“Again, if two lie down together, then they keep warm; but how can one be warm alone? And though one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
Introduction
Matthew 18:20 is a verse that offers assurance of Christ’s presence among believers whenever they gather in His name. This promise emphasizes the significance of community in the Christian faith and the special blessing of Christ’s presence when His followers come together. It also underscores the spiritual power and unity that is experienced when believers meet with a shared purpose aligned with Christ. This narrative will explore the context, meaning, and implications of Matthew 18:20, providing a comprehensive understanding based on the Amplified Bible (AMP).
Now Let’s Eat Some Meat!
Matthew 18:20 (AMP) "For where two or three are gathered in My name [meeting together as My followers], I am there among them."
Context of Matthew 18:20
Matthew 18 is a chapter that addresses various aspects of relationships and community life among believers. The chapter discusses themes such as humility, dealing with sin, forgiveness, and the authority given to the community of believers in matters of prayer and discipline. Verses 15-20 specifically focus on the process of reconciliation and church discipline, emphasizing the importance of unity and agreement in the community. Matthew 18:20 concludes this section by assuring believers of Christ’s presence when they gather in His name, whether for prayer, discipline, or any other purpose aligned with His will.
Matthew 18:15-18 (AMP): "If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens and pays attention to you, you have won back your brother. But if he does not listen, take along with you one or two others, so that every word may be confirmed by the testimony of two or three witnesses. If he pays no attention to them [refusing to listen and obey], tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile [unbeliever] and a tax collector. I assure you and most solemnly say to you, whatever you bind [forbid, declare to be improper and unlawful] on earth shall have [already] been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose [permit, declare lawful] on earth shall have [already] been loosed in heaven."
Detailed Exploration of Matthew 18:20
The Significance of Gathering in Christ’s Name
Key Phrase: "For where two or three are gathered in My name [meeting together as My followers]..."
Jesus emphasizes the importance of believers gathering in His name. This gathering isn’t just a social or casual meeting but one with the purpose of following Christ, seeking His will, and aligning with His teachings. Gathering "in His name" signifies that the meeting is done under His authority and with a focus on His purposes.
Hebrews 10:24-25 (AMP): "And let us consider [thoughtfully] how we may encourage one another to love and to do good deeds, not forsaking our meeting together [as believers for worship and instruction], as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more [faithfully] as you see the day [of Christ’s return] approaching."
The importance of gathering together is also highlighted in Hebrews, where believers are encouraged to meet regularly for mutual encouragement and growth in faith.
The Promise of Christ’s Presence
Key Phrase: "...I am there among them."
Jesus promises that His presence is with believers whenever they gather in His name. This assurance is significant because it emphasizes that even the smallest gathering of believers has the blessing of Christ’s presence. This presence is not merely symbolic but a real and active participation of Christ in the gathering, bringing spiritual power and unity.
John 14:18-20 (AMP): "I will not leave you as orphans [comfortless, bereaved, and helpless]; I will come [back] to you. After a little while the world will no longer see Me, but you will see Me; because I live, you will live also. On that day, when that time comes, you will know [for yourselves] that I am in My Father, and you are in Me, and I am in you."
Jesus’ promise in John 14 reinforces His ongoing presence with His followers, even after His ascension, through the Holy Spirit and His divine nature.
The Power of Unity in the Body of Christ
Matthew 18:20 emphasizes the spiritual power that is present when believers are united in purpose and meet in Christ’s name. This unity allows the community of believers to experience the presence of Christ in a unique way, bringing about spiritual growth, mutual encouragement, and the ability to carry out Christ’s mission on earth.
Psalm 133:1 (AMP): "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity!"
The psalmist highlights the beauty and blessing of unity among God’s people, which aligns with the promise of Christ’s presence in Matthew 18:20.
The Broader Message of Matthew 18
Authority and Responsibility in the Church
Matthew 18:18 (AMP): "I assure you and most solemnly say to you, whatever you bind [forbid, declare to be improper and unlawful] on earth shall have [already] been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose [permit, declare lawful] on earth shall have [already] been loosed in heaven."
Jesus grants the community of believers authority in matters of church discipline and spiritual discernment, a responsibility that is supported by the assurance of His presence when they gather in His name.
The Necessity of Forgiveness
Matthew 18:21-22 (AMP): "Then Peter came to Him and asked, 'Lord, how many times will my brother sin against me and I forgive him and let it go? Up to seven times?' Jesus answered him, 'I say to you, not up to seven times, but seventy times seven.'"
Following the discussion on unity and agreement, Jesus teaches on forgiveness, emphasizing that maintaining unity in the community requires a willingness to forgive continually, just as Christ has forgiven us.
The Value of Humility and Care for One Another
Matthew 18:12-14 (AMP): "What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them gets lost, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountain and go in search of the one that is lost? And if it turns out that he finds it, I assure you and most solemnly say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that did not get lost. So it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones be lost."
Earlier in the chapter, Jesus teaches about the importance of humility and caring for others, particularly those who are vulnerable or have gone astray. This teaching sets the stage for the emphasis on community and unity in the later verses.
Summary
Matthew 18:20, as interpreted in the Amplified Bible, assures believers of Christ’s presence whenever they gather in His name. This promise highlights the significance of unity and agreement within the body of Christ and underscores the spiritual power and blessing that come with meeting together as followers of Jesus. The broader context of Matthew 18 emphasizes the authority given to the church community, the necessity of forgiveness, and the importance of humility and care for one another. Understanding and applying these principles encourages believers to prioritize gathering in Christ’s name, knowing that His presence is with them, bringing spiritual strength, unity, and the ability to fulfill His purposes on earth.
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