Scripture
Matthew 8:10- 12 – When Jesus heard this, he marveled and said too those who followed him, “Truly, I tell you, with no one in Israel have I found such faith. I tell you many will come from east and west and recline at table with Abraham, Issac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven, 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 is talking with his disciples about the faith the Roman Centurion has in Jesus. This conversation reveals that the kingdom of heaven is not limited to ethnicity. Many from all nations and tribes will be those who are Jewish and have saving faith. Also, merely being of Jewish descent is not a birth rite into heaven. The Roman Centurion had faith and he submitted before Jesus, believed in Jesus and stated His saving power.
Application –
This is the kind of saving faith I need to have and be reminded of daily.
I must recognize who Jesus is and submit my entire life under Him as did the Centurion. The gospel is not exclusionary and is for all people no matter where they come from or what they have done. There is no other way to the kingdom of heaven except through the atoning blood of the Son. When we believe in our hearts and place our faith and trust in Jesus as Lord and savior we become adopted children of God. This is the Good News of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Verse 12 tells us entrance into the Kingdom is not a birth rite and Hell is real for those who are not reconciled to our holy God.
Prayer –
Father,
Thank you for your love grace and mercy in sending Jesus so I can repent, humbly submit before you to believe and confess you are Lord and Savior. Let the power of the Spirit guide me to share your love and truth in a winsome way to extend your glory.