WHO WE ARE: One New Humanity

"For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility." Ephesians 2:14-16 (NIV)

In today’s reading, Paul unpacks the mystery of Christ now revealed by the Spirit. Previous generations had not fully understood God’s plan to make Gentiles heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in every promise found in Christ (3:4-6).

Historically, the hostility between Jews and Gentiles was very real. Jews despised Gentiles, looking down on them for their ignorance about God and exclusion from Scripture’s covenants. In return, Gentiles detested Jews and held many prejudices against them.

But the mystery of Christ is this: in him, hostile enemies have entered into peace, and a divided humanity is reconciled into one body.

What was true (and continues to be true) for Jews and Gentiles in Christ, is true for every relationship currently in conflict. Seemingly insurmountable differences between communities or personalities are no longer impossible to overcome. For those who identify with Jesus, union with one another is a reality, enabling us to enter into tangible expressions of peace.

On the cross, Jesus put to death everything that divides us. In him, we are one new humanity.