This week’s devotions are based on Rooted – Week 5 “I am the Church” (WATCH HERE)
Ephesians 3:6 This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.
There is something appealing about a mystery. We enjoy trying to uncover what is hidden, solve what is unknown, and finally discover the answer.
But when Paul speaks about a “mystery” in Ephesians 3, he is not describing something we need to figure out. He is describing something God has revealed.
Gentiles are heirs together with Israel.
For generations, God’s people had waited for the fulfillment of his promises. Now, in Christ, God revealed the fullness of his plan. His grace was bigger than anyone imagined. The wall between Jew and Gentile was broken down. Those who were once far away were brought near.
The mystery was revealed.
And the mystery is still amazing.
Through the Gospel, Jesus does more than forgive your sins and prepare a place for you in heaven. He brings you in. He gives you a family. He makes you an heir. He joins you to his body. He makes you a sharer in promises that you could never earn for yourself.
That is why Paul previously wrote, “You are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household” (Ephesians 2:19).
Perhaps you have experienced what it feels like to be an outsider. Maybe you walked into a room where everyone knew one another except you. Perhaps you have felt excluded, overlooked, or wondered whether there was really a place for you.
The Gospel speaks directly into that longing.
In Christ, you are not standing outside hoping someone will notice you. God himself has brought you near. Jesus has opened the door. By his grace, you belong.
And notice that Paul repeatedly uses the word together. We are heirs together, members together, and sharers together.
God’s plan was never simply to save isolated individuals. He is gathering a people for himself.
That changes how we see the person sitting beside us in worship. We may not share the same background, personality, or preferences. But we share something far greater. We share Christ.
Our unity is not something we manufacture. It is a gift Christ has created.
This week, remember that you have been brought into something bigger than yourself. You are part of God’s family by grace. And because you know what it means to be welcomed by Christ, you have the opportunity to welcome others.
Look for someone who may feel like an outsider. Offer a conversation. Learn a name. Extend an invitation. Sometimes a simple act of welcome can reflect a profound Gospel truth.
The Gospel does not merely tell us that we can come near to God.
Through Christ, God brings us home.