sin did to it, and how Jesus shows us the way back. Now it's time to put it into practice.

Tomorrow: What Does It Look Like to Live Out God's Design?