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A Mega Mystery

Written By: Danny Saavedra

“This is a great mystery, but it is an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one.”—Ephesians 5:32 (NLT)

Don’t you just love a good mystery? Neil Armstrong once said, “Mystery creates wonder and wonder is the basis of man's desire to understand.” For me, the key to a great mystery is that it needs to have a truly great payoff. The reveal of the mystery needs to blow my mind. In fact, I’d say that the reveal needs to be as satisfying as the build-up is captivating. Otherwise, you’re going to be let down—I’m looking at you, Lost!

In Ephesians 5:32, the apostle Paul speaks of the great mystery. The word great is the Greek word megas. It means the greatest, largest, most important, most majestic, and superior. So, what is the mega mystery Paul is telling us about? Well, in verse 31, he quotes Genesis 2:24, where it talks about how a man and his wife cease to be two and become one, united, together... one body, one heart. And he is saying this to explain how we, as believers, as the Church, are one with Jesus Christ!

Isn’t that an amazing thought? We are united with Christ (Romans 6:5; 1 Corinthians 6:17). Theologian Charles Ellicott once wrote, “The indissoluble and paramount sacredness of marriage, as all history shows, is “a mystery”— a secret of God’s law, fully revealed in Christ alone.”

Now, here’s the powerful thing about this mystery: When I say “we” are united with Christ as a husband and wife are one, I don’t just mean each individual is united with Christ. I mean, we, all of us who are believers, the Church as a whole, we are all both individually and corporately ONE with Christ Jesus. Christ dwells in our hearts as individuals, and in that, He unites all our hearts together to His.

Somehow, all people who trust in Christ and believe in His name, regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, interests, or past... He brings us all together in Him, by Him, and through Him.

Now, here’s the thing about this mystery: It makes no sense to those who are not in Christ. They don’t understand it because they haven’t experienced it... they haven’t experienced Him! The Greek word for mystery (mustérion) actually speaks of a secret of which initiation is necessary; something hidden that must be revealed. It is our job to help people see this mystery revealed in them. We need to tell everyone we can about this mystery, the greatest mystery with the greatest, most satisfying, life-giving reveal ever! So today, what will you do with this mystery?

DIG: Read Ephesians 1:9, 3:6, 5:21–32; and Colossians 1:27.

DISCOVER: How have you experienced this great mystery?

DISPLAY: This week, share the gospel with someone. Share all about the mystery that only Christ can reveal!