Getting along

Ephesians 2:11-22

Paul reminds us, "remember that you were at that time separate from Christ, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.” (Eph 2:12)

Gentiles (non-Jews) were excluded from the community of God's people. They were not allowed to enter the Jerusalem Temple's inner court on the pain of death. They could worship from afar, in a special area called the Court of Gentiles, but their presence in the Temple would render it unclean.

Jesus, however, reached out to those who were excluded. Paul says we are “brought near by the blood of Christ” (Eph 2:13.) He reached out to the Samaritans and included them in the Gospel. The Pharisees called him a friend of tax collectors and sinners (Luke 7:34.) He preached to rich and poor, Jew and Gentile, insiders and outsiders.

Even those outside Jesus’ own group were included. His disciples once brought a report that one not of their group casting out demons in Jesus’ name. “Do not stop him,” Jesus said. “For no one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, for whoever is not against us is for us.” (Mark 9:38-40)

Jesus’ purpose was to create in himself one new humanity. Through the miracle of new birth Jesus makes it possible for diverse peoples to be reconciled “…if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation...” (2 Cor 5:17)

Paul writes, "Consequently, you are no longer foreigners & aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people & members of God’s household." (Eph 2:19)

Jesus broke down the barriers and removed the hostility. Our differences should no longer divide us. Through the blood of Jesus and by the power of the Holy Spirit the church has a ministry of reconciliation between Jew and Gentile. Between Black and White. Between Anglo and Hispanic. Between Democrat and Republican.

Because we have made peace with God, we can begin to live at peace with one another as brothers & sisters in the family of God.