For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Saviour (Eph 5:23).

The Bible provides a missional understanding of head symbolisms. Two passages in the New Testament make it clear that the head of the church is Jesus Christ. Apostle Paul in his letter to the Colossians teaches, “And He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And He is the Head of the body, the Church” (Col 1:17-18a). In Ephesians, Paul speaks of the relationship between husband and wife and includes the teaching of Jesus as head of the church (Eph 5:22-25). The comparison between the human body and the church points to the Church as the body and Jesus as its Saviour and head. In the symbolism of a head and a body is the expression of the union of Christ and the Church.

The two passages, Colossians 1 and Ephesians 5, emphasised the head symbolisms in relation to Christ’s leadership and His power to bless, protect, support, and favour, thereby holding all things together. Based on the biblical symbolism of headship, church leaders are to surrender ultimate leadership to the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the One who leads and determines the church’s teachings and practices. Church members are to follow Christ first and earthly leaders second, as those leaders emulate Christ’ (1 Cor 11:1; 1 Pet 5:3-4).

Jesus as the Head of the Church means He is the Church’s source of blessing, theology, doctrine, practices and leadership. Any part or structure of the church that is not surrendered to the ultimate leadership of the Lord Jesus will decline the church rather than bless it. The supremacy of Jesus as the Head  and founder of the Church points to His primary role in human creation and redemption. Lent reminds us that we are Christ’s body and we are to share in His mission and the work of salvation. Lent reminds us that when we are united with Christ in His suffering, someday we will share His eternal glory. Lent calls us as Christ’s church to strive to resemble Him in truth and spirit (Eph 4:13).