Jesus had a profound view of the church, considering it as a central element of his ministry and a key instrument for the establishment of God’s kingdom on Earth. In the New Testament, particularly in the Gospels and the teachings of Jesus, we find several instances where he expresses his thoughts on the nature, purpose, and mission of the church.
- The Foundation of the Church: 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 acknowledges Peter’s confession of faith and declares his intention to establish the church. The church is built upon the foundation of faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God.
- The Unity of the Church: Jesus prayed for the unity of believers in John 17:20-23, stating, “I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one… May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me.” Jesus desired the church to be united, reflecting the unity of the Father and the Son. He emphasized that the unity of believers would be a powerful testimony to the world.
- The Role of the Church: Jesus described the church’s mission in Matthew 28:19-20, commonly known as the Great Commission. He commanded his disciples, “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.” The church is called to spread the message of the Gospel, baptize new believers, and teach them to follow Jesus’ teachings.
- The Community of the Church: Jesus emphasized the importance of love and service within the church community. 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.” The church is meant to be a community characterized by selfless love, care, and support for one another, demonstrating the love of Christ to the world.
- The Authority of the Church: Jesus delegated authority to the church to carry out his work. In Matthew 18:18, he said, “Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” This indicates that the church has been given the authority to proclaim and enforce God’s truth and to exercise spiritual discipline within its community.
Overall, Jesus saw the church as a spiritual family united in faith, love, and purpose. It is entrusted with the mission of spreading the Gospel, making disciples, and embodying God’s love and grace to the world. The church, in Jesus’ view, plays a pivotal role in bringing about God’s redemptive plan and representing his kingdom on Earth.
