If Judas betrayed Jesus, let’s not be naïve. We too will be betrayed at some point in our church life. Like Judas “started looking for a good chance to betray Jesus” (Matthew 26:16 CEV) so too can there be similar people in any church. I dream of a church that is not shocked when betrayal happens.
The Lord’s Supper
As Jesus was about to become our Passover Lamb He gave new rituals to the church, using bread and wine, saying this is His body and blood (Matthew 26:26-28).
Though the bread Jesus used was unleavened Passover bread, any later instructions about it, never mandate leavened or unleavened. There is no adjective. It is just called bread.
A 19th century overreaction against the abuse of alcohol, plus the inventions of pasteurization and refrigeration, popularized grape juice among many churches. However, six months after the grape harvest, it is obvious that any grape juice was long fermented into wine. Jesus used wine.
I dream of a church that continues this rite in the simplicity that Jesus instituted it.
Denial
Let’s not be too naïve about our developing church leaders. If Judas betrayed Jesus, most of the disciples fled and Peter denied Him three times (Matthew 26:30-35), don’t expect perfection from church leaders. If Jesus’ disciples all failed, so will leaders in any church at one time or another. It’s just part of the human condition. I dream of a church that creates an atmosphere of grace towards the faults of its leaders and parishioners.
Brought before Councils
In some countries, those who start Christian churches may be betrayed and arrested like Jesus was (Matthew 26:47-56) and all their disciples may leave and flee (vs 56). They may be brought before religious councils like Jesus was (vs 57-68). The religious leaders may take counsel against them and seek to put them to death (Matthew 27:1-2). They may be brought before civil authorities to answer questions like Pilate did Jesus (vs 11-31). More Christians are killed for their faith today like Jesus was, than any other time in history. I dream of a church that prays for our brothers and sisters under state or religious persecution around the world.
The Great Commission
Part of the reason for starting new churches is because it is a natural result of obeying the great commission.
“Jesus came and told his disciples, ‘I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.’” (Matthew 28:18-20a NLT)
So the teaching curriculum that Jesus outlined had a particular focus “and teach them to do everything I have told you.” (CEV) Where would we find that information? It is found primarily in the Gospels, that is why preparation for starting new churches includes knowing what we must teach.
Though the Holy Spirit came on Pentecost, Jesus also continues to be with His Church.
“And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20 ESV)
Jesus has always been there as Head of the church. Just as before the church era, sin has continued to prevail in the church, but grace has prevailed even more. Even in the darkest times, Jesus did not fail His church, but has always made sure that the essentials for salvation were there. I dream of a church that never loses its focus on what’s really important.
