Matthew 18:20

Friday, 3 April 2026

For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:20

“For where they are, two or three having been gathered into the name of My Father, there I am in the midst of them.” (CG)

In the previous verse, Jesus told the disciples that if two of them harmonized about any deed, that if they should ask, it would come to pass for them from His Father. He next continues, saying, “For where they are, two or three having been gathered into the name of My Father.”

The words here refer to any assembly of people. It does not appear that there is anything exclusively pointing to the disciples. However, it does not logically follow that the previous verse gives a grant as stated there to all such gatherings.

In other words, Jesus’ words of the previous verse clearly refer to the disciples. The reasons for that were stated. As such, the idea that a claim by two or three gathering at any time in church would necessitate that the Father to agree to whatever they ask cannot be supported. What Jesus is saying in this verse is a general statement about anytime such a group meets. It is an obvious truth.

The reason it is obvious is what is said in Hebrews 13:5 –

“Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’”

The words are directed in the singular, “...no not you [sg.] I should leave, neither no you [sg.] I should forsake.” (CG)

The weight of that is seen in Jesus’ next words, “there I am in the midst of them.” If Jesus states there is no point at which He should leave or forsake an individual, then He is always with him. If two or three are gathered, then it is certain He is among them, acknowledging that they have gathered in His Father’s name.

Again, however, it does not logically follow that everything Jesus says to His disciples applies to all people in the church at all times. The follow-up general statement is given to the disciples to ensure they know that the first statement is true.

For example, in Ezekiel, it says that Gog will be destroyed along with all of his armies. It then says that God will give them to the birds and beasts to be devoured. This doesn’t mean that every person slain in the armies will be eaten by birds and beasts. It is a general statement given to confirm the fact that the armies will be destroyed.

We can be certain that the Lord is always with us. We can also be certain that when we gather in the Father’s name, Jesus will be with us. But we should not claim that because we have met in this manner, the Father is going to agree to everything we determine. It assumes too much.

Life application: It is important to consider the context of what is being said in Scripture. Once the context is understood, we should go further and question if what is said in the surrounding verses is a specific or general statement. Does what is said logically follow if a general statement is made? The answer will normally be no. The general is given to confirm the specific, but not necessarily in all circumstances or in all ways.

The example of Gog above is just one of many such examples that show one does not logically follow after another. As this is so, let us lean toward the more conservative idea concerning such things. To go further may, and usually will, assume too much.

And as an additional confirmation of such things, just look realistically at the world around you. Has your experience shown that every time two or three are gathered in Jesus’ name, God has done for them what they determined? Of course not! If not, then why not? Are the words of Jesus in error? Of course not! Then the disconnect is in our thinking and understanding of the passage, not in what Jesus is telling a certain group of people.

Lord God, give us the wisdom to consider Your word in its intended context. May we not run ahead with various thoughts from Your word without thinking them through and properly considering what is said and why it is said. Give us this wisdom, O God. Amen.