For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them
Matthew 18:20
This verse speaks to the heart of what it means to be a believer – gathering together in Jesus’ name, experiencing His divine presence, and embracing unity in the body of Christ.
As we poke this verse, we will gain a deeper understanding of the importance of fellowship, reconciliation, and discipleship in our Christian journey. We will also discover how small groups, prayer, worship, and service play a vital role in our gatherings.
But beyond these practical applications, Matthew 18:20 reminds us of the ultimate gathering – the heavenly assembly – where believers from every nation, tribe, people, and language will stand before the throne and the Lamb, worshiping God in perfect unity and harmony.
1. The Context – A Lesson in Humility and Unity
Before we delve into the heart of Matthew 18:20, it’s essential to understand the context. In Matthew 18:1-5, Jesus teaches his disciples about humility – that to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, one must become like a little child.
Children are often characterized by their innocence, trust, and dependency. Jesus encourages his followers to model these qualities in their spiritual lives. He says, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:3)
By approaching our faith with a childlike disposition, we open ourselves up to learning, growing, and developing deeper relationships with both God and our fellow believers.
In addition to humility, Matthew 18 emphasizes the importance of unity among believers. In Matthew 18:12-14, Jesus tells the parable of the lost sheep, demonstrating the great lengths to which God will go to bring back those who have strayed. This passage highlights the significance of every individual within the community of faith and God’s desire to see His children united.
Furthermore, Jesus focuses on the importance of reconciliation among believers in Matthew 18:15-17. He encourages us to confront those who have wronged us, seek repentance, and restore broken relationships, with the ultimate goal of unity in the body of Christ.
By understanding the broader context of Matthew 18, we can better appreciate the depth and beauty of verse 20, as it emphasizes the importance of gathering together in humility, love, and unity.
2. Gathered in His Name – The Significance of Unity
Now, let’s focus on the phrase “gathered together in my name”. What does it mean to gather in Jesus’ name? Gathering in Jesus’ name goes beyond just being physically present in the same location. It involves:
A. Shared Purpose
When we gather in Jesus’ name, we come together with a common goal – to worship, learn, grow, and serve in accordance with Jesus’ teachings. It’s about pursuing the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) and fulfilling the command to love God and love others (Matthew 22:37-39). With a shared purpose, we can encourage and strengthen each other in our Christian journey.
B. Common Values
Gathering in Jesus’ name means coming together as a community that shares the same values, rooted in Scripture. These values might include love, compassion, humility, forgiveness, and faithfulness. By holding onto these values, we can create an environment where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and supported.
C. Deep Love for the Lord
Above all, to gather in Jesus’ name is to come together with a profound love for the Lord. This love is at the core of our gatherings and serves as the foundation for all that we do. It’s the driving force behind our worship, our desire for growth, and our commitment to serve others.
In Acts 2:42-47, we see the early Christians living this out – devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching, breaking bread together, and praying. They were united in their love for the Lord, and as a result, they experienced the power of the Holy Spirit and the growth of the Church.
So, when we gather in His name, we align our hearts, minds, and actions with Jesus’ teachings and purposes. It’s about being united in love for the Lord and seeking to glorify Him in all that we do. Are you prepared to embrace this kind of unity?
3. His Presence – The Promise of Immanuel and the Manifestation of the Holy Spirit
When believers gather in Jesus’ name, the Lord promises His presence. Matthew 18:20 assures us that He is “in the midst of them.” It’s a divine guarantee, for God is faithful to His Word. In this section, let’s explore this promise in greater detail, including the role of the Holy Spirit in manifesting God’s presence among us.
Immanuel – God with Us
This truth echoes the promise in Isaiah 7:14, where the prophet Isaiah prophesied that Jesus would be called Immanuel, which means “God with us.” Indeed, Jesus’ presence is the source of our joy, comfort, and strength. Can you recall a time when you experienced the Lord’s presence in a gathering of believers?
The Holy Spirit – God’s Presence Among Us
After Jesus’ ascension, the Holy Spirit was sent as a Comforter and Helper for believers. In John 14:16-17, Jesus said, “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.” The Holy Spirit is the One who manifests God’s presence in our lives and in our gatherings.
Experiencing God’s Presence
When we come together in Jesus’ name, we create an environment where the Holy Spirit can move, guiding us in truth and empowering us for ministry. In Acts 2:1-4, we see the early believers gathered together in the Upper Room, and the Holy Spirit descended upon them, filling them with power and boldness to proclaim the Gospel. This illustrates the importance of gathering in Jesus’ name and the profound impact of God’s presence in our lives.
