What Does Jesus Represent for the Church?

Introduction:

Jesus Christ is not merely a figurehead for the Church; He is its very foundation, lifeblood, and ultimate authority. This study will explore the multifaceted representation of Jesus for the Church, focusing on His role as Head, the Bread of Life, His amazing nature, and His provision for our salvation.

I. Jesus is the Head of the Church:

This foundational truth establishes Jesus' supreme authority and leadership over His people.

• Leadership implies authority and control (Ephesians 1:20-23): Paul describes God raising Christ from the dead and seating Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. God placed all things under His feet and appointed Him to be head over everything for the church, which is His body.

◦ Discussion: What does it mean for Jesus to be "far above all rule and authority"? How does His supreme position impact the Church's identity and mission?

• Authority expressed through the word (1 Corinthians 4:6): Paul emphasizes the importance of adhering to Scripture, stating, "I have applied all these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, brothers, that you may learn by us not to go beyond what is written, so that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another." Jesus' authority is mediated through His revealed Word, the Bible.

◦ Discussion: How should the Bible function as the ultimate guide and authority within the Church? What are the dangers of going "beyond what is written"?

• The nature of the church (John 18:36, cf. Romans 14:17):

◦ John 18:36: Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world." The Church, as part of Christ's kingdom, has a spiritual and eternal nature, distinct from earthly realms.

◦ Romans 14:17: "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." The essence of the Church is not in external rituals but in spiritual realities.

◦ Discussion: How should the Church's understanding of its nature influence its priorities and engagement with the world in Rio de Janeiro?

• The law of entry and exclusion (Galatians 3:26, 27; 2 Thessalonians 3:6):

◦ Galatians 3:26, 27: "for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ." Entry into the Church is through faith in Jesus Christ, symbolized by baptism.

◦ 2 Thessalonians 3:6: "Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us." Exclusion is a serious measure based on disobedience to Christ's commands.

◦ Discussion: Who determines the conditions for membership in the Church? What are the biblical grounds for church discipline, including exclusion? How should these principles be applied with love and discernment?

• The work was determined by the head (1 Timothy 3:15): "if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth." The purpose and activities of the Church are defined by its Head, Jesus Christ, to uphold and proclaim the truth.

◦ Discussion: What are the primary works or missions of the Church as determined by Jesus in the New Testament? How well is your local church in Rio aligning with these purposes?

• Public worship stipulated by the head (Acts 20:7; Ephesians 5:19; Acts 4:31; 2 Timothy 4:1-5; 1 Corinthians 16:1, 2): Jesus, through His apostles, established patterns and commands for how the Church is to worship publicly.

◦ Acts 20:7: Gathering on the first day of the week to break bread (communion) and hear preaching.

◦ Ephesians 5:19: Speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart.

◦ Acts 4:31: Praying together with boldness.

◦ 2 Timothy 4:1-5: Preaching the Word diligently.

◦ 1 Corinthians 16:1, 2: Regular and systematic giving.

◦ Discussion: How do these biblical examples shape our understanding and practice of public worship today? Are there any aspects we might be neglecting or misunderstanding?

• “And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence” (Colossians 1:18): This verse powerfully summarizes Jesus' headship, emphasizing His priority and supremacy in all things concerning the Church.

◦ Discussion: What does it mean for Jesus to have "preeminence" in the Church? How should this truth impact the way we structure our churches, conduct our ministries, and live our individual lives as believers?

• Jesus is the bridegroom and the church is the bride: This metaphor (Ephesians 5:25-32; Revelation 21:2) illustrates the deep love, commitment, and intimate relationship between Christ and His Church.

◦ Discussion: How does the imagery of the bridegroom and bride deepen our understanding of Jesus' role and our identity as the Church? What are the implications of this relationship for our devotion and obedience to Him?

II. How Jesus is the Bread of Life:

Just as bread sustains physical life, Jesus provides everything necessary for our spiritual life and sustenance.

• A. He provides atonement (2 Corinthians 5:18): "All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation." Through His death on the cross, Jesus provided the means for our reconciliation with God, atoning for our sins and bridging the gap between a holy God and sinful humanity.

◦ Discussion: Why is atonement essential for a relationship with God? How does Jesus' sacrifice satisfy God's justice and offer us forgiveness?

