Two By Two
There is probably more than one scripture that comes to mind when we hear the phrase two by two. I am not talking about the animals in the ark here. What I am talking about is pairs. Pairs in ministry. Jesus sent his disciples out two by two. If you read slow and you stop and think about why he would do that, it begins to make sense and can encourage us today as we go out and minister.
Matthew 21:1 New International Version (NIV)
Jesus Comes to Jerusalem as King
As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples,
Mark 11:1 New International Version (NIV)
Jesus Comes to Jerusalem as King
As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples,
Even though both these two scripture may be referring to the same event two different apostles wrote the same inspired words “sent two disciples”.
First, there is strength with two + Jesus! We encourage, uplift, strengthen each other as iron sharpening iron.
Ecclesiastes 4:12 New International Version (NIV)
Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
Second, it pleases the Lord for us to have unity with one another. He wants us to do it together. Not only does he want us to live in unity but I believe he wants us to minister in unity.
Psalm 133:1 New International Version (NIV)
How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!
Ephesians 4 New International Version (NIV)
4 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
Third, Jesus commissioned us to go. We are not to sit collecting information, we are to go and make disciples.
Matthew 28:18-20 New International Version (NIV)
18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
It pleases Jesus that we go out together, that we make disciples as we go, and that we have unity while we do His will. I know that for me I want to please my Savior and do His will. I want to show the world not only how much He loves them, but so do we. I know that by our togetherness and unity it shows the world how very different we are and set apart for good works for Jesus!