"Where two or three are gathered . . ."

Scripture

“For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.” (Matthew 18:20)

Reflection

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus makes explicit, more than once, that he is with us and will remain with us. We see this in our verse for today, from the Gospel for this coming Sunday. We hear it in Jesus’ last words to his disciples in Matthew: “And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). In the first chapter of the Gospel, Matthew quotes the prophet of Isaiah: “‘Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,’ which means, “God is with us” (Matthew 1:23). Thus, not only is Jesus with us, but, in Jesus, God is with us.

The context for our verse for today has to do with accountability within the Body of Christ: “If another member of the church sins against you . . .” (vs. 15a). Jesus is realistic in that enmity and division exist within the fellowship of believers, and he offers us a process for reconciliation. Jesus’ promise of his abiding presence provides both the catalyst and the power for that reconciliation.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, Thank you for your promise that you are with us. Keep us in harmony with one another. Continue to be with us at Concordia. In your name we pray. Amen.