What Did Jesus Call His Church?

Jesus described His church as “ekklesia,” meaning a community of believers united in Him, not merely a building. He envisioned it as a loving, unified body, emphasizing interdependence and diversity. The church serves as a light in the world, showcasing God’s love and truth through worship, service, and outreach. Keep reading for a more in-depth cover

When you think about the term “church,” what comes to mind?

You might picture a building with a steeple or a gathering of people singing hymns.

But what did Jesus actually mean when He talked about His church?

This question digs deep into the heart of Christian identity and community.

Let’s explore what Jesus called His church and how that shapes our understanding today.

The Meaning of “Church” in the New Testament

In the New Testament, the word translated as “church” is “ekklesia,” which is a Greek term meaning “assembly” or “called-out ones.”

This wasn’t a new term; it was commonly used to describe a gathering of citizens in a public place.

But when Jesus used it, He infused it with a unique, divine purpose.

In Matthew 16:18, Jesus said,

“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 uses “ekklesia” to refer to a community of believers united in Him. Notice, it’s not about a building; it’s about people.

Jesus’ Vision for His Church

A Unified Body of Believers

Jesus envisioned His church as a unified body.

In John 17:21, He prayed, “that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you.”

This unity isn’t just about getting along; it’s a profound spiritual connection mirroring the relationship between Jesus and the Father.

A Community of Love

The church Jesus talked about is characterized by love.

In John 13:34-35, He instructed, “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 isn’t superficial; it’s sacrificial and transformative.

A Witness to the World

Jesus called His church to be a light in the world.

Matthew 5:14-16 says,

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

The church is meant to shine brightly, showcasing God’s love and truth.

The Church as the Body of Christ

Paul, an early follower of Jesus, expanded on this concept.

In his letters, he often referred to the church as the “body of Christ.”

For example, in 1 Corinthians 12:27, he wrote, “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.”

This metaphor highlights several key aspects:

Diversity and Unity: Just as a body has many parts with different functions, the church comprises diverse individuals with unique gifts and roles.

Yet, they all work together for a common purpose.

Interdependence: Every part of the body needs the others to function properly.

Similarly, members of the church rely on one another for support, growth, and mission.

Christ as the Head: Ephesians 5:23 says, “Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior.”

This means Jesus is the leader and source of guidance and strength for the church.

The Church in Practice

So, what does this look like in real life?

Jesus’ church isn’t confined to Sundays or a physical location.

It’s a vibrant, everyday expression of faith in action.

Worship and Prayer: Gathering for worship and prayer is central to the church’s life.

Acts 2:42 describes the early believers:

“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”

Teaching and Learning: The church is a place where believers grow in their understanding of God’s word and His will.

Colossians 3:16 encourages us, “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom.”

Service and Outreach: Following Jesus means serving others.

Matthew 25:40 says, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

The church is called to care for the needy and spread the good news of Jesus.

The Church and You

You might wonder, “Where do I fit into all this?”

Well, as a believer, you’re an essential part of Jesus’ church.

Here’s how you can live it out:

Join a Community: Find a local church where you can connect with other believers.

It’s not just about attending; it’s about being part of a spiritual family.

Grow in Faith: Take advantage of opportunities to learn and grow in your faith.

Attend Bible studies, join a small group, and seek mentorship.

Serve Others: Look for ways to serve within the church and your community.

Whether it’s volunteering, helping those in need, or sharing your faith, you have unique contributions to make.

Stay Connected: Keep your relationship with Jesus at the center of your life.

Through prayer, scripture, and fellowship, stay connected to the source of your faith.

Conclusion

Jesus called His church to be a dynamic, loving, and unified body of believers.

It’s not about buildings or rituals but about people coming together to follow Him, support one another, and be a light to the world.

By understanding and embracing this vision, you can find your place in His church and make a meaningful impact.

Remember, the church isn’t a place you go to; it’s who you are as a follower of Christ.

So, live out your faith boldly, and let the light of Jesus shine through you in every aspect of your life.

This article gives a thorough look at what Jesus called His church, using biblical insights and practical applications.

If you’re curious about how to be a part of this vibrant community or want to grow in your faith, remember that the church is a family waiting to welcome you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What did Jesus mean by “church”?

Jesus used the term “church” to describe a community of believers who are called out to follow Him.

The Greek word “ekklesia” translates to “assembly” or “called-out ones,” signifying a gathering of people rather than a physical building.

2. How is the church described in the Bible?

In the Bible, the church is often described as the “body of Christ” (1 Corinthians 12:27), highlighting its unity, diversity, and interdependence among believers, with Jesus as the head guiding and empowering the community.

3. What are the key characteristics of the church according to Jesus?

Jesus envisioned His church as:

A Unified Body: A community of believers united in purpose and spirit (John 17:21).
A Community of Love: Marked by genuine, sacrificial love for one another (John 13:34-35).
A Witness to the World: Called to be a light, showcasing God’s love and truth to the world (Matthew 5:14-16).

4. What is the significance of Matthew 16:18 in understanding the church?

In Matthew 16:18, Jesus says,

“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 verse signifies that the church is founded on the revelation of Jesus as the Messiah and emphasizes its enduring strength and divine foundation.

5. How can I be part of Jesus’ church?

To be part of Jesus’ church, you should:

Join a local community: Connect with a local church where you can worship and grow with other believers.
Grow in faith: Engage in Bible studies, prayer, and learning opportunities.
Serve others: Participate in serving within the church and the broader community.
Stay connected to Jesus: Maintain a strong personal relationship with Jesus through prayer and scripture.

6. What does it mean to say the church is the “body of Christ”?

Saying the church is the “body of Christ” means that believers are collectively and individually important parts of the church, each with unique roles and functions, working together under the leadership of Jesus, who is the head.

7. How does the church function in daily life?

In daily life, the church functions as:

A place of worship and prayer where believers gather to honor God and seek His guidance.
A center for teaching and learning about God’s word and His will.
A community for service and outreach, caring for the needy and spreading the message of Jesus.

8. Why is unity important in the church?

Unity is crucial because it reflects the nature of God and strengthens the church’s witness to the world.

Jesus prayed for His followers to be one, just as He and the Father are one (John 17:21), showing that unity is foundational to the church’s identity and mission.

9. How can I contribute to the church’s mission?

You can contribute by:

Participating in worship and community events.
Volunteering your time and talents in various ministries.
Supporting others through acts of kindness and encouragement.
Sharing the gospel with those who haven’t heard it.

10. What role does love play in the church?

Love is the defining mark of Jesus’ disciples and the foundation of the church’s relationships.

Jesus commanded His followers to love one another as He loved them (John 13:34-35), which means showing unconditional, selfless love in all interactions within the church and beyond.

11. Is attending a physical church necessary to be part of Jesus’ church?

While attending a physical church is beneficial for fellowship, worship, and community, being part of Jesus’ church ultimately means being connected to Him and living out your faith in daily life.

The church is not just a place but a people committed to following Jesus.

12. Can I be part of the church if I have doubts or struggles in my faith?

Absolutely!

The church is a place for all people, including those with doubts or struggles.

It’s a community where you can find support, grow in understanding, and deepen your relationship with Jesus.