In these verses, Jesus teaches about the power of agreement and the presence of God among believers who gather in His name.
Jesus begins by affirming the certainty of His words, saying, "Again, assuredly I tell you..." He then emphasizes the significance of agreement among believers. If two individuals come together on earth and agree on something they ask in prayer, it will be granted by God the Father who is in heaven. This highlights the power of united prayer and the importance of harmony and consensus among believers.
The principle of agreement in prayer is not merely about wishful thinking or selfish desires. It involves aligning our hearts and minds with God's will and seeking His purposes. When believers come together in unity, seeking God's will and praying according to His desires, they can have confidence that their requests will be answered.
Moreover, Jesus assures us of His presence among those who gather in His name. He declares that where two or three are gathered together in His name, He is in their midst. This indicates that when believers come together in fellowship, worship, and prayer, Jesus Himself is present with them.
The presence of Jesus in the midst of believers has profound implications. It signifies His authority, guidance, and spiritual power manifested among them. When believers gather in Jesus' name, they can experience His intimate fellowship and the assurance that He is actively working in their midst.
The context of these verses is important to consider. Matthew 18 discusses the process of reconciliation and dealing with conflicts within the Christian community. Jesus teaches about the importance of forgiveness, humility, and restoration in relationships. In this context, the promise of agreement in prayer and the presence of Jesus among believers highlights the significance of unity and reconciliation in the body of Christ.
The passage also emphasizes the communal aspect of faith. It encourages believers to come together, supporting and interceding for one another. It reminds us that we are not alone in our journey of faith but are part of a community of believers. When we gather in Jesus' name, we can draw strength from one another, seek God's guidance collectively, and experience the power of corporate prayer.
The principle of agreement in prayer and the presence of Jesus among believers apply to various contexts. It extends beyond formal church gatherings to include small groups, families, and even informal settings where believers come together in the name of Jesus.
As we reflect on these verses, we are reminded of the importance of unity, agreement, and communal prayer. We are encouraged to seek harmony and consensus in our relationships with fellow believers, striving to be a community characterized by love, forgiveness, and reconciliation. We are also called to value the power of collective prayer, recognizing that when we gather in Jesus' name and align ourselves with His will, our prayers are heard and answered by our heavenly Father.
In conclusion, Matthew 18:19-20 teaches us about the power of agreement in prayer and the presence of Jesus among believers who gather in His name. It emphasizes the significance of unity, harmony, and communal prayer within the body of Christ. When believers come together, seeking God's will and praying in agreement, they can experience the assurance of answered prayers and the manifest presence of Jesus in their midst. May we value the power of united prayer and seek to cultivate unity and reconciliation within the community of believers, knowing that Christ is with us when we gather in His name.
See also: vs 15-17
Matthew 18:19-20. Assuredly I tell you, that if two of you will agree on earth concerning anything that they will ask, it will be done for them by my Father who is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the middle of them.