“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
Matthew 18:20 NIV
“The omnipresence of Jesus in the church is a central concept in Matthew, and as Luz says, is ‘the Christological center of the entire chapter.’ Jesus is virtually declaring his divinity, for such a claim is possible only for God himself. To gather ‘in my name’ means to be in union with Jesus, part of his community, and under his authority. So Jesus is especially present among them, not just metaphorically but through the Spirit of Christ in their midst. [Grant R. Osborne, Matthew, Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament. Zondervan 2010, p. 688.]
Prayer: Lord, we are gathered in the name of Jesus. We acknowledge your manifest presence, the community of God and your authority and power through and in the Spirit. In your presence we have everything. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.
Song: Let’s sing the song “Endless Alleluia” by Bethel (click here).
– MK