Matthew 18v20

I have sometimes heard this verse quoted as a word of comfort in a cosy small group situation.
But Matthew did not write it like that.

In the Gospel it appears in the middle of Jesus' teaching on people falling out and being unwilling to forgive each other!
Jesus emphasises what power there is when such people stand together 'In His Name' i.e. under His authority (vv18-20).
Psalm 133 speaks of the blessing when 'relatives live together in peace'!

Looking further into the context of Matthew 18 we see Mathew has put it into a specific place and time:
'... they arrived in Capernaum ... at that time Jesus ... when Jesus had finished ...'.
 Its not a collection of teachings gathered together from different occasions.

Matt 17v24 - Jesus' base,  he performed miracles there and town he cursed.
Matt 18v1 - power struggle amongst the disciples?
Matt 18v6 - causing people to sin.
Some may have tried to take parts of this literally - what useful things would it be better if I did without...
Matt 18v14 - Father in Heaven not willing that these perish.
Do I share the same concern / priorities?
Matt 18v21 - Peter looking at the small print for a let out clause?
How do I want Father in Heaven to treat me? He is unwilling that I perish - do I abuse that position?