Jesus doesn't explicitly say that attending a church building is *necessary* for worshiping God. His teachings emphasize a personal relationship with God and inward transformation. However, he also valued community and fellowship. Here's a breakdown of relevant points:
What Jesus Emphasized:
* Personal Relationship with God: Jesus frequently spoke about a direct relationship with the Father. He taught people to pray in private (Matthew 6:6) and emphasized loving God with all your heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37).
* Worship in Spirit and Truth: In John 4:21-24, Jesus tells the Samaritan woman that the time is coming when worship won't be tied to a specific location (like the temple in Jerusalem or a mountain in Samaria). Instead, true worshipers will worship the Father "in spirit and truth." This suggests an inward, heartfelt worship, guided by truth, that transcends physical locations.
* Love and Service: Jesus taught that loving God is expressed through loving your neighbor (Matthew 22:39). Serving others and caring for the poor and needy are integral to a life of worship (Matthew 25:31-46).
The Importance of Community (Implied Necessity):
* Jesus Gathered with Disciples: Jesus chose 12 disciples and spent a significant amount of time with them, teaching them and sharing meals. This demonstrates the value of community and fellowship.
* The Lord's Supper: Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper (communion) as a shared meal to remember him and his sacrifice (Luke 22:19-20). This act is inherently communal.
* "Where two or three are gathered...": In Matthew 18:20, Jesus says, "For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them." This highlights the power and presence of God in community.
Interpretation and Context:
* The Early Church: After Jesus's ascension, the early Christians met regularly in homes and in the temple courts (Acts 2:42-47). They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. This shows the importance of gathering together for worship and encouragement.
* Purpose of Gathering: While Jesus emphasized inward transformation, the early church's gatherings served important purposes:
* Teaching: Learning about God and His ways.
* Fellowship: Encouraging and supporting one another.
* Worship: Praising God together.
* Accountability: Holding each other accountable to live according to God's Word.
* Service: Working together to meet the needs of the community.
Conclusion:
Jesus doesn't explicitly require physical church attendance for salvation or worship. A genuine relationship with God, characterized by love, obedience, and service, is paramount. However, the Bible shows that fellowship with other believers is extremely important, especially in the early Church. It provides encouragement, accountability, teaching, and opportunities to worship and serve God together. While it is possible to worship God in isolation, regularly participating in a healthy Christian community is generally considered beneficial and often essential for spiritual growth and living out one's faith fully. Whether attending a church is *necessary* is a matter of individual conscience and discernment, but the value of Christian community is undeniable in the New Testament.