Anyone who has been a part of a small group has probably heard the verse, "For where two or three are gathered, there I am with them." The passage shows up in Matthew 18:19-20, "Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.”
Have you ever questioned the context of that verse before? Is that verse really supporting a small group of people worshiping together? When we look at a verse, sometimes we don't spend enough time looking
at the context. We glance at it and then rush to an application. It's like the picture to the left, glace at it and tell me what you see. Then, stair at the three dots in the middle for thirty seconds and then look away from the screen. Now tell me what you see. After spending more time looking at the picture, you're able to see the picture more clearly. Lets spend some time looking at Matthew 18:15-20 in context so we can see a clearer interpretation and application.
The above verses from 15 to 17 talks about how to resolve a situation between a Christian sinning against another Christian. Then, verse 19-20 says if the two people come together and agree then Jesus is with them. In context, it sounds like the Lord favors or is united with those brothers who come together after arguing, disagreeing, or have fought about something and asked the Father for forgiveness. συνηγμένοι (come together) could also mean to lead together or to be brought together. I could also see this apply to leadership meetings that begin with strife but the leaders come together at the end and agree. Hence, verse 19 says, "if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you."
This verse says nothing about the Lord being in a worship service or small group when only two people show up. Though, the Lord is with all Christians even when we are alone, but that's not what the passage is referring to. It should also be noted that Jesus doesn't just support those who reconcile their differences, but those who reconcile their differences because Jesus is their Lord. Hence, "come together in my name."
