While Jesus doesn't use the word "church" in the way we understand it today (referring to a formal organization), he does speak about a community of believers, a kingdom, and a flock. Here's a breakdown of what Jesus said that relates to the concept of the church:
Key Concepts and Sayings Related to the Church:
* The Kingdom of Heaven/God: This is a central theme in Jesus' teachings. It refers to God's reign and rule both in the present and future. Jesus called people to enter this kingdom, implying a community united under God's authority.
* "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." (Matthew 4:17) - This is a foundational call for people to change their ways and embrace God's rule.
* Parables of the Kingdom: Many parables (e.g., the sower, the mustard seed, the yeast) illustrate the nature, growth, and impact of the Kingdom. These parables can be interpreted as describing the development of the community of believers.
* The New Covenant: Jesus instituted a new covenant with his followers, replacing the old covenant based on the Law of Moses. This new covenant is centered on faith in Jesus and his sacrifice.
* "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you." (Luke 22:20) - Said during the Last Supper, this establishes a new relationship between God and humanity through Jesus.
* The Importance of Love and Unity: Jesus stressed the importance of loving one another and being united in faith.
* "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." (John 13:34-35) - Love is the distinguishing characteristic of Jesus' followers.
* "That all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me." (John 17:21) - Jesus prays for unity among his followers.
* Leadership and Service: Jesus taught that leadership within the community should be based on service and humility, not on power or domination.
* "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Matthew 20:25-28) - This challenges worldly notions of leadership.
* Peter as the Rock (Matthew 16:13-20): This is a key passage, but its interpretation is debated.
* "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." (Matthew 16:18) - Different Christian traditions interpret "rock" differently (Peter, Peter's confession of faith, or Christ himself). Regardless, it speaks of a foundation for the community of believers.
* The Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20): This is Jesus' command to his followers to spread the gospel and make disciples of all nations.
* "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. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:19-20) - This emphasizes the mission and ongoing presence of Christ in the community of believers.
* The Shepherd and His Flock (John 10): Jesus uses the imagery of a shepherd caring for his sheep to describe his relationship with his followers.
* "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." (John 10:11) - This emphasizes Jesus' care and protection of his followers.
In summary, while Jesus didn't lay out a specific blueprint for a modern-style church organization, his teachings provide the foundational principles for a community of believers united in love, service, and commitment to spreading the gospel and living according to his teachings. He envisioned a people who would reflect God's love and kingdom to the world.