Matthew 18:20 “For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.”
Promises
This is one of my favorite promises that Jesus makes. The idea that we are enough, even if there are only a few of us – that is a beautiful concept, in a world that spends way too much time counting. I like to think It means right now – when I write these words, anticipating that people will read them – Jesus is in the connection we are making. Jesus doesn’t accept the boundaries that try to keep him out, or the rules that say he should only be in more important places. Jesus says, “I am here, among you.”
It changes us to know that Jesus is with us – if we let it. It makes a difference in the way we treat each other, the respect we show each other, the importance we put on our time together. It changes the way we treat ourselves too. To know that Jesus’ love for us is enough that he will show up for us, means we are important enough to deserve love and respect from ourselves too. Jesus promises to be with us when we gather, and that is enough to change everything, if we let it.
Prayer: Dear God, Help me to pay attention to the presence of Jesus, and how that might make all the difference in how I live today. Amen
Reflection Questions:
1) Think about a time when you’ve gathered with other Christians lately. How might it have changed the gathering if you pictured Jesus with you?
2) What do you think about the idea that Jesus can be with us and connect us through time and space, without the boundaries we usually imagine?
3) What would it be like to imagine Jesus with you as you go through your life today?