Growing Together in God’s Presence
God’s presence is not only a source of comfort and joy, but it is also essential for our spiritual growth. In Ephesians 4:11-16, the Apostle Paul explains that God has given spiritual gifts to believers for the purpose of edifying and building up the body of Christ. As we gather in Jesus’ name and experience His presence, we are equipped to grow in our faith, maturity, and unity with other believers.
4. Comparisons – The Breadth of Scripture
When we examine the breadth of Scripture, we see that the promise of God’s presence is a constant theme. For example, in Psalm 46:1, we read that “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Similarly, in Isaiah 41:10, the Lord declares, “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Moreover, we see throughout the Old and New Testaments that God’s presence is not limited to a specific place or time. In Exodus 33:14, the Lord promises Moses, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Later, in John 14:23, Jesus assures His disciples, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.”
The idea of God’s presence being with us is a consistent and reassuring message throughout the Bible. We can take comfort in the fact that the Lord is always with us, even when we may not feel His presence. As believers, we have the Holy Spirit within us, guiding and directing our steps (Galatians 5:25).
In contrast, when we try to go it alone, without God’s presence, we can become easily overwhelmed and discouraged. In Psalm 127:1, we are reminded that “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.” It is only through the Lord’s presence and guidance that we can build something of lasting value.
5. Real-Life Application – Finding Unity Today
As believers, it is essential that we come together in unity, as Jesus prayed in John 17:21, “that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.”
The importance of unity is emphasized throughout the Bible, and it is a vital component of our Christian witness to the world. Yet, unity does not come easily. It requires effort and intentionality on our part. In this section, we will explore some practical ways to find unity in our modern world.
Seek Genuine Christian Fellowship
In our fast-paced world, it is easy to prioritize other things over Christian fellowship. However, genuine Christian fellowship is essential for our spiritual growth and unity as believers. Hebrews 10:24-25 says, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Attending church services, joining Bible studies or prayer groups, and participating in other Christian gatherings are all opportunities to come together in unity. These gatherings help us to encourage one another, learn from one another, and grow in our faith together.
Pursue Reconciliation
Unfortunately, conflict and division can arise even among believers. In Matthew 18:15-17, Jesus teaches us how to handle conflicts within the church, instructing us to first address the issue privately, and then involve others if necessary.
Reconciliation is a crucial aspect of finding unity. We must strive to work through our differences, forgive one another, and maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:3). When we forgive one another, we are modeling the forgiveness that God has shown us.
Embrace Diversity
Unity does not mean uniformity. In fact, the body of Christ is made up of people from different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. Galatians 3:28 says, “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
Embracing diversity can be challenging, but it is essential to finding unity. We must be willing to listen to one another, learn from one another, and celebrate our differences. When we come together in unity despite our differences, we are a powerful witness to the world.
Serve Together
Serving others is an excellent way to find unity. When we serve together, we are reminded of our common purpose and values. Philippians 2:3-4 says, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
Serving others helps us to put our own interests aside and focus on the needs of others. When we serve together, we are reminded that we are all part of the body of Christ, and each one of us has a unique role to play.
6. A Word from the Wise – John Piper on Gathering in Jesus’ Name
John Piper, a renowned Bible scholar, and pastor, emphasizes the importance of gathering in Jesus’ name. In his book, “Let the Nations Be Glad” Piper writes, “The church is not a building, but a people gathered in the name of Jesus, with Jesus in their midst.”
Piper explains that when we gather in Jesus’ name, we do so as a reflection of the unity of the Trinity. Just as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are one, we, too, are united in Christ as we gather together. The purpose of this gathering is to magnify Christ and to experience His presence in a way that we cannot do alone.
Moreover, Piper asserts that when we gather in Jesus’ name, we are acknowledging our need for one another. He writes, “We gather to encourage each other to remain faithful to Christ in the midst of a world that is hostile to His kingdom.”
Piper also emphasizes the importance of the shared purpose of gathering in Jesus’ name. He explains that our gatherings should be centered on Christ, where we learn and grow together in Him, and worship Him together as a community of believers.
He encourages believers to view gathering in Jesus’ name as a privilege, not a chore. He writes, “Gathering is not something we have to do; it’s something we get to do. It’s a gift from God, and we should treat it as such.”
7. The Power of Technology – Virtual Gatherings
In recent years, technology has revolutionized how we connect with others. Online platforms have made it possible to gather virtually, extending the reach of Christian fellowship across the globe. But, can we still experience the Lord’s presence in these digital gatherings?
The answer lies in our hearts. If we come together in Jesus’ name – with a shared purpose, common values, and deep love for the Lord – then yes, we can experience His presence even in virtual settings.
