Head of the Body (the Church): Every Part Matters

Uniting Heaven and Earth

Christ in Philippians and Colossians 

Lesson 8 - Tuesday 

Head of the Body (the Church)

Read Epistle to the Ephesians 1:22 and Epistle to the Colossians 2:10. In these passages, Paul uses the word “head” to describe authority, source, and supremacy. The head directs the body. It makes decisions. It gives life-sustaining connection. When Paul says Christ is the “head,” he is declaring that Jesus is not a figurehead or symbolic leader. He is the ruling authority over all powers, and the living source from which the church receives direction and strength.

In Epistle to the Ephesians 5:23, Paul says Christ is the “head of the church.” This means the church does not belong to a pastor, a board, or a denomination. It belongs to Christ. He purchased it with His own blood. His will—not personal preference, tradition, or culture—must guide it. When the body ignores the head, it becomes dysfunctional. When the church ignores Christ’s authority, it loses clarity, unity, and power.

Now read First Epistle to the Corinthians 12:12–27. Here Paul expands the metaphor. The church is one body with many members. Unity does not mean uniformity. An eye is not a hand. A foot is not an ear. Yet each part is essential. Diversity of gifts does not weaken the body; it strengthens it.

Paul also emphasizes interdependence. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you.” In fact, the parts that seem weaker are indispensable. Hidden roles are often the most critical. A small nerve in the body, if damaged, can cripple movement. In the same way, a faithful prayer warrior, a quiet encourager, or a steady servant may never stand in front, but the health of the church depends on them.

If you had to give up a limb or an eye, what would you choose? It is a painful question because every part matters. Losing an eye affects depth perception. Losing a hand affects daily function. Even losing something “small” changes everything. That is Paul’s point. No member of the church is expendable. When someone withdraws, suffers, or leaves, the whole body feels it—whether it recognizes it or not.

This should challenge us. Are we functioning as healthy members under Christ’s leadership? Or are we disconnected, passive, or critical? A body part detached from the head dies. A believer disconnected from Christ withers spiritually. Staying close to the Head means daily surrender, obedience to His Word, and active participation in His body.

Christ leads. We follow. Christ supplies. We depend. Christ unites. We serve.

The church thrives only when every member remains connected to the Head and committed to the health of the body.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You are the Head of the church. Forgive us for the times we try to lead ourselves or ignore Your authority. Keep us closely connected to You, our source of life and direction. Help us value every member of Your body and serve faithfully in the place You have given us. Make us humble, united, and obedient under Your leadership. Strengthen Your church through us. Amen.

More on Lesson 8: The Preeminence of Christ 

This Quarter's Sabbath School Lessons Here: Christ in Philippians and Colossians