The Head Is Jesus
Christ's headship is not independent, but interdependent with the body, and He relies on us for His function.
G.W. North emphasizes the vital relationship between Christ as the Head and the Church as His body, illustrating that both are interdependent and share one life. He highlights that just as the head cannot function without the body, the body cannot dismiss its need for the head, underscoring the necessity of mutual dependence. This profound connection reveals not only Christ's reliance on His followers but also the imperative for believers to recognize their dependence on Him. North encourages the congregation to appreciate this divine relationship and the essential role each member plays within the body of Christ.
Text
Returning to chapter 12 and looking with understanding at Paul's construction of this section on Spirituals, the observer may discover a testimony to the truth of the foregoing. The few introductory verses draw our attention to the Headship of Christ. In order to be a living body, everybody must have a head, even as every head, to be a living head, must have a body; the two are as interdependent as they are indivisible. They comprise one whole and share one life. As it is so surprisingly yet matter-of-factly said in verse 21, 'the head cannot say to the feet, I have no need of you', even though the Head is Jesus.
Although this is a most unexpected remark in this connection, it is also most obviously true and sane.
How can any person's head go where it wishes except it has a body, or how can the head move the body from one place to another except it has feet with which to do so? It is no remarkable thing then that in the next verse our attention is drawn to necessities. When we assimilate the fact that this is our Head speaking of His dependence upon us, surprise gives way to awe. He is plainly telling us about our necessity to Him, and if this be so with Him, how much more should we feel our dependence upon Him? The body cannot say to the Head, 'I have no need of Thee'.
Sermon Outline
- The Headship of Christ
- The Body's Necessity to the Head
- The Head's dependence on the Body
- Our necessity to Christ
Key Quotes
“the head cannot say to the feet, I have no need of you” — G.W. North
“the body cannot say to the Head, 'I have no need of Thee'” — G.W. North
Application Points
- We should recognize our dependence on Christ and rely on Him for our function.
- Christ's dependence on us should motivate us to feel our dependence on Him even more.
- The head and body relationship in Christ teaches us about the importance of interdependence in our relationships.