Christ promised to be faithfully present to us as we are faithfully present for Him. I have discovered six spaces where Jesus will meet us. Amazingly, in each of these Christ’s presence is real. Though we can claim His ever-presence, often we do not recognize His presence. But in these six disciplines, we can trust He is present. We can become involved in what Jesus is doing in our world. In the process, we find ourselves becoming His presence in our world. We become His faithful presence.
1 – The presence of Jesus at the Lord’s Table
“…Take, eat: this is my body…” (1 Cor. 11:24).
Many have taken the presence of Jesus in the bread and wine to an extreme. They teach that the bread literally becomes the body of Jesus. However, if we are not careful, we will run to the opposite extreme. Communion among believers promises a special presence of Jesus that is not found anywhere else. This ceremony is the only experience Jesus commanded to do in remembrance of Him.
2 – The presence of Jesus in Reconciliation
“… For where two or three are gathered together jin my name, there am I in the midst of them.” (Matthew 18:15-20).
Jesus came to reconcile the world to His Father. Through His death, sin’s debt is available to be removed. As we seek reconciliation between God and others, between ourselves and others, Jesus’ presence is among us. Even in discipline, Jesus promises His presence as we seek to help believers repair their relationship with God.
3 – The presence of Jesus as we proclaim the Gospel
“… I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world…” (Matthew 28:18-20).
As the original disciples went from town to town, Jesus reminded them that their acceptance or rejection by the townspeople was not personal. They were actually accepting or rejecting Him. As we go into the world, Jesus promises to go with us, even to the ‘end of the world.’
4 – The presence of Jesus with the ‘least of these’
“… Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” (Matthew 25:37-40).
The ‘least of these’ are those in hurtful conditions. Jesus specifically mentions those who are hungry, thirsty, strangers, naked, and in prison. What these all have in common is poverty and no way to return any help. Three ways we can offer help: giving to meet their needs, inviting them to our home, or spending time with them. As we do this, we are doing it for Jesus.
5 – The presence of Jesus with children
“…Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me…” (Mark 9:36-37).
In Jesus’ ministry, He spent time with children. He stopped His ministry with adults so He could take time with children. Even as His disciples tried to discourage children from coming to be with Him, Jesus stopped them and invited children to spend time with Him. If someone receives a child, they receive Him.
6 – The presence of Jesus in the local church
“…unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ…” (Ephesians 4:8-15).
The church is likened to a human body. One body with many parts. As Paul describes the unity of the various parts of a church, He explains that as the body works together it will grow to become like Jesus. A church will experience the presence of Jesus as it grows together. The church will become the presence of Jesus in the world.
There is a special presence of Jesus in the local church. The church is the Body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:27). Even when a couple of Christians gather together, Jesus’ presence is with them (Matt. 18:20). However, as the church gathers together to serve one another, His presence is revealed.
If Jesus were to come to your town, would you take time out of your schedule to spend time with Him? I’m sure you would. So take advantage of these opportunities mentioned above. As you have done it for these, you have done it for Him. Jesus is here!