#1384. Jesus, head over everything for the church (11/11/25)

Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional (posted, at present, every weekday) as we continue our Ephesians series: Ephesians - To the praise, for the purpose, in the power of God. 

Today, we consider how His supreme authority specifically relates to the church.

You can listen to this devotional below

1. He is ruling for the church

Paul writes that Jesus is ‘head over everything for the church.’ This is an astonishing truth. What does it mean?

Jesus doesn’t simply rule over the church - He rules for it. His authority over all things is being exercised for the benefit, growth, and good of His people. This is deeply comforting: the One who rules the universe does so with the church - you and me - in view.

Jesus is building His church. He is gathering His lost sheep into His flock, sanctifying His bride, and orchestrating all things in accordance with His purpose. Like an artist who sees the finished masterpiece even as the canvas appears incomplete, Jesus has the end in mind. Every detail, every brushstroke, is shaped by His vision for the church's final glory.

Paul had just prayed that the Ephesians would know “his incomparably great power for us who believe” (Ephesians 1:18–19). Now he shows us what that power is for: Jesus is using His sovereign authority to build, shape, and complete His church.

2. All things are under His authority - for the church’s sake

Spiritual powers, governments, economies, cultural movements - even persecution - are all under Jesus’ feet. And astonishingly, He governs them for the church. That doesn’t mean every event is good in itself, but that Jesus is masterfully working through all things to bring about His good purposes for His people (Romans 8:28).

We may not always understand His ways, but we can trust His heart. Even in darkness, suffering, or uncertainty, Jesus remains the sovereign King for His Church.

Response

How do we view the powers and authorities - spiritual powers, governments, employers…? Do we see them all as under Jesus’ authority and power? And, incredibly, do we see all powers working - often mysteriously - for the building of Jesus’ church? Even in times of persecution and spiritual darkness, we are to trust that everything is under Jesus’ feet who is ‘head over everything for the church’! 

Community Group Notes

1. Notices

It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News.

Note - Please be thinking and praying about who you might want to invite to our upcoming carol service (7th December) and to sign up for carol singing (30th November). To sign up, go to: https://forms.monday.com/forms/67541e198902721e4b04ee65cc95ae8a?r=use1

2. Icebreaker

How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week, and how has this helped you? 

3. Worship together

Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.

4. Study and pray together

Balanced Time Allocation - Please ensure a balanced focus on discussion, SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite), and prayer so that each section is meaningful and fruitful.

On Sunday, we continued our series: Ephesians: to the praise, for the purpose, in the power of God. 

Our message on Sunday from Ephesians 1:22-23, was:  The authority, life and power of Jesus.

Please read Ephesians 1:22-23 and discuss:

• Personal Reflection – What did God speak to you about through Sunday’s message?

• Over how much is Jesus reigning and how is this meant to affect our thinking, praying and acting? 

• What does it mean for Jesus to be ‘head over everything for the church’?

• Jesus is the head and the church is His body, how do we get connected to Jesus, the head?

• What does Jesus being our head mean for how we relate to Him?

• What does this image of head and body teach about unity?

SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite)

•  If we are joined to Christ, we will receive His power. How will this be seen in our service and witness?

• Share Stories – Have you had any recent opportunities to Serve, Invest in, or Invite someone toward Jesus? Let’s encourage one another by sharing testimonies of God at work through us.

• Practical Next Steps – Who is God putting on your heart to reach? Are there any ‘people of peace’ (*see note) in your life—those who are receptive to you and spiritual conversation?

Let’s pray together: 

• Let’s pray for one another based on our study, and bring before God any other needs or requests for prayer.

• Pray for one another's SIV opportunities and boldness in following the Spirit's promptings.

• Pray specifically for the ‘people of peace’ in our lives - asking God to open hearts and provide opportunities to speak life and truth.