What Did Jesus Say About the True Church?

Jesus described the true church as a community rooted in faith, love, and obedience. He emphasized its foundation on His teachings, the importance of gathering in His name, and characteristics like unity, disciple-making, and service to others. The church’s mission includes being a light in the world and providing hope for eternal life. Keep reading for a more in-depth cover.

When we talk about the “true church,” it’s natural to wonder: What did Jesus actually say about it?

Throughout the Gospels, Jesus shared profound insights about what it means to be part of His church.

Let’s explore His teachings and uncover what they reveal about the true nature of the church.

What Did Jesus Say About the True Church

Jesus’ First Mention of the Church

Jesus first mentioned the church in a conversation with His disciples.

In Matthew 16:18, He said 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 declaration is pivotal because it marks the church’s foundation on Jesus’ teachings and Peter’s confession of faith.

Key Points from Matthew 16:18:

Foundation on Faith: The church is built on the belief that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God.
Endurance Against Evil: The true church will withstand the forces of darkness and evil.
Jesus as the Builder: It’s Jesus Himself who constructs His church, ensuring its divine origin and sustenance.

The Church is a Gathering of Believers

The term “church” (from the Greek word “ekklesia”) means an assembly or gathering.

Jesus emphasized that the church isn’t merely a building but a community of believers.

In Matthew 18:20, He stated,

“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

This highlights the importance of fellowship and the presence of Jesus among His followers.

Key Points from Matthew 18:20:

Presence in Community: Jesus promises to be present whenever His followers gather in His name.
Emphasis on Relationships: The true church is about relationships and community, not just physical structures.
Inclusivity: Even the smallest gathering of believers constitutes the church.

Characteristics of the True Church

Jesus outlined several characteristics that define the true church.

Understanding these traits helps us identify what the church should be and how it should function.

1. Love and Unity

Jesus stressed the importance of love 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.”

Unconditional Love: The church must practice the same selfless love that Jesus demonstrated.
Visible Unity: The love among believers should be evident to all, serving as a testament to their faith.
Identity Marker: Love is the distinguishing mark of Jesus’ disciples and, by extension, the true church.

2. Obedience to Jesus’ Teachings

In John 14:15, Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commands.” Obedience to Jesus’ teachings is a cornerstone of the true church.

This means aligning our lives with His words and living out His principles.

Following Jesus’ Example: The true church emulates Jesus’ life and teachings.
Adherence to Scripture: Biblical principles guide the church’s actions and decisions.
Commitment to Holiness: The church seeks to uphold the values and standards set by Jesus.

3. Commitment to Making Disciples

Before ascending to heaven, Jesus gave His disciples the Great Commission.

In Matthew 28:19-20, He commanded,

“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.”

Evangelism: The church actively shares the gospel and brings new believers into the faith.
Baptism: Baptizing believers is a crucial part of making disciples.
Teaching and Mentorship: The church is responsible for teaching Jesus’ commands and nurturing spiritual growth.

The Church’s Mission and Purpose

Jesus’ teachings also highlight the mission and purpose of the church.

It’s not just about gathering but actively fulfilling His mandate on earth.

1. Being the Light of the World

In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus said,

“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.”

Reflecting God’s Light: The church shines God’s light through good deeds and righteous living.
Visible Witness: The church’s presence should be noticeable and impactful in the world.
Glorifying God: Through its actions, the church points others to God.

2. Serving and Helping Others

Jesus exemplified servanthood and called His followers to do the same.

In Matthew 25:35-40, He taught that serving others is synonymous with serving Him: “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink… Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

Compassionate Service: The church is committed to helping those in need.
Acts of Kindness: Simple acts of kindness reflect the heart of Jesus’ ministry.
Service as Worship: Serving others is a way of honoring and worshiping Jesus.

The Church’s Future Promise

Finally, Jesus spoke about the church’s future.

In John 14:2-3, He reassured His disciples,

“My Father’s house has many rooms… I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”

Key Points from John 14:2-3:

Eternal Home: Jesus promises a place in heaven for His followers.
Hope of His Return: Jesus will return to bring the church to its eternal home.
Comfort in Uncertainty: This promise provides hope and assurance amidst life’s uncertainties.

