Jesus and the Church: A Deep Dive into Their Relationship

When you think about Jesus, it’s impossible not to consider His profound connection with the Church. For Christians, the relationship between Jesus and the Church is central to understanding faith, purpose, and community. But what does this relationship truly mean? How did Jesus envision the Church, and what role does it play in the lives of believers today?

Let’s explore these questions, delving into biblical teachings and the ways Jesus’ relationship with the Church shapes the lives of millions around the world.

The Foundation: Jesus as the Cornerstone

To understand Jesus’ connection with the Church, we need to start at the beginning. Jesus is often referred to as the “cornerstone” of the Church. This imagery is powerful and foundational.

Ephesians 2:19-20 says, “Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.”

This verse highlights that Jesus is the essential element upon which the Church is built. Without Him, the structure would lack stability and purpose.

The Cornerstone Explained

In ancient construction, the cornerstone was the first stone set in the foundation, determining the position of the entire structure. Jesus, as the cornerstone, signifies that every aspect of the Church aligns with Him. He’s the standard, the measure, and the ultimate guide.

The Birth of the Church

The Church, as we know it today, began with Jesus’ ministry and His apostles’ work after His ascension.

Matthew 16:18 records Jesus saying to Peter, “And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.”

This proclamation was a pivotal moment. Here, Jesus explicitly states His intention to establish a Church—a community of believers who would carry forward His teachings and mission.

The Role of the Apostles

After Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, the apostles took on the critical role of spreading His teachings. They traveled far and wide, preaching the Gospel and establishing early Christian communities. Acts of the Apostles, often simply called Acts, documents these early efforts and the challenges the apostles faced.

Acts 2:42 describes the early Church: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”

These four elements—teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer—formed the core practices of the early Church and remain vital to Christian communities today.

The Church as the Body of Christ

One of the most profound metaphors used to describe the Church is the “Body of Christ.”

1 Corinthians 12:27 states, “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.”

This metaphor emphasizes unity and diversity within the Church. Just as a body has many parts, each with a different function, so too does the Church. Each believer has a unique role and gift to contribute, making the Church a dynamic, living organism rather than a static institution.

The Importance of Unity

Paul’s letters often stress the importance of unity within the Church. He compares the Church to a body to illustrate that every member, regardless of their role, is crucial to the overall health and function of the Church.

Ephesians 4:16 adds, “From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”

This unity is not just about organizational cohesion but about a deep, spiritual bond that reflects the unity of believers with Christ and with each other.

Jesus’ Teachings on the Church’s Mission

Jesus provided clear guidance on what the Church’s mission should be. It’s encapsulated in what’s known as the Great Commission.

Matthew 28:19-20 records Jesus’ final instructions to His disciples: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

This directive set the agenda for the Church’s mission: to spread the Gospel, baptize new believers, and teach them Jesus’ commandments.

Spreading the Gospel

The early Church took Jesus’ command seriously, spreading His message across the Roman Empire and beyond. This evangelistic zeal continues to be a central focus of the Church’s mission today, encouraging believers to share their faith and live out Jesus’ teachings.

The Church as a Community of Believers

Jesus also emphasized the Church as a community—a place where believers come together to support, encourage, and love one another.

John 13:34-35 quotes Jesus saying, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.”

This command underscores the importance of love and community within the Church. It’s not just about individual faith but about collective support and mutual care.

Living as a Community

The early Church practiced this communal living in remarkable ways. They shared their possessions, cared for each other’s needs, and gathered regularly for worship and fellowship.

Acts 2:44-47 provides a vivid picture: “All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.”

This spirit of community is a powerful model for how the Church can function as a supportive and loving family today.

Challenges and Responsibilities

While the Church is meant to be a beacon of light, it’s not without its challenges. Jesus warned that being part of the Church would come with difficulties.

John 15:18 quotes Jesus saying, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.”

Believers are called to remain steadfast in their faith despite opposition or persecution. The Church’s role is to support its members through these challenges, providing strength and encouragement.

Responsibilities of the Church

Being part of the Church comes with responsibilities. Believers are called to:

Love one another: Reflecting Jesus’ love through actions.
Serve others: Using their gifts to help those in need.
Spread the Gospel: Sharing the message of Jesus with others.
Grow in faith: Continuously learning and deepening their relationship with God.

