Understanding Jesus’ Simple Yet Powerful Promise
Let’s break down Jesus’ words: “I will build My church.” At first glance, it’s a simple phrase, but it’s packed with meaning. Here’s what those five words tell us, explained in everyday language:
I—Who’s In Charge?
When Jesus says “I,” He’s making it clear that the church is His idea from the very start. He’s the designer and leader. The church isn’t something people came up with—it’s all Jesus. He’s the one who cares for it, watches over it, and makes sure it keeps going. No one else gets to claim ownership or ultimate control—He is at the top.
Will—Looking Ahead
The word “will” is about the future. When Jesus spoke these words, the church didn’t exist yet. He wasn’t talking about something He had already done, or even something happening at that moment. He was making a promise about what was to come, letting His followers know that something big was about to begin.
Build—Step by Step, Not All at Once
When Jesus says “build,” He’s talking about more than just starting something—He means an ongoing process. Think about building a house: you start with the foundation, then add more pieces over time until it’s complete. The church would start at a certain point, but it wouldn’t stop there. It would keep growing, becoming bigger and more connected as more people joined. Jesus Himself would do the building, shaping the church the way He wants.
My—Ownership Matters
With the word “My,” Jesus is reminding us that the church belongs to Him. He’s in charge, not anyone else. This means everything the church does should focus on Him and what He wants. If we ever lose sight of that, we risk drifting away from what the church was meant to be in the first place.
Church—What Does It Mean?
The word “church” comes from a Greek word that means “called out.” It’s not about a building, a business, or a set of rules. Instead, it’s about a group of people who have been called out from the rest of the world for a special reason: to know and honor Jesus. The church Jesus talked about isn’t tied to one place, culture, language, or group. It’s made up of anyone, anywhere, who follows Him.
What’s the Big Picture?
Jesus was promising to create a new community made up of people from all around the world who love Him. This isn’t about setting up organizations, following traditions, or having fancy buildings. It’s about being part of a family that crosses all borders and backgrounds—united around Jesus as the Head.
So, when we hear “I will build My church,” we’re hearing Jesus’ personal promise to create and care for a group of people dedicated to Him. The church is spiritual, not just physical. It’s not a business or a club; it’s a community with Jesus at the center. That’s what makes it unique and valuable—then, now, and always.
Minister A Francine Green
August 2025
afrancinegreen.com 