Matthew 8:5-13.
A Roman Centurion came to Jesus, knowing that he could heal a paralyzed servant with only a word. We should understand a couple of things about this soldier's role in the Jewish society. He was an oppressor as he served Rome in the control of Israel. He was a pagan, worshiping the many gods of Rome as well as the emperor. If there was a person far away from the ones the promised Messiah was to save, it would be this centurion.
Yet, Jesus says that no one in Israel has shown this type of faith. This man believed in Christ and despite his background, Jesus healed his servant by a word. Is there any place for any favoritism when it comes to the message of Christ?
For in Christ Jesus, you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise. - Galatians 3:26-29.
We are all one in Jesus. His healing power is for us and everyone around us. White or black, male or female, American or Iraqi, God's love extends to all people. So you or I or anyone else have nothing in us that will separate us from God's salvation. What separates us from God is sin and Jesus took that on the cross.
1. Do we believe that God's salvation is for everyone?
2. Do our lives reflect this belief?
3. Do our churches reflect this belief?
Peace,
Jeff Moody
jeffmoody82@gmail.com
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