Two or Three

For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them. - Matthew 18:20

It's a verse that I've often heard spoken in the defense of a small group of people who wished it were larger. "Hey, if two or three is good enough for Jesus, then it's good enough for our youth group!"

Since I've almost always heard these words of Christ employed as a minimum - a self-justifying quota - I've always thought of them that way. We need at least two or three. And more is better, obviously.

Only recently did I notice that there is no "at least." Christ says "two or three." Period.

In fact, taken in context, it's pretty clear he's saying that the task he is describing -- confronting a member of the church who has acted inappropriately -- will be most inviting of God's presence if undertaken by two or three, not the entire body of the 9:00 a.m. service. Imagine those two scenarios.

Crowds are terrific for kickball and capture the flag. They can enhance a worship experience. I hope that we will have large groups this year for Sunday School and youth group and special events like our October 14 trip to Busch Gardens.

However, I also want to be sure that there are times and places for small groups of youth to gather. Because there is no "at least." Jesus promises his presence in a special way to gatherings of two or three. You probably know this from experience, from a conversation that connected you more deeply to another person and to God.

So introduce yourself to somebody new. Strike up a conversation. Start building a new relationship. Jesus himself tells us where he can be found; let's remember to look there.