Gather Together in Jesus’ Name
You have heard that there is power in the name of Jesus (or Yeshua, in Hebrew). But what spiritual blessings are released when we gather together in Jesus’ name? Why does God want us to gather together? What does the Bible say about gathering together in the name of the Lord?
Let’s unpack biblical truth about gathering together in Jesus’ name…
Spiritual Graces and Blessings | Matthew 18:20—Gather Together in Jesus’ Name
“For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” – Matthew 18:20
What kind of blessings and graces can we expect when we gather together in Jesus’ name as referred to in Matthew 18:20?
The Concept of Gathering Together from a Hebrew Perspective…
First, it is essential to realize the context of what it means to “gather together” as it is written in Matthew 18:20.
The readers of Matthew were comprised mostly of Jewish Believers and some Gentile Believers. Remember, He first came to the Jew, then the Gentile (see Romans 1:16). Therefore, understanding the Hebraic context is necessary.
When the group heard this statement made by Jesus, it likely reminded them of Deuteronomy 17 and 19, which spoke of two or three witnesses gathered together to testify in the courts.
- “One witness shall not rise against a man concerning any iniquity or any sin that he commits; by the mouth of two or three witnesses the matter shall be established.”—Deuteronomy 19:15
When Jesus spoke the words recorded in Matthew, He was applying the Jewish principle that was used to testify in the courts.
The Blessings of Gathering Together in Jesus’ Name…
1. Gathering Gives Us Confidence in Jesus’ Authority
The spiritual blessings that are released when two or more gather together in Jesus’ name are that His blood and His authority cover our prayers and petitions.
This fact reminds those who are in the heavenly courts that the Righteous Judge sits on His throne. It recognizes that He protects His Word, His name, and those who are covered by the blood.
2. Gathering Brings Unity and Purpose
When there is agreement among Believers in the promises of God, it brings unity and purpose to the gathering. It is as if a supernatural magnifying glass focuses on God’s purpose, releasing clarity and revelation.
When we gather for unified prayer or purpose in Jesus’ name, it lifts our prayers like floating smoke from burning incense (see Revelation 8:4). Incense burned on the altar inside the Holy Place (see Exodus 30:7-8) was a physical reminder that our prayers go up before the Lord. We are to meditate and enter into the presence of God when we lift up prayers together.
3. Gathering Makes Room for Miracles
Can miracles happen without gathering together in Jesus’ name? Of course. But take, for example, the events recorded in Acts…
In Acts 1, Jesus told His disciples to stay together in Jerusalem and wait for the Holy Spirit.
- “And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father…”—Acts 1:4
In Acts 2, we read that they were gathering together for Shavuot (or Feast of Weeks—Pentecost) and received the infilling of the Holy Spirit. Shavuot is not only a celebration of receiving God’s instruction at Mount Sinai (see Exodus 34:22), but also a celebration of receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit. In this, we see the importance of gathering together to receive God’s direction, which makes room for miracles and the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Remember, these are only a few of the blessings that come from gathering together in Jesus’ name. Stay in the Word and in prayer, and the Spirit will continue to reveal more blessings!
The Reasons to Gather Together in Jesus’ Name…
Why should we gather together in Jesus’ name? There are many reasons. Here are three…
- To deal with sin in the camp. In Matthew 18, we read that Jesus addressed how to deal with the sins of a spiritual brother or sister.
He stated that if a brother sins against you, talk to him about it privately. But if the brother does not have ears to hear how he has sinned, then take one or two Believers with you to begin a process of reconciliation and teaching. In fact, Jesus quoted Deuteronomy 19:15 in Matthew 18:16 about the action to take.
It is important to understand that this “gathering” to address the sin in the camp is not with the intention to condemn your brother. The intention is to teach and guide him back onto the right path (see 2 Timothy 3:16-17).
- To encourage one another to keep doing Kingdom work. God created us to commune with each other and with Him. We each have the responsibility as members of the Body of Christ to carry out our God-given assignments. Gathering together in Jesus’ name helps us stay focused and accountable for the work we do for His Kingdom (see Hebrews 10:24-25).
- To edify and encourage personal growth. While we all have a purpose for the Kingdom, the Lord also wants us to be encouraged in our personal relationship with Him.
Paul wrote to the church in Corinth that when we gather together and worship, prophesy, speak in tongues, and teach, it should all be done for the purpose of edification. If we are all edifying one another, all of us may learn and be encouraged (see 1 Corinthians 14:31).
Seven Bible Verses about Gathering Together in Jesus’ Name…
- “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”—Matthew 18:20
- “He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad.”—Matthew 12:30
- “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”—Hebrews 10:24-25
- “How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.”—1 Corinthians 14:26
- “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.”—Acts 2:42-45
- “Gather the people together, men and women and little ones, and the stranger who is within your gates, that they may hear and that they may learn to fear the Lord your God and carefully observe all the words of this law, and that their children, who have not known it, may hear and learn to fear the Lord your God as long as you live in the land which you cross the Jordan to possess.”—Deuteronomy 31:12-13
- “but exhort one another daily, while it is called ‘Today,’ lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.”—Hebrews 3:13
We encourage you to pray and mediate on these scriptures. Ask God where He wants you to gather together in Jesus’ name.
God is releasing His Word to the Church today. As we commit to meeting together to receive instruction and revelation, the Holy Spirit will act on our behalf.