Jesus took His body from the Virgin Mary and revealed himself to this world through that body. He suffered also in that body. But it was necessary that after His ascension His mission should continue. So He organized the church to be His body in this world, to continue his work. Many people followed Him.

Soul had been persecuting the followers of Jesus Christ. While he was on his way to Damascus to persecute the believers, a heavenly light flashed about him. He fell to the ground and heard the voice, "Soul! Why do you persecute me?" He replied, "Who are you Lord?" soul got the answer, "I am Jesus whom you are persecuting." (Acts 9:3-5) When the church, the followers of Christ was persecuted. Jesus Himself was persecuted. This shows that the church is His body.

St. Paul says "Now I rejoice in my suffering for your sake and in my flesh, I complete what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of His body, that is the church." (Col. 1:24)

"For jus as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body through many are one body, so it is with Christ." (1 Cor. 12:12) Jews or Greeks, slaves or free men are all baptized into one body. If any member of the body suffers, all suffer togethter. So no member should create pain or dishonor to any other member of the body.

Each organ in the body has got its duty to be performed. It should be content with its duty and never be envious of other organs. All should be doing their duties according to the orders of Christ, the head; whatever we do should be for Christ. (I Cor. 12:20-28)

The church, the body of Christ is a temple. "Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s spirit dwells in you?" (I Cor. 3:16) We are one household of God. Christ himself is the cornerstone. This is built upon the foundation of apostles and prophets. The whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord. (Eph. 2:18-22) Each stone has got its own place. Christ is the main builder and he places each man in his position. We consider St. Paul as an architect of the church, because he had worked hard for the church. The Lord has placed people in different positions to look after the building of the church. Each should complete the work entrusted to him faithfully.

Memorization:
"As the Father has sent me, even so I send you." (John 20:21)

Questions:

1. What was the purpose of organizing the church, the body of Christ?
2. The church is a temple. How is it built up?