Church: What Did Jesus say about Church

Jesus’ teachings about the Church are foundational to Christian belief, encompassing a range of concepts from the gathering of believers to the spiritual body of Christ. While the term “Church” itself is not frequently used in the Gospels, Jesus laid the groundwork for what would become the Christian Church through His teachings and actions. Below are relevant Bible verses that give insight into Jesus’ perspective on the Church:

1. Matthew 16:18 (ESV)

• “And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
• This verse is often cited as Jesus’ foundational statement about the Church, indicating its enduring strength and establishment by Christ Himself.

1. Matthew 18:20 (ESV)

• “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”
• This emphasizes the presence of Christ among His followers, suggesting that the Church is not just a physical structure but a gathering of believers.

1. John 17:21-23 (ESV)

• “That they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.”
• In Jesus’ prayer, the unity of believers is highlighted, which is a foundational aspect of the Church.

Three Main Takeaways:

1. The Church is founded by Christ: Jesus’ declaration to Peter underscores that the Church is established by Him and built on the faith exemplified by Peter’s confession. It is meant to be strong and enduring, able to withstand all forms of opposition.
2. The presence of Christ among believers: The Church is not confined to a physical location or structure. Instead, it is wherever believers gather in Jesus’ name. This emphasizes the relational and communal aspects of the Church, grounded in the presence of Christ among His followers.
3. Unity is fundamental to the Church: Jesus’ prayer for His followers to be one as He and the Father are one speaks to the essence of the Church. It is a call for unity among believers, reflecting the unity within the Godhead. This unity serves as a testimony to the world of Jesus’ mission and the love of God.

These teachings underscore the spiritual, relational, and missional dimensions of the Church, calling believers to live out their faith in communal, Christ-centered ways that bear witness to the world.