Picturing the Church

Sometimes we use metaphors in life to help explain something. Illustrations are used to clarify a point, give a concrete example or to provide a parallel idea which can elucidate the concept. Analogies, metaphors and illustrations are incredibly helpful in that our minds are often trying to create points of contact and connection between what we already understand and a new idea or thought. Word pictures are a useful tool in any teaching.

However, metaphors can also be used, not simply to illustrate a complex point, but sometimes in place of a full definition when only a word-picture will do. Sometimes there is no real connecting point. Sometimes the main concept is so far beyond our experience, that a metaphor or analogy is used in place of a more definitive description. Some ideas are so far beyond our personal experience that no amount of explanation is possible. A metaphor is not given to describe, but simply as the next best description. Take, for instance, the glories of heaven. We talk of light, mansions, streets of gold, but the reality of heaven will be so, so much greater even than these. Similarly, there is Hell. We talk of fire, the consuming worm, torment, but surely the reality is far, far worse. We use metaphors not to explain the reality, but because the reality is so far beyond the experience, that the metaphor is the best we can do.

For our purposes this week, think of the Church. On the one hand, it would appear that the Church would be easy to describe—so very much of the New Testament (and almost the entire Old Testament) is directed to the Church. Yet when it comes down to it, analogies, imagery and word-pictures dominate. Consider just a few of the metaphors used to describe the Church:

Just the plethora of images here indicate the vastness of the concept itself—what is the Church? If it is like so many of these things, if so many analogies can be made, then the thing itself must be almost beyond description. And, indeed, the Church itself is defined almost exclusively by these images.

So, if we are to think about the Church, if we are to know that in which we participate, we need to consider and meditate on these images. What does each imply about the world-wide Church? About our individual church? What characteristic or trait does each intend to highlight?

This Sunday in worship we will be exploring the idea of “Church,” and we will be exploring one of the Bible’s richest images—that of the body. Since the nature of the Church is complex and varied, this metaphor leads in many different directions. By God’s grace, we will celebrate His salvation together as we explore the depth of this image and other insights into the nature of the Church. Join us!

In preparation for worship this Sunday, read Colossians 1, especially, verse 18.

1. “He” is used throughout this passage, the clear reference being Jesus Christ. What other options might be possible? Why is it that Jesus is clearly meant here?
2. How is “the body” associated with the Church in this passage? Why is “the body” an appropriate image for the Church—what does it imply? What ideas are brought forth?
3. The main focus of this verse (and the surrounding passage) is clearly on Jesus. How is Jesus Himself identified in this verse? What are the various descriptions? For instance, He is “the head” and “the beginning.” What else? What might each mean for Jesus Himself?
4. Since we are connected to Jesus (as the body is to the head), how does each description listed above relate to us? For instance, if He is “the beginning” then what are we?
5. What does it mean for you as an individual that Jesus is as described in this verse, particularly in connection with the Church?

By Henry Knapp