Conclusion

The relationship between Jesus and the Church is foundational to the Christian faith. Jesus envisioned the Church as a living, dynamic community built on His teachings and His love. As the cornerstone, He ensures that the Church remains aligned with God’s purpose.

Through the Great Commission, the metaphor of the Body of Christ, and the early Church’s example, believers today can understand their role in this divine relationship. Whether you’re new to faith or have been a believer for years, recognizing and embracing this connection can profoundly impact your spiritual journey and your role within the Church community.

FAQs: Jesus and the Church

1. What is the significance of Jesus being called the “cornerstone” of the Church?

The term “cornerstone” refers to the primary stone in ancient building practices. Jesus as the cornerstone means that He is the essential and foundational element upon which the Church is built. Everything aligns with Him, providing stability and direction for the Church. This concept is highlighted in Ephesians 2:19-20, which emphasizes that Jesus’ teachings and presence are the basis of the Christian community.

2. When and how did the Church begin?

The Church began with Jesus’ ministry and was established through the work of His apostles after His ascension. Jesus laid the foundation, and the apostles expanded it by spreading His teachings and establishing early Christian communities. Matthew 16:18 and Acts 2:42 provide insights into the beginnings of the Church and its early practices, including teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer.

3. What does it mean for the Church to be the “Body of Christ”?

The metaphor of the Church as the “Body of Christ” illustrates the unity and diversity among believers. Just as a body has many parts with different functions, each member of the Church has a unique role and gift to contribute. 1 Corinthians 12:27 and Ephesians 4:16 emphasize that every believer is crucial to the overall health and mission of the Church, reflecting a deep spiritual unity with Christ and each other.

4. What was Jesus’ vision for the Church’s mission?

Jesus’ vision for the Church’s mission is encapsulated in the Great Commission, as outlined in Matthew 28:19-20. He instructed His followers to go into the world, make disciples, baptize them, and teach them to observe His commandments. This mission underscores the Church’s role in spreading the Gospel, fostering faith, and guiding believers in living according to Jesus’ teachings.

5. How did the early Church function as a community?

The early Church was characterized by a strong sense of community and mutual support. Believers shared their possessions, cared for each other’s needs, and gathered regularly for worship and fellowship. Acts 2:44-47 paints a vivid picture of this communal living, where the early Christians supported one another and lived out their faith in tangible ways, creating a model for Christian community today.

6. What challenges did Jesus say the Church would face?

Jesus warned that the Church would face opposition and persecution. John 15:18 reflects this reality, where Jesus tells His followers that they will be hated by the world just as He was. Despite these challenges, believers are called to remain steadfast in their faith, and the Church plays a crucial role in providing support and encouragement to its members during difficult times.

7. What are the responsibilities of being part of the Church?

Being part of the Church comes with several key responsibilities, including:

Loving one another: Reflecting Jesus’ love in our actions and relationships (John 13:34-35).
Serving others: Using our gifts and talents to help those in need.
Spreading the Gospel: Sharing the message of Jesus with others as instructed in the Great Commission.
Growing in faith: Continuously learning and deepening our relationship with God.

These responsibilities help believers contribute to the Church’s mission and foster a vibrant, supportive community.

8. How does the Church maintain unity among its diverse members?

The Church maintains unity through the principle of being the “Body of Christ,” where each member, despite their differences, plays a vital role in the whole. 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 elaborates on this, highlighting that all parts are necessary and valuable. Unity is fostered by mutual respect, love, and the shared goal of living out Jesus’ teachings.

9. How can I deepen my connection with the Church?

You can deepen your connection with the Church by:

Participating regularly in worship and fellowship activities: Engaging with your community in meaningful ways.
Serving in a ministry or volunteer role: Using your gifts to support the Church’s mission.
Studying the Bible and other religious teachings: Strengthening your understanding of Jesus’ message and the Church’s role.
Building relationships with other believers: Forming supportive and encouraging connections within your Church community.

These steps can help you become more integrated and active in your Church, enhancing both your faith and your contribution to the community.

Discover the profound relationship between Jesus and the Church in this comprehensive guide. Explore how Jesus envisioned the Church, its mission, and the responsibilities of believers. Understand the Church as the Body of Christ and its foundational role in Christian faith.