His love for her is one that has inspired both writer and poet, song and sonnet. The true story of a man that loved his bride more than life itself, more than any earthly treasure. Even, it seems, more than she loved him. It was clear to most that she did not deserve his love or such devotion. To the same crowd, she appeared a common one, but he spoke of her as one set apart, a beautiful city on a hill for all to see. He spoke to thousands about the attributes of his beloved. He told them that everyone should know her and that she is a blessing to all acquainted with her. He spoke of her as though he knew her so intimately. “Such a great treasure,” he would say. “Be prepared for our wedding,” he would admonish, though no one had ever seen her. There were many who liked hearing about his bride, yet others did not. For envy and jealousy the bridegroom was taken. He was savagely beaten and died a gruesome death. Throughout his painful demise he spoke of her. He loved her and for his great love, he died.
This allegorical depiction of Christ, the Bridegroom, and the church as the bride highlights a very sacrificial love. It is a literary device that is used several times in the New Testament. On one occasion, John the baptizer mentioned Christ as a bridegroom and himself as a friend of the bridegroom (John 3:29). Jesus used this imagery twice in Matthew 9:15 and Matthew 25:1-12. These all tell of a responsibility to the Bridegroom. The Holy Spirit through the pen of Paul mentioned it again in Ephesians chapter 5. Paul, talking of the mystery concerning Christ and His church (Eph. 5:32), deepens our understanding of the relation between husband and wife.
In the short section of Ephesians 5:22-33, there are several commands. The wives are called to be in subjection to and show respect for their husbands (5:22, 33) “as to the Lord.” That includes the expectation that husbands will be the head of the household and leading in spiritual matters. The command to husbands is to love “just as Christ.” These three words are repeated twice, showing men how they are to love their wives. In verse 25, “Just as Christ…gave Himself for her.” We are to have a sacrificial love for our wives. One that would take self out of the way and practice those things that would promote her well-being. We are also to have a love that “nourishes and cherishes…just as Christ” (5:29). This is a love that builds up and protects. It is not bound by just the physical needs but also speaks more to her spiritual needs.
As we contemplate this great love story, let us exercise diligence to graft it into our own story of love. By putting into practice those commands concerning marriage, we are given insight into the mysteries of Christ and His church.