The True Head of the Church
“He is the head of the body, which is the church. Everything comes from him. He is the first one who was raised from the dead. So in all things Jesus has first place.” – Colossians 1:18
Jesus went to church while alive. In His day, the church He went to was called a synagogue. All four of the gospels mention Him visiting synagogues. While attending, He worshiped God, healed people, and taught (Matthew 4:23, Mark 1:21-28, Luke 4:16–31, John 6:59). His attendance and teaching in the synagogues were consistent with Jewish religious practices of His time. It is similar for followers of Jesus today. As God's people, we are supposed to worship, teach, and learn about God's word but do it at church. However, as we worship and attend church, we should not forget who the real head of the church is.
Colossians 1:18 plainly states that Jesus is the head of the church and the body which is the members. Therefore, we should not forget that Jesus becoming the head came with a great price. He suffered and died for the church members. He was obedient and did not sin. As a result, God gave Him headship over it.
When someone goes to church, they should hear the gospel being preached. The word of God is full of wisdom that is used to teach people about Jesus. It has the power to change a person who hears what the Bible teaches about Him (Romans 10:17). In Acts 16:14, God allowed Lydia, a worshiper of His, to hear Paul’s message. Then God opened her heart to understand what Paul was saying.
It is so important to keep Jesus as the head of the church. We can by submitting to His authority, by continuing to listen to His teachings, and not watering down or changing what He taught to fit into what the world is doing. Romans 12:2 states it perfectly, “Do not be shaped by this world instead be changed within by a new way of thinking.” This new way of thinking comes from hearing the truth about Jesus and what He taught. Thus, we will know what is good, acceptable, and perfect in God's sight, allowing us to live a life aligned with His purpose for the church and its head, which is Jesus!
Prayer for the day:
Dear heavenly Father,
You made Jesus the head of the church. We know from Your word that Jesus is head of the church because He was obedient, suffered and died for it. He did a lot to become head, but He is trustworthy to run it since He was perfect like You. Please help us to remember He is head; therefore, we want to run the church like Jesus. All honor and glory belong to Him. In Jesus name we pray, Amen!
