Jesus defines the church as more than a building; it’s a living, spiritual community. Metaphors like the Body of Christ and the Bride of Christ highlight unity, love, and commitment among believers. The church is a family, a house of prayer, a community of faith, a light to the world, and a pillar of truth, emphasizing the vital role of each member in nurturing relationships and living out their faith. Keep reading for a more in-depth cover.
When you think about the church, what comes to mind?
Is it a building where you gather every Sunday, or something deeper, more spiritual?
Jesus’ perspective on the church goes beyond brick and mortar, touching on profound spiritual truths.
Let’s dive into what Jesus calls the church and what it means for you.
The Church as the Body of Christ
Jesus often referred to the church as His body.
This metaphor, used extensively by the Apostle Paul, encapsulates how every believer is an integral part of a larger, living organism.
Just as each part of a human body serves a unique function, so does each member of the church.
1 Corinthians 12:27 says, “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.”
This highlights that the church isn’t just a collection of individuals but a unified body where every part is essential.
Whether you’re leading worship, teaching, or simply offering a smile to someone new, your role matters.
Key Points:
- The church is a living organism, not just a building.
- Each member has a unique role.
- Unity and diversity coexist in the church.
The Church as the Bride of Christ
Another powerful metaphor Jesus uses is that of the church as His bride.
This imagery portrays a deep, loving relationship between Jesus and His followers.
Ephesians 5:25-27 states, “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.”
Jesus’ love for the church is sacrificial and purifying.
He’s committed to the church in the same way a loving husband is committed to his bride, always seeking her best and ensuring her purity.
Key Points:
- Jesus sees the church as His beloved bride.
- The relationship is characterized by sacrificial love and commitment.
- Jesus purifies and sanctifies the church.
The Church as a Family
When Jesus spoke about the church, He often used familial terms, emphasizing the close, personal connections among believers.
In Matthew 12:49-50, Jesus says,
“Pointing to his disciples, he said, ‘Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.’”
This shows that the church is meant to be a close-knit family where relationships are valued and nurtured.
It’s a place where you find support, love, and encouragement.
Key Points:
- The church is described as a family.
- Relationships within the church should be personal and supportive.
- Believers are called brothers and sisters in Christ.
The Church as a House of Prayer
Jesus also referred to the church as a house of prayer.
In Matthew 21:13, He said, “It is written,” he said to them, “‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it ‘a den of robbers.’”
Here, Jesus emphasizes that prayer is central to the life of the church.
It’s not just a place for rituals or gatherings but a spiritual home where people connect deeply with God through prayer.
Key Points:
- The church is fundamentally a place of prayer.
- It’s where you connect with God on a deeper level.
- Prayer should be a central activity in the church.
The Church as a Community of Believers
In Acts 2:42-47, we see a vivid picture of the early church:
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer… All the believers were together and had everything in common.”
This passage shows that the church is a community committed to teaching, fellowship, and mutual support.
It’s where believers grow together in faith and share their lives with one another.
Key Points:
- The early church was a community of shared faith and resources.
- Teaching, fellowship, and support are core activities.
- Believers are called to grow together in their faith journey.
The Church as the Light of the World
Jesus called His followers to be the light of the world. In Matthew 5:14, He says,
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.”
This metaphor suggests that the church should shine brightly in a dark world, showing the way to truth and life in Christ.
As a member of the church, you’re called to reflect Jesus’ light in your community.
Whether it’s through acts of kindness, sharing the gospel, or simply living out your faith authentically, you’re a beacon of hope to those around you.
Key Points:
- The church is called to be a light in the world.
- Each believer’s actions contribute to this mission.
- The church’s role is to guide others to truth and hope.
The Church as the Pillar and Foundation of Truth
Paul describes the church as the “pillar and foundation of the truth” in 1 Timothy 3:15.
This means the church upholds and supports the truth of God’s word.
It’s a place where sound doctrine is taught and where believers can find guidance in living out their faith.
As a part of this foundation, your role includes studying the scriptures, sharing God’s truth, and standing firm in your beliefs even when it’s challenging.
Key Points:
- The church upholds and supports the truth of God’s word.
- It’s a place for learning and teaching sound doctrine.
- Believers are called to be steadfast in their faith.
Conclusion
Jesus’ vision of the church is rich and multifaceted.
It’s not just a physical building but a living, vibrant community characterized by unity, love, and purpose.
You’re part of something much bigger than yourself, a body, a bride, a family, a house of prayer, a community of believers, a light to the world, and a pillar of truth.
Understanding these roles can deepen your appreciation of what it means to be part of the church and inspire you to live out your faith with renewed purpose and joy.
So, whether you’re attending Sunday service or serving your community, remember that you’re an integral part of the church Jesus loves and leads.
FAQs About “What is the Church Called by Jesus?”
1. What does Jesus mean by calling the church the “Body of Christ”?
Jesus calling the church the “Body of Christ” signifies that believers are interconnected and each person plays a unique and vital role, similar to parts of a human body.
It emphasizes unity, diversity, and the collective mission of Christians to act as Christ’s representatives on Earth.
2. Why does Jesus refer to the church as His bride?
Jesus refers to the church as His bride to illustrate the deep, intimate, and loving relationship He has with His followers.
This metaphor highlights His sacrificial love, commitment, and the purity He desires for the church, akin to the devotion seen in a loving marriage.
3. How is the church a family according to Jesus?
Jesus describes the church as a family to emphasize the close-knit, supportive relationships among believers.
In the church, people find brothers, sisters, and spiritual parents who provide mutual love, support, and encouragement, reflecting the familial bonds in a biological family.
4. What does it mean that the church is a “house of prayer”?
Calling the church a “house of prayer” underlines the importance of prayer as a central activity within the church.
It’s a place where individuals and the community connect deeply with God through prayer, seeking guidance, expressing gratitude, and interceding for others.
5. How is the early church described as a community of believers?
The early church is portrayed in Acts 2:42-47 as a community devoted to teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer.
Believers shared their lives and resources, supporting each other spiritually and materially, reflecting a strong sense of communal faith and mutual care.
6. What does it mean for the church to be the “light of the world”?
When Jesus calls the church the “light of the world,” He’s encouraging believers to shine brightly in their actions and words, reflecting Christ’s truth and love.
The church is meant to guide others out of darkness, offering hope and illuminating the way to faith in Jesus.
7. Why is the church called the “pillar and foundation of truth”?
The church is called the “pillar and foundation of truth” because it upholds and disseminates the truth of God’s word.
It’s responsible for teaching sound doctrine, guiding believers in their faith, and standing firm in biblical truths, even in the face of societal challenges.
8. How can I be a part of the church that Jesus describes?
You can be part of the church by accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior, engaging actively in a local church community, participating in worship, fellowship, and service, and striving to live out the principles of unity, love, and truth as described in the Bible.
9. What are the key roles within the church according to Jesus?
According to Jesus, key roles within the church include those of apostles, prophets, teachers, pastors, and evangelists (Ephesians 4:11-12).
Additionally, every believer has a role to play, whether through spiritual gifts, acts of service, or simply being a supportive member of the community.
10. How does the metaphor of the church as Jesus’ bride impact our understanding of Christian life?
Seeing the church as Jesus’ bride helps us understand the depth of Christ’s love and commitment to His followers. It encourages believers to live in purity and devotion, reciprocating Jesus’ love by loving Him and others sacrificially and faithfully.
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