While online gatherings cannot replace the physical presence of believers, they offer a valuable opportunity for Christians to connect and support one another from afar.
In fact, the use of technology in Christian gatherings has become increasingly prevalent, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many churches and organizations have had to pivot to virtual platforms to continue providing support and community to their members.
Through these virtual gatherings, individuals have been able to participate in Bible studies, prayer groups, and worship services from the comfort of their own homes.
However, it’s important to note that virtual gatherings do have their limitations. While they offer convenience and accessibility, they cannot fully replicate the depth of in-person fellowship.
It can be challenging to establish a personal connection with someone through a screen, and there may be limitations to the type of activities or discussions that can be done virtually.
Furthermore, there are concerns about the potential for online gatherings to contribute to a lack of accountability or participation.
It can be tempting to log in to a virtual gathering and multitask or tune out, rather than actively engage in the discussion or worship.
Despite these limitations, the power of technology in facilitating virtual Christian gatherings cannot be ignored. Through the use of online platforms, believers have been able to connect with others from all over the world, share their faith journeys, and offer support and encouragement to one another. T
echnology has opened up new avenues for Christian fellowship and has demonstrated the resilience and adaptability of the church.
With the current challenges of our rapidly evolving world, it’s important to remain open to new ways of gathering and connecting with other believers. Whether in-person or online, let us continue to come together in Jesus’ name, with a shared purpose and a deep love for the Lord.
8. The Significance of Small Groups
While broad gatherings have their place, Matthew 18:20 highlights the value of smaller groups – “two or three” – as well. Small groups provide a more intimate setting for believers to share, pray, and grow together in Christ. In fact, Jesus Himself often spent time with just a few of His closest disciples.
Small groups offer a unique space for believers to connect with one another and build meaningful relationships that extend beyond a Sunday morning service. They create opportunities for deeper conversations, shared experiences, and personalized care and support.
Small groups provide an environment for accountability and encouragement in our walk with Christ, and they allow us to learn from one another and share our spiritual insights.
Additionally, small groups can be tailored to specific interests or needs. Some small groups focus on Bible study or prayer, while others may center around a particular stage of life or shared hobby. These groups provide a space for individuals to explore their faith and grow in areas that resonate with them.
Furthermore, small groups can also foster a sense of belonging and connectedness within a larger church community. They can help people find their place within the body of Christ and establish deeper connections with fellow believers.
9. The Ultimate Gathering – The Heavenly Assembly
The ultimate gathering that we, as believers, look forward to is the heavenly assembly. In Revelation 7:9-10, the Apostle John paints a vivid picture of this gathering – a great multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language standing before the throne and the Lamb, clothed in white robes and holding palm branches, worshiping God and declaring His glory.
This image reminds us that our Christian gatherings here on earth are merely a foretaste of the ultimate gathering in heaven. We are part of something much bigger than ourselves – a global community of believers united in our love for Jesus Christ.
The promise of this ultimate gathering is found throughout Scripture. In 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, we read that the Lord Himself will come down from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.
After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so, we will be with the Lord forever.
This promise fills us with hope and assurance, knowing that we will one day be reunited with our loved ones who have gone before us, and we will worship our Lord and Savior together in perfect unity and harmony.
In this ultimate gathering, we will experience the fullness of God’s glory and presence. We will no longer see through a glass dimly, but we will see Him face to face (1 Corinthians 13:12). We will be transformed, and our mortal bodies will be clothed with immortality (1 Corinthians 15:53-54).
The heavenly assembly is a gathering of great significance and meaning for us as believers. It is the culmination of our faith journey, the fulfillment of our hope, and the ultimate expression of our love for God.
Conclusion
Matthew 18:20 is a beautiful reminder of the importance of gathering in Jesus’ name and experiencing His divine presence. When we gather together in unity, aligning our hearts with Jesus’ teachings and purposes, we invite the Lord’s presence into our midst.
As we have seen, this presence is not limited to physical gatherings alone, but can also be experienced in virtual settings, small groups, prayer, worship, discipleship, and service. The ultimate gathering, however, is the heavenly assembly, where we will experience the fullness of God’s glory and presence.
So, let us cherish the fellowship of believers, seek reconciliation, and strive for unity in the body of Christ. May we always be mindful of Jesus’ teachings on humility, forgiveness, and love, and may our gatherings be a reflection of His grace and truth.
In the words of the Psalmist, “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1). May we continue to gather in His name, experiencing the divine presence in our midst, and may our lives be a testimony of His love and truth to the world.
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