When we talk about the church founded by Jesus, we’re diving into a profound subject that’s central to Christian belief. Jesus’ teachings laid the foundation for what we now recognize as the Christian Church, but pinpointing “which” church He founded involves understanding His intentions and actions.
The Foundation of the Church
Jesus didn’t establish a church with walls and a roof; instead, He established a spiritual body of believers. This concept is crucial to grasp. In Matthew 16:18, Jesus says 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.” Here, Jesus wasn’t referring to a physical building but rather a community of faith built on the belief in Him as the Son of God.
What Did Jesus Mean by “Church”?
The Greek word for church, “ekklesia,” means a gathering or assembly. Jesus envisioned a community of followers who would come together in His name. This community isn’t bound by a specific denomination or a building; it’s a worldwide fellowship of believers united in faith.
Key Aspects of Jesus’ Church:
- Universal Belief: Jesus’ church is about faith in Him and His teachings.
- Community Focus: It’s about people coming together, supporting each other, and spreading His message.
- Spiritual Kingdom: The church is seen as part of God’s kingdom, which transcends earthly boundaries and divisions.
Jesus’ Teachings on Community and Worship
Jesus taught about love, service, and unity among His followers. In John 13:34-35, He said, “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 love and unity are the cornerstones of the church Jesus envisioned.
Early Christian Communities
After Jesus’ resurrection, His disciples began to spread His teachings, forming the early Christian communities. These groups gathered to worship, share meals, and support each other. 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.”
The Apostolic Foundation
The apostles played a crucial role in establishing these communities. Peter, James, John, and others traveled extensively, preaching the gospel and forming new congregations. Their teachings and letters are foundational to the New Testament and continue to guide Christians today.
The Church Today
The Christian Church has evolved into many denominations, each with its interpretations and traditions. Despite these differences, the core of Jesus’ teachings remains central. Let’s explore how various major denominations view their connection to the church Jesus founded.
Roman Catholic Church
The Roman Catholic Church believes it’s the continuation of the church established by Christ, with Peter, whom Catholics view as the first pope, at its foundation. The Catholic Church emphasizes apostolic succession, the idea that the authority of the apostles has been passed down through the bishops and the pope.
Orthodox Church
The Orthodox Church shares many beliefs with the Catholic Church but split from it in the Great Schism of 1054. It also claims direct lineage to the early Christian communities and maintains many ancient traditions and liturgies.
Protestant Churches
Protestant denominations, which emerged from the Reformation in the 16th century, emphasize the authority of the Scriptures over church hierarchy. They include a wide variety of beliefs and practices but generally agree on the importance of faith in Jesus as the cornerstone of the church.
Unity in Diversity
While there are many branches of Christianity, they all trace their roots back to Jesus and His teachings. This unity in diversity reflects the broad and inclusive nature of the church Jesus envisioned. Galatians 3:28 captures this well: “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
The Essence of Jesus’ Church Today
If you’re wondering which church Jesus founded, remember that it’s less about a specific denomination and more about a universal community of believers. The essence of Jesus’ church is found in:
- Faith in Him: Belief in Jesus as the Son of God and Savior.
- Living His Teachings: Practicing love, forgiveness, and service.
- Community: Gathering together in fellowship and worship.
- Spreading the Gospel: Sharing His message with the world.
Conclusion
The church Jesus founded is a living, breathing community of faith that transcends buildings, borders, and denominations. It’s built on the solid rock of His teachings and the love and unity He commanded. Whether you find yourself in a grand cathedral, a humble chapel, or a home gathering, you’re part of the church Jesus envisioned if you believe in Him and live by His teachings.
In the words of 1 Peter 2:9, “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” This is the church Jesus founded—a vibrant, diverse, and unified body of believers proclaiming His love and light to the world.
FAQs: Which Church Was Founded by Jesus?
1. Did Jesus establish a specific denomination?
No, Jesus didn’t establish a specific denomination. He created a spiritual community of believers, referred to as the “church,” that transcends any particular denomination. This community is built on faith in Him and His teachings.
2. What does the term “ekklesia” mean in the context of the church?
The term “ekklesia” is a Greek word that means a gathering or assembly. In the context of the church, it refers to a community of believers who come together in faith and fellowship, rather than a physical building or a particular denomination.
3. How did the early Christian church function?
The early Christian church, as described in Acts 2:42, was characterized by devotion to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayer. They supported one another, shared meals, and worshipped together.
4. Why is Peter significant in the foundation of the church?
In Matthew 16:18, Jesus said to Peter, “You are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church.” This statement highlights Peter’s significant role in the early church. Many Christian traditions, especially the Roman Catholic Church, see Peter as the foundational leader and the first pope.
5. How do different denominations view their connection to the church Jesus founded?
- Roman Catholic Church: Believes it’s the direct continuation of the church Jesus established, with an emphasis on apostolic succession from Peter.
- Orthodox Church: Shares many foundational beliefs with the Catholic Church but emphasizes its own historical and theological traditions.
- Protestant Churches: Emphasize the authority of the Scriptures and vary widely in practices and beliefs but share a focus on faith in Jesus.
6. What are the main characteristics of the church Jesus envisioned?
Jesus’ church is characterized by:
- Faith in Him: Belief in Jesus as the Son of God.
- Community: Coming together in love and support.
- Living His Teachings: Practicing love, forgiveness, and service.
- Spiritual Kingdom: A focus on God’s kingdom rather than earthly divisions.
7. Is the church limited to a building or a specific place?
No, the church is not limited to a physical building. It’s a spiritual assembly of believers. Jesus’ church exists wherever His followers gather in His name, whether in homes, community centers, or traditional church buildings.
8. How can I be part of the church Jesus founded?
You can be part of the church Jesus founded by:
- Believing in Jesus: Accepting Him as your Lord and Savior.
- Living His Teachings: Following His commandments of love and service.
- Joining a Community: Engaging with other believers in worship and fellowship.
- Sharing the Gospel: Spreading Jesus’ message to others.
9. What does “unity in diversity” mean for Jesus’ church?
“Unity in diversity” means that while Christians may belong to different denominations and traditions, they are united by their common faith in Jesus Christ. This concept reflects the inclusive nature of Jesus’ vision for His church, as emphasized in Galatians 3:28: “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
10. What role did the apostles play in the early church?
The apostles, particularly Peter, James, John, and Paul, were instrumental in spreading Jesus’ teachings and establishing early Christian communities. They traveled extensively, preached the gospel, and provided guidance through their letters, which are now part of the New Testament.
11. What is the significance of Matthew 16:18 in understanding the church?
In Matthew 16:18, Jesus declares that Peter is the rock upon which He will build His church. This statement has been interpreted by many as signifying Peter’s leadership role in the early church and the foundational nature of the faith he professed.
12. What are the core values of the church Jesus established?
The core values of the church Jesus established include:
- Faith in Jesus: Trusting in Him as the foundation of salvation.
- Love and Unity: Loving one another and fostering community.
- Service and Humility: Serving others selflessly as Jesus did.
- Spreading His Teachings: Sharing the message of Jesus with the world.
Discover the church founded by Jesus: a spiritual community united by faith, love, and His teachings. Explore the universal essence of Jesus’ church and its impact today.
