Matthew 8:11

“I tell you, many will come from east and west and recline at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven,” (Matthew‬ ‭8‬:‭11‬)

Jesus spoke these words to a gentile who had demonstrated faith toward him. And he wasn’t a random gentile, he was a Roman Centurion. Jesus seems to be telling this gentile and any onlookers that one day there will be unity between Jew and Gentile. This is a really big deal both then and now. So big that one must wonder, “How could that be?” Since Jesus was expanding on his compliment to the centurian’s faith, we can conclude that faith will be the catalyst for this unity.

Paul provides us with an explanation in his letter to the Ephesians:

“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off (Gentiles) have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made us both (Jew and Gentile) one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man (Jew and Gentle together) in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both (Jew and Gentile) to God in one body (the church) through the cross, thereby killing the hostility.” (Ephesians‬ ‭2‬:‭13‬-‭16‬, emphasis and explanation added)

“This mystery (of the church) is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. ‭‭(Ephesians‬ ‭3‬:‭6‬, emphasis and explanation added)

In those verses, Paul explains that God has created a mysterious body in which Jews and Gentiles are both equal members and unified. He also explains that entry to this body is in Christ Jesus through the gospel. We call this the church, the earthly body of Christ.

One must ask if we see such a display of equality and unity in churches today. My observation, based on decades of experience in local congregations in Jewish majority and Gentile majority contexts, is that we are not there yet. Not hardly. Is there an isolated example of equality and unity in a particular local congregation? Sure. But that is almost as rare as spotting a unicorn.

I can not solve that problem here. But I can remind myself that Jesus and Paul both spoke of a day when both would recline together, and not begrudgingly. I want to see that day. I know the answer is Christ, but how do I help Jews see the beauty of Christ despite the history of hardship heaped on the Jews in the name of Jesus? How do I help Gentiles see the welcoming and reconciling heart of Jesus, when they have become convinced that the Jews (or “fake Jews” as many call them) are the primary problem in the world?

Father, we are in a pickle, and seemingly farther than ever from the amazing picture that Jesus and Paul painted. Help me to long for your ideal. Then, help me labor tirelessly to that end. Amen.