Growing in HopeSample

One Church

The apostle Paul begins in Ephesians 2:11 talking about the division between Jews and Gentiles. You may be asking, “Who are the Jews?” or “What is a Gentile?”. It may sound confusing by just reading the text without any historical understanding. Simply put, the Jews are the people to whom God first revealed Himself. God planned to bring salvation to all of humanity through the Jews, which is why Jesus himself was born a Jew. Prior to the death and resurrection of Jesus, Gentiles were separated from God because they were not born Jewish. 

The good news is that Jesus came to die for the sins of the whole world (1 John 2:2) ... including the Gentiles! In verse 13, Paul, who was talking to the Gentiles who had become followers of Jesus, said that they “formerly were far off” and “have been brought near by the blood of Christ”. Jesus the Messiah came to save sinners, both the Jews and the Gentiles. It is only through Him that a person can be saved. 

Jesus levelled the playing field. Everyone now has access to God through Christ. The Apostle Paul wrote in Galatians 3:28, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” God does not see people based on race, religion, gender, etc. The only distinguishing factor among humans, in God’s eyes, is Jesus. People are either a follower of Jesus or they are not.

In Ephesians 2:14, Paul wrote, “For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall”. All followers of Jesus belong to one group. There is only one, undivided Church, under the authority of Jesus. All followers of Jesus are considered “one” by God, and we are called to be united just as Jesus Himself prayed in John 17.

Is there any division between you and other followers of Jesus? If so, consider putting aside whatever is causing that division. Focus on Jesus with one another and be united as one in Him.

Prayer:
Jesus, thank You for giving your life so that we can be at peace with You, being forgiven of all sin! I ask You to remove from me any barriers that I have built up between me and my brothers and sisters in Christ. Let your Church be united as You desire us to be! I love You, and it’s in Your name, I pray. Amen.