Scripture:
Matthew 8:11-12
11 I tell you, many will come from east and west and recline at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven, 12 while the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
Observation:
Jesus tells his disciples that people who once were on the outside will end up at the table. Also, those who thought they were at the table will be cast out into hell.
Application:
The centurion was a gentile whose faith moved Jesus. He believed Jesus could heal his child without even coming to his house. As long as Jesus “willed” it, the man believed it would happen. Jesus takes this situation to provide a platform to help his followers understand that every human being can have access to the Father. The access is based on faith, not on birth right or nation of origin.
The truth is, it has always been faith. It was faith with Abraham, and the people of God had been blessed by his faith. Jesus was letting his followers know to rely on their own faith, not someone else’s.
A few things…
-Faith is by hearing and hearing by the word of God. As a believer, it is my call to stay connected to God through His word and to share His word with other people. If my faith develops apart from the Word, something isn’t right.
-My faith is wrapped up in the gospel of Jesus. My security is not in a heritage. It’s not in someone else’s faith. I can’t forget that I was invited to the table by Jesus and He is the only reason I am there.
-I must love everyone, whether they are at the table or not. I must be bold with the gospel because the alternative is not ok. May the judgment of God on a life without Christ drive me to share the gospel with the lost.
Prayer:
Thank you for welcoming me to the table. I didn’t belong and you made me belong. May I invite others with the rest of my life.