• B. He provides mediation (1 Timothy 2:5): "For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus." Jesus is the unique intermediary between God and humanity, making access to God possible through Himself.

◦ Discussion: Why is a mediator necessary? What qualifies Jesus to be the sole mediator between God and humanity?

• C. It provides a purpose (Philippians 1:21-24): For Paul, "to live is Christ, and to die is gain." His life was centered on Christ, giving him purpose in both living and dying, whether to serve the Philippians or to be with the Lord. Jesus provides believers with a meaningful purpose that transcends earthly existence.

◦ Discussion: What is the ultimate purpose of a Christian's life? How does Jesus define and fulfill this purpose for us?

• D. He provides love (Romans 5:6-10): Paul highlights God's love demonstrated through Christ's death for us while we were still sinners, reconciling us to Himself. Jesus is the embodiment and ultimate source of God's love for the Church.

◦ Discussion: How does Jesus' life and death reveal the depth and nature of God's love for us? How should this love transform our own relationships within the Church and with the world?

III. Why Jesus was so amazing:

Jesus' authority, truthfulness, and power set Him apart as uniquely divine and worthy of our allegiance.

• A. He spoke with authority (Matthew 7:29): "for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes." Unlike the religious leaders who merely quoted tradition, Jesus spoke with inherent authority, His words carrying divine weight.

◦ Discussion: How did Jesus' authority manifest in His teaching? What implications does this have for how we receive and obey His words?

◦ 1. He taught the truth (Matthew 22:16; Titus 2:15):

▪ Matthew 22:16: Even His enemies acknowledged, "Teacher, we know that you are true and teach the way of God truthfully..."

▪ Titus 2:15: Paul instructs Titus to "declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you," based on the truth of the Gospel.

▪ Jesus' teachings were not based on human opinion but on divine truth.

▪ Discussion: Why is the truthfulness of Jesus' teaching essential for the Church? How should we handle teachings that contradict His Word?

◦ 2. He embodied the truth (John 14:6): "Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’" Jesus is not just a teacher of truth; He is the very embodiment of it. His life perfectly exemplified God's character and will.

▪ Discussion: How does Jesus' life serve as the ultimate standard of truth for the Church? How should we strive to live in accordance with the truth He embodies?

• B. He had the power to perform miracles (Luke 7:11-17): The raising of the widow's son in Nain is just one example of Jesus' supernatural power over life and death, demonstrating His divine nature and authority.

◦ Discussion: What was the purpose of Jesus' miracles? How do they authenticate His claims and reveal His compassion and power?

IV. Jesus provides everything we need for salvation:

Through Christ, the Church has been granted all that is necessary for a complete and eternal salvation.

• The Supremacy of Christ (Colossians 2:9): "For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily." Jesus is fully God, possessing all the attributes and power of the Godhead.

◦ Discussion: Why is Jesus' deity essential for His ability to provide complete salvation?

• The Sufficiency of Christ (Colossians 2:10): "And you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority." Believers are made complete in Christ; nothing else is needed for salvation and spiritual life.

◦ Discussion: What does it mean to be "filled in Him"? How does this truth liberate us from seeking fulfillment or acceptance elsewhere?

• A Separation or Sanctification by Christ (Colossians 2:11-12): "In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead." Through our union with Christ in His death and resurrection (symbolized by baptism), we are set apart from our old sinful nature and made holy.

◦ Discussion: How does our identification with Christ's death and resurrection impact our understanding of sin and our pursuit of holiness?

What Does Jesus Represent for the Church?

Conclusion:

Jesus Christ is the absolute Head of the Church, exercising His authority through His Word and guiding its nature, entry, work, and worship. He is the Bread of Life, providing atonement, mediation, purpose, and love. His amazing authority, truthfulness, and power underscore His divine nature. Ultimately, Jesus represents everything the Church needs for salvation, offering supremacy, sufficiency, and sanctification. As the Church in Rio de Janeiro, may we continually recognize and submit to Jesus in all these roles, allowing His representation to fully shape our identity, mission, and life together. How will you more intentionally acknowledge and honor Jesus in His multifaceted representation for the Church this week?

Fontes

worship.calvin.edu

twojourneys.org

What Does Jesus Represent for the Church?