Matthew 18:18-19 18Truly I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. 19Again truly I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about any matter they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20For where two or three have been gathered in my name, there I am in their midst.”
These verses give both timeless truths (introduced by truly I say to you) and speak into the situation of broken relationships between people when one sins against another (verses 15-17). Sin always brings hurt and pain, especially between people. Therefore, it takes people to bring the healing and restoration of relationships. There is power in community. This idea is difficult to consider in highly individualized societies. In first century Israel, community was a significant force. People found their identity in groups, such as families and villages.
Verse 18 repeats the idea found in 16:19. To bind something has the meaning of holding on to it, and in a moral sense, allowing it or accepting it. To loose means to let something go or consider it as unimportant. Whatever we consider important on earth will be by what we are judged in heaven. If we allow certain behaviors to continue in our lives or in the lives of our brothers or sisters, we will be held accountable for them. The church needs to come to agreement with God and live as kingdom people. Our standard for living and judging must be God’s kingdom, not our own thinking.
There are different ways to interpret verse 19, which is another solemn pronouncement of kingdom truth. This verse emphasizes the power of the Christian community. One way to interpret this verse is in the realm of ethics. There are many matters in life that are not found in the Bible, although the general principles will be. How we apply these principles is not always easy. We can come together as a group to develop a “corporate conscience” to guide us in the difficult matters. Plus, we have the power and presence of the Holy Spirit working in us to guide our consciences. This idea can have significant application when it comes to individuals caught up in sin. We can work out problems of sin together. Life is a journey not meant to be lived along but with others who can both convict us and encourage us through temptations and failures.
Verse 19 is also often interpreted in the context of prayer because of the words any matter they ask. The general principle of group faith and encouragement can apply to prayer and many other areas of spiritual growth. Jesus is emphasizing the importance of the church. We are stronger together. Our faith is stronger when we are together with other believers. We can discern better how to live in our cultures on earth and gain more assurance that we are in agreement with God’s will in heaven. God is pleased when his children come together in united faith and prayer. An important word in this verse is agree (symphōnēsin), meaning to think alike and speak in harmony. We get the English word “symphony” from this word. Believers make a beautiful sound to God when they agree together. Praying together can be one of the greatest ways to bring unity in the church.
Verse 20 highlights the power of community even more and gives the reason (for) coming together with other believers in unity. Jesus gives the least number that is needed to be in unity: two or three. Jesus’ name represents his person and presence. Simply saying Jesus’ name is not enough to bring unity, assure answered prayer, and have a heavenly perspective. To gather in his name means we come in his likeness of humility and love. The barriers and sins between us have been removed through the power of the cross. Jesus will be present among his people through the presence of the Holy Spirit whom the Son and Father have sent.
For older posts, click here.