Of First Importance: A Holy Week DevotionalSample

Christ, the Head of the Church

READ

As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. . . . But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 1 Peter 2:4–5, 9

Additional Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:12–27

REFLECT

After His suffering and death, Jesus was buried. The disciples were scattered in fear and shame. Prophecies were fulfilled of how this Man of Sorrows would suffer for our sins. This day, known as Black Saturday, is covered with sadness, loss, and grief. Yet today, we reflect on how Jesus suffered for the punishment of our sins, so we no longer have to. His body was beaten and broken, fulfilling what needed to happen for His mission to be complete.

As we near the end of this Holy Week, may the truth of Christ’s suffering give us hope and the assurance that the battle has been won, not lost. We can have hope in the middle of despair because Jesus sacrificed His body. It paved the way for us to receive and be partakers of His body, this new temple, this cornerstone. Jesus is the perfect sacrifice, who willingly and sacrificially gave of Himself for us. Because of this, we have now become part of His body and living temple.

Even on a Black Saturday, we can celebrate that Jesus was rejected so that we could be accepted. We now belong to a family—not just a physical one on earth, but also a spiritual family—a church community. We are members of God’s spiritual house. We are no longer alone in our journey. We now have brothers and sisters in Christ with whom we can share life. We are the church, members of the body of Christ. He is the head of this body, and He has given us a holy calling and purpose. We have been set apart to fulfill our God-given roles.

While history considers this a sad and gloomy day because our Savior was in the tomb, today is also a reminder of the victory in His story. It is a victory shared among us—God’s chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and a people called to be His own. Today, as a church, let’s remember to hope. Let’s turn the sorrow into joy and the mourning into dancing.

Let us rejoice. Sunday is coming!

RESPOND

• Meditate on Jesus’ suffering and death. He was rejected and broken so that you may be accepted and made whole. How can you value and respond to His perfect sacrifice for you?
• Identify what you are most grateful for as part of your church community. Consider sending messages of gratitude to those who have helped you know Christ more.
• Reflect on the role you play as part of Christ’s body. What can you do to journey with others and contribute to His mission?