The Body of Christ (Ekklesia Part 3)
Restoring the Body: Discovering Your Purpose in God’s Church
God’s heart for His people is one of healing, restoration, and purpose. Whether it’s physical, emotional, or spiritual, Jesus meets us in our brokenness and speaks life. In Matthew 12:9–15 (ESV), we read about a man whose withered hand had become his defining characteristic. But in an act of compassion and power, Jesus restored him—revealing something essential about God's nature. Jesus doesn’t just see our afflictions; He heals them. And He’s still healing today.
Jesus Heals—Then and Now
In this passage, Jesus responds to a challenge from the Pharisees, who questioned the legality of healing on the Sabbath. He answers with a question of His own, pointing out the value of a person over a sheep—and then heals the man. The man’s hand, once a mark of limitation, becomes a sign of restoration. This moment is a powerful reminder that:
Jesus is still the Healer today.
We matter deeply to Him.
What’s broken in us doesn’t have to define us.
Too often, we let our “withered hands”—our wounds, sins, or weaknesses—become our identity. But Jesus came not only to forgive sin but to restore wholeness in every part of our lives: body, soul, and spirit.
The Church: God’s Restored Body on Earth
In Ephesians 4:4–16 (ESV), the Apostle Paul uses the image of the church as a body—Jesus as the head, and believers as members working together. The Church is not a building we attend; it’s a living, breathing body that we are each called to be a part of.
"There is one body and one Spirit... one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all." —Ephesians 4:4–6 (ESV)
Jesus came to bring the Kingdom of God to Earth. But when He ascended, He poured out His Spirit to establish His Church—the Ecclesia—a gathering of believers called out from darkness into light. Every believer has been given gifts, not to keep for themselves, but to serve, build, and manifest Jesus to the world through the Church.
You Are a Minister
Many people think of pastors or missionaries as those “in ministry.” But scripture paints a broader picture. Every believer—everyone who has put their trust in Jesus—is a saint and a minister.
"He gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry..." —Ephesians 4:11–12 (ESV)
This means every follower of Jesus is called into full-time ministry, whether you're a student, parent, business owner, or barista. Ministry doesn’t always look like preaching; it can be as simple as sharing hope at the park, caring for children, or encouraging coworkers. Wherever you go, you carry the presence of God with you.
Functioning as a Healthy Part of the Body
A healthy body relies on every part functioning properly. For a church to thrive—growing in love, power, and impact—each believer must be:
Submitted to the Head — Jesus is our authority. Living under His mission brings alignment and fruitfulness.
Connected to the Body — No part can thrive in isolation. We grow best in community.
Engaged in Their Role — Each person has a function, a gift, and a purpose. Disconnected gifts become hindrances. Active gifts build the whole body.
When one part of the body is unhealthy or inactive, the whole body suffers. Like a broken wrist on a child limits what they can do, an inactive part of the church hinders its effectiveness. But when every member is functioning in love and service, the Church grows—spiritually and numerically.
Service Leads to Purpose
There is a difference between gifts and service. You don’t have to know your exact spiritual gift to serve. In fact, it’s often through service that gifts are discovered and developed. Service reveals character and builds humility—key components of maturity in Christ.
"When each part is working properly, [the body] makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love." —Ephesians 4:16 (ESV)
Whether your calling leads you across the world or to your neighborhood park, God uses His Church to call out the destiny He placed within you. The church gathered becomes the church deployed—and that’s how the Gospel spreads.
Reflection Questions:
What part of your life feels “withered” or broken right now—and how might Jesus be inviting you into healing?
Where are you currently serving the body of Christ? How could you take one step deeper into community and purpose?
What gifts might God have placed in you to help build His Church—and how can you begin to explore or use them?