Conclusion

Jesus’ teachings about the true church are profound and transformative.

They call us to build a community rooted in faith, love, and obedience, committed to making disciples and serving others.

The true church isn’t defined by buildings or denominations but by its devotion to Jesus’ teachings and mission.

As you reflect on these insights, remember that being part of the true church means embodying the values and principles that Jesus Himself championed.

FAQs: What Did Jesus Say About the True Church?

1. What is the significance of Jesus’ statement in Matthew 16:18 about the church?

Answer: In Matthew 16:18, Jesus declared, “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 statement is significant because it establishes the foundation of the church on Peter’s confession that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the living God.

It underscores that the church is built by Jesus and will endure against all evil.

2. What does the term “church” mean in the context of Jesus’ teachings?

Answer: The term “church” (Greek: “ekklesia”) refers to an assembly or gathering of believers.

In Jesus’ teachings, the church is not just a physical building but a community of people who follow Him.

It’s about the collective body of Christ where believers come together in faith and fellowship.

3. How does Jesus’ statement in Matthew 18:20 define the church?

Answer: In Matthew 18:20, Jesus said, “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

This statement highlights that the church is present whenever believers gather in Jesus’ name, regardless of the number of people.

It emphasizes the importance of community and Jesus’ presence in even the smallest gatherings.

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

Answer: According to Jesus, the true church is characterized by:

Love and Unity: Jesus commanded His followers to love one another as He loved them (John 13:34-35).
Obedience to His Teachings: Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commands” (John 14:15), emphasizing the importance of following His teachings.
Commitment to Making Disciples: Jesus’ Great Commission instructs the church to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20).

5. What did Jesus say about the church’s mission and purpose?

Answer: Jesus outlined the church’s mission and purpose as follows:

Being the Light of the World: The church should shine its light through good deeds and righteous living, making an impact in the world (Matthew 5:14-16).
Serving and Helping Others: Jesus taught that serving others is like serving Him, and the church should be dedicated to acts of compassion and kindness (Matthew 25:35-40).

6. How does Jesus describe the future of the church?

Answer: Jesus promised a future for the church in John 14:2-3, where He said, “My Father’s house has many rooms… I am going there to prepare a place for you.”

He assures His followers that He is preparing a place for them in heaven and will return to take them there. This promise offers hope and assurance of eternal life.

7. How can we identify a true church today?

Answer: A true church can be identified by its adherence to Jesus’ teachings:

Foundation on Faith in Jesus Christ: It believes in Jesus as the Son of God.
Practice of Love and Unity: It fosters a community of believers who love and support one another.
Commitment to Obedience and Disciple-making: It follows Jesus’ commands and actively engages in evangelism and discipleship.
Focus on Service: It serves others, reflecting Jesus’ compassion and kindness.

8. Is the physical building important in Jesus’ concept of the church?

Answer: No, the physical building is not the focal point in Jesus’ concept of the church.

According to His teachings, the church is about the gathering of believers and their collective faith and fellowship, not the physical structure where they meet.

Jesus emphasized the importance of the community of believers over the place they gather.

9. What role does love play in the true church?

Answer: Love is central to the true church. Jesus commanded His followers to love one another as a testament to their discipleship (John 13:34-35).

This love should be unconditional and evident, serving as the hallmark of the church and a witness to the world of Jesus’ presence among His followers.

10. How does the true church serve others according to Jesus’ teachings?

Answer: The true church serves others by engaging in acts of compassion and kindness, helping those in need as if they were serving Jesus Himself (Matthew 25:35-40).

This service reflects the heart of Jesus’ ministry and is a crucial aspect of living out His teachings.

11. What is the Great Commission and how does it relate to the church?

Answer: The Great Commission is Jesus’ command to His disciples in Matthew 28:19-20 to “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.”

This commission defines the church’s mission to spread the gospel, baptize new believers, and teach them to follow Jesus’ teachings.

12. Why is Jesus’ promise in John 14:2-3 important for the church?

Answer: Jesus’ promise in John 14:2-3 is important because it assures believers of their eternal future with Him.

He promises to prepare a place for them in heaven and return to bring them to be with Him.

This promise provides comfort, hope, and motivation for the church to remain faithful and committed to His teachings.