In Matthew 18:20, Jesus declares, "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." This promise is a primary reason that gathering with other followers of Jesus is so desirable. The very presence of Jesus among us elevates our gathering, making it the most commendable and worthwhile experience. But what does this presence entail, and why is it so significant?
One might wonder if Jesus is only present when we gather with others. Isn't He with us even when we are alone? Indeed, Jesus assures us of His continual presence, saying, "I will never leave you nor forsake you" and "I am with you always." These promises hold true in our solitary moments, comforting us with His unwavering companionship. Yet, when Jesus speaks of His presence among the gathered believers, He refers to something distinctive and additional.
As physical beings, we interact with the tangible world around us. Our relationships and experiences are grounded in the physical realm. When we become Christians, we are called to relate to an invisible, non-physical God. Though Jesus once walked among us in human form, He is now an unseen presence, experienced through the Holy Spirit. This can sometimes feel abstract and intangible.
However, when we gather with fellow believers, the presence of Jesus becomes tangible through our interactions with one another. Jesus said, "Inasmuch as you have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, you have done it unto me." In serving others, especially fellow Christians, we are serving Jesus Himself. When we are alone, we cannot physically express our love and service to Jesus in the same way. He has no physical needs for us to meet, but His body—the church—does.
In a gathering of believers, we have the opportunity to serve Jesus in tangible ways. We can show love, offer practical assistance, and meet the needs of our brothers and sisters in Christ. This is where the presence of Jesus becomes manifest in a unique and powerful way. He is present in the very people we interact with, for they are His body—His hands, His feet, His flesh, and His bones. When we serve them, we are serving Him.
John reminds us that if we cannot love our brother whom we have seen, we cannot love God whom we have not seen. Love must be expressed practically, through acts of kindness and service to all, but especially to fellow believers, as it says: "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." When we do these things, we do them for Jesus.
So, when two or three are gathered in His name, Jesus is present in a special way. He is there, not as a separate fourth person, but in the very essence of the gathered believers. They embody His presence, allowing us to relate to Him in a more tangible and practical manner. Thus, our gatherings become a profound opportunity to experience and express the love of Jesus, making every gathering a cherished and sacred moment.
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