1 Corinthians 12:12-31
12 For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit.
14 For the body does not consist of one member but of many. 15 If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? 18 But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. 19 If all were a single member, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, yet one body.
21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 22 On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, 24 which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, 25 that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. 26 If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.
27 Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. 28 And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But earnestly desire the higher gifts.
And I will show you a still more excellent way.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (1 Co 12:12–31). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.
It takes many grapes to make even a single cup of wine. These grapes are joined together into something greater than any individual could become. So the body of Christ is united together into one Body. There are many members. Each has its own purpose and vocation. None should claim to be greater or lessor than the others. Even though some parts of the body may be honored or reverenced more than others, in some cases that is because they need greater protection from the other members.
God established his people on Earth to come from all corners of creation. God has brought his people together around their common Faith in Jesus Christ. They are united in their Confession of Christ. They are united in their need for Christ to save them from their sins. But there are many in the Church who still think highly of themselves. They still think certain gifts or righteous deeds make them better than others. But all have sinned.
Every part of this Body would be dead and lost without the Body itself. It is Christ Jesus who has saved us from our sins. It is Jesus Christ who gives us life and salvation. In his death we are more than conquerors. Therefore, as one body united together we proclaim, Christ crucified until he comes.
Let us Pray: Father Almighty and God of all mercy, gather you people together from all the ends of the earth, open our hearts and minds to your truth, allow us to confess your name with all boldness, and preserve us in the body of your Son our Lord Jesus Christ who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit one God now and forever. Amen.
PS: 1 Corinthians 11:23-32
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