Community

I was reading through the Gospels during April.  As I neared the end, and Jesus heads into the Garden of Gethsemene, I noticed something.  Jesus takes along his closest disciples, Peter, James, and John.  This was not a learning experience for them, as so many things Jesus did with them was.  This was Jesus having a need that required his closest friends to help him in prayer.  This was Jesus at his most human as he expressed fear before going to the cross.

Often times, I think that I don't require any help from others.  I struggle through difficult times buried within my own soul.  I don't burden others with the troubles I feel.

This is my sin, as well as many others.  The first century church was described in Acts 4:32 as:

 " And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and soul: and not one of them said that aught of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common."

These new Christians were as one.  They had community.  They relied upon community.  

The need for community is often overlooked because so many of us believe we have it.  However, when one finds that true community with others in Christ, he will find a true enlightenment as to what community really is.  The feeling of facing trials and troubles linked arm in arm with other soldiers of Christ.


Jesus needed his three friends (even when they let him down.)  Are we so much stronger than Jesus that we don't need our community when we face trials that are often dismally meager when compared to the cross Jesus faced?