In Old Testament times, the man, or father, was considered the head of the household. He had the responsibility for ensuring all within his care were provided for, including his wife and all of his children. The head of the household was meant to provide not only financial security and a provision of physical needs but also spiritual and moral guidance. A household that did not follow this model was often in a position of distinct disadvantage. Scriptures in the Old Testament, such as Malachi 3:5 and Deuteronomy 24:17-19, often list the “fatherless” alongside the “widow.” Both terms are intended to describe those who may be in most desperate need, yet, through no fault of their own, are unable to obtain resources necessary for physical or moral survival. The Jewish Law laid out requirements for those in need to be provided for.
Centuries later, Jesus provided guidance to all people, Jew and Gentile, as to how salvation was to be obtained. He taught that we need to love God with all our hearts and minds, and to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-40). After Jesus’ death, many of those who dedicated, or consecrated, their lives to God began to gather together to support each other, study the Scriptures, and to worship God. Scriptures such as 1 Corinthians 1:2, 1 Thessalonians 1:1 and 1 Peter 5:13 refer to these groups as “churches.” The term “church” is sometimes used interchangeably with the term “congregation,” and both terms have come to mean different things over the centuries. “Church” as used in the cited scriptures is translated from the Greek word ekklesia, which means “a calling out.” In its truest sense, the terms church, congregation or ecclesia imply more than just a group of people gathering together to worship God. A true church, congregation or ecclesia consists of those who strictly follow Jesus’ teachings of genuinely devoting their minds and hearts to God (Philippians 3:13-14).
The Scriptures also teach that Jesus is the head of the church (Colossians 1:18). Therefore, Jesus, who is in perfect harmony with God (John 10:30) may be looked at as an example for how members of the congregation are to act.
In Matthew 25:31-42, Jesus teaches that whatever one does to the least of “his brethren” he counts that action as if it were done to him. In Luke 8:21, Jesus explains that those who hear God’s word and apply it to their lives (in other words, “do it”) are considered his “brethren.” Thus, Jesus considers those who are serving God with all their minds and hearts his “brethren,” meaning that we are to look on those others in our congregation or ecclesia gatherings as Jesus’ brethren. If we are to please Jesus, in turn pleasing God, we need to make sure we are, to the best of our ability, tending to the needs of those who Jesus considers his brethren. Not all of those in need may be in their position because they are fatherless or a widow. Some may have ample physical means but are struggling emotionally or grappling with a crisis of faith. Some may have a great deal of faith but be struggling with the basic necessities of life. The spirit of the Old Testament Scriptures was to provide for those who are most in need. It is the responsibility of all of Jesus’ followers to know and understand the members of their congregations or ecclesias, and to seek acceptable ways to be of service.
