Reserve question A – when two or three are gathered there I am also. This phrase has been taken out of context so often by lay and clergy alike that it appears to literally mean just what it says. But does it??
- Read John 17:20-21 first and then re-read, contextualizing with verses 13-23. Therefore, if Jesus is saying that Christ is in us, then we are never separated from the Lord. He is always present. Ergo, we do not need to add a second or third person in order to experience the presence of Christ.
- Having laid that foundation, let's read Matthew 18:20. Now, as is very important to do when we come across a hard saying, we need to re-read with the context: verses 15-20. What is being referred to here? Per Mosaic law (Deuteronomy 17:6; 19:15, which any Jewish believer would be familiar with, in a trial a minimum of 2 and even better 3 reliable and true witnesses must be brought forward to testify in regards to the matter; a single witness is not enough. Jesus continues that discussion by saying that in His kingdom – the invisible Church and Reign of the Triune God, He is the Lord and Supreme Judge, that we must likewise hold to the standard of 2 or 3 witnesses when we gather to resolve a matter or conflict; Jesus will be present in the role of Judge. We must be informed by the Spirit and the Word and prayer to receive Jesus’ guidance on the matter and proper resolution.
Therefore, again, please pay attention to the context of a statement or phrase in scripture. For us to say that we have to wait to be joined by an additional 2 or 3 persons to pray, to offer worship, to teach someone, or even read the Bible, is a contradiction of scripture and of who we are in Christ. To tell a person that their worship is only legitimized when joined by 2 others is leading that person astray.
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