We are all united with Christ. Hallelujah. There is no more separation. Jesus took care of that on the cross. The Holy Spirit sealed the deal when he appeared to both Jews and Gentiles. The gap that separated Jews from non-Jews was closed when Jesus died on the cross and broke down the walls of hostility. Non-Jews are no longer seen as heathens. If we are, we are at least heathens with hope. Hope in Christ. Sadly, many Jews and non-Jews today still cling to that separation.
What is God’s intention? Jesus brought peace. He represents the reconciliation we have with God, no matter whether we are Jew or Gentile. God so loved the “world” that he gave his only begotten son. John 3:16 does not say, God so loved the Jews. Although, we know from a historical standpoint that God’s chosen people were the Jews. That fact remains. But God so loved the world. All of us. Jew or Gentile, we are all sinners in need of a savior.
Jesus came into the world to abolish the old law and create a new covenant. Jesus’ blood was shed for all. There are Jews today who would refute this and claim their Messiah has not yet come. I struggle with that notion and wonder what they believe about Jesus. They continue in their traditions as if Jesus had only been a fine teacher. He was that to be sure, but so much more.
The New Testament is full of examples of Jews denying Christ’s identity. Even while Jesus walked the earth teaching and healing, their hearts were hard. Immediately following Jesus’ death, despite Paul’s attempts to spread the truth of Jesus, many Jews refused to listen. I think of all the people today who reject Jesus as Messiah.
I remember the first time I met a Jew who was also a Lutheran like me. She was even an ordained pastor in the Lutheran tradition. Yet, her family roots were Jewish. Her family celebrated all of the Jewish holidays. She was proud of her Jewish heritage. At first, it was hard for me to understand how it could work. I have since realized there are many Jewish Christians. They hold on to both traditions. To me, that is like the best of both worlds.
So what about those folks in the world that don’t know or follow Jesus yet. This passage speaks of “outsiders,” and I would have to say these folks fall into that category. As I said earlier, we are all sinners in need of a savior. Just as the Gentiles were “oblivious” to the true nature of God and what a relationship with God meant, those “outsiders” today are missing out on the true joy and peace that a relationship with Jesus provides.
So how should we act as “citizens” and “members of God’s family?” Should we be welcoming and looking for others to invite to the family? We surely shouldn’t be keeping all of this to ourselves. Together we are God’s “house” built on the foundation the apostles who have gone before us have laid.
We aren’t the first to forge the way. We just need to focus on the cornerstone, Jesus. He is that first stone placed on which the rest of us rely. Who can you invite to the family today?
Let’s pray. Lord I thank you that you have opened up your family to include me. I am not a Jew by birth but know without a doubt that you have chosen me for your good purpose. Continue to use me and my life to serve and honor you. I pray for those who don’t yet know you or call you their king. You know our hearts, Lord. Mold me into the best me I can be so that I can praise you even more. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
