Read: Matthew 18:20
Additional Scripture: Acts 1:14
“For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.” This quote from Jesus may be among one of his most famous, probably because of the incredible promise it holds for us as we gather together as believers. But Jesus in other places had made the promise that he would always be with us as individuals because he was giving us his Holy Spirit. So what’s Jesus really saying here? Do we have to be with people to experience his presence? Or is there something unique he’s promising for when we come together with others?
If you back up a few paragraphs, Jesus is actually talking to his disciples about relationships and conflict. The whole section starts out with, “If another believer sins against you…” It won’t take any of us too long to think of a conflict we’ve had with another person. Maybe it’s a spouse, a roommate, a boss, or a child. But Jesus goes on to give us very specific instructions on how to deal with conflict in relationships and finishes with this incredible promise: “If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.”
Jesus is promising his presence as we gather together and talk with him, but it’s not because he wasn’t with us before. It’s because he will uniquely be in the midst of our relationships with one another, drawing us closer together and helping us work through the challenges and conflicts that come our way. In Acts Chapter 1 we read this about the early church. “They all met together and were constantly united in prayer…” Husband and wives – wouldn’t you want to be united in your marriage? If so, pray together! Parents – wouldn’t you want to be united with your kids? Pray with them! Are you wrestling through a conflict with someone at work? Well, gather your friends and pray! When we come together in prayer, we are inviting Jesus’s presence into our relationships in a powerful way.