When it comes to oversight in the church, the question always comes as to “who is the head of the church?” Is it the pastor, the deacon’s or official board, or the congregation? The reality is that according to Hebrews 13:20-21 The true head of the church is Jesus Christ. Everyone, Pastor, deacon’s or board, and the congregation, only has delegated authority and they are all answerable to Him and the truths of God’s Word. He is our shepherd, our sovereign, and our Sanctifier, and as such we must never do anything that is contrary to HIs Word. Although we are to do everything we can in the church, it is the power of Christ that makes everything work. We must understand that in each of the tree people or groups, they are all subject to the same authority. While they have different roles based on their gifts, they are all equally important in the body of Christ. In Hebrews 13:20-21 we see three things that points to the saving work of Christ for His church. First, His Name: “Lord Jesus!” – This makes Him our Shepherd. Acts 4:12 reminds us that “there is no other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Jesus’ name speaks of His saving work as both Savior and Lord! Second, His Blood: “Through the blood” – This Makes Him our Sovereign. Hebrews 9:22 says, “And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.” The Jewish people understood that sin had to be atoned for by blood. God required that there had to be bloodshed to deal with sin, and He did that the sacrifice of Christ on the cross. The blood of bulls and goats could only cover sin, never remove it, that is why Jesus had to shed His blood to ratify the New Covenant, and through that Christ brought everlasting salvation to those who come to Him through faith in His sacrifice. Third, His Resurrection: “Brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead” – this makes Him our Sanctifier. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the single greatest affirmation of the Father’s approval of Jesus’ saving work. When the Father raised Jesus from the dead, He was affirming that Jesus had accomplished what He had gone to the cross to do. All this is a reminder to us, that we all serve in the body of Christ, we are all important, and no member of the body is insignificant. Some may be more visual, but that does not make them more important, just more responsible to represent the Lord Jesus properly.
