Jesus encouraging people to get together, or more?

Question

Matthew 18:20 "Where 2 or 3 have gathered together in my name, I will be there with them." It has been my experience that this is true, but ...

But even when a person is praying alone, Jesus is present, right? Since God is omnipresent, and Jesus is God -- does Mat 18:20 mean that Jesus is MORE present in a group, or more intensely present, or that His presence is concentrated with 2 or more people?

Is Jesus only reminding us the importance of fellowship, or is there something more to this?

Answer 1

He means to encourage the people to live with love and compassion.

Answer 2

Here's my belief for what it's worth. When we pray, we raise our vibrational level. We open a window (if you will), a clear channel for spirit to manifest itself. As I raise my vibrational level I attract more positive energy in my life.

When I am in a room of like minded individuals, participating in prayer, our energy/ vibration feeds off of one another and increases. This is really the only reason I belong to a church and pray with others. That increase vibration and awareness that I receive as a participant.

I don't think this has anything to do with the "amount" of God or Jesus' presence. It's more about opening ourselves to become more AWARE and ENGAGED in God and Jesus' presence. We cannot, no matter how we think or what we do, lessen God's light in our lives. We can only become blind to it or open our true eyes.

Being with others helps me see more clearly.  

Answer 3

I believe Jesus was talking about communities of believers supporting each other rather than of the quality or quantity of his presence.

Answer 4

People are always saying he meant this, he meant that, but why couldn't he have meant what he said? Did he say he would NOT be there when you pray alone?

Answer 5

It has been a long time since Jesus was present at any meeting among the christian follows as his ghost hasn't been sighted since Gethsemane.

Answer 6

Jesus is no less present when one is by them self.  Two or three creates the ability for a more intimate conversation and helps one person have the insight of a friend with the same goal in Bible study.  I think that is one of ways that God tells us that we were not designed to be alone.

Answer 7

I do believe that he meant it in terms of "fellowship" and in terms of joining together in the House of the Lord to pray.  But the example you gave really gave me something to think about.....things that make you go hmmmm.....

that's why I love you...

Love & Peace :)