So often I have heard this said by a discouraged preacher who was rationalizing the small group that came to a church service. It could be true then if only two or three are gathered in the church and they are united in prayer about the same subject, Christ will hear and respond. However, it does not seem likely in a general sense of the word that this is what Jesus meant when he first uttered these words.
Take into consideration the full context where this verse is found. At verse 15, the discussion begins about a Christian brother who has trespassed against another brother. Then the discussion proceeds for an alternative if the other brother will not hear. In that case, the matter should be taken to the church at large. The following emphasis speaks about binding on earth as in heaven as well as losing on earth as in heaven. The thought proceeds further to a discussion for what would happen if only two believers join their faith together in a request to Christ. All of this leads to our text of the day.
There is much background anticipating the results and the reasons for when a small group of believers unite their prayers under the influence of the Holy Spirit. The main consideration is recognizing Christ as being in the midst of the small group. Keep in mind that when Jesus said these words he was standing there in the midst of the disciples at that very time. He was literally standing with them but also projecting a time in which he would not be physically present with them. Still, he would be with them in fact.
In this context there was no room in Jesus’ mind for hypocrisy or insincerity. If we are to discuss Jesus’ presence, It would only be to those who are true hearted, fully aware of what they are doing. It is not a matter of rationalizing that only a few came to church. Instead, it is a matter of recognizing the power that can be exerted by just a few dedicated believers in conference with each other deliberately. The size of the church or the number of people who attend a particular service does not matter. The Church of only two members is never a weak church as long as those present are united in prayer.
When Gideon was supposed to lead an attack on the enemy, God instructed him to greatly reduce the number of those present. This would give God the glory and not the soldiers. (Judges 7) Let us not forfeit the real meaning of this verse. When true, faithful, sincere believers act on God’s promises, there will be a major response from heaven.
Paul encouraged Timothy by saying, “For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1: 7) The issue before us is not will God hear us. The issue also is not if our concerns are legitimate. As believers, through the Holy Spirit, we have an untapped resource of power. It is the same power that the Old Testament prophets had when they called down fire from heaven. We may not be calling down fire, but we certainly can send a request straight to God’s throne expecting an answer. Are we going to be Christians who attend church or are we going to be Christians who have the power of the Holy Spirit so they may seek God’s answer and receive it?
