Ephesians 2:15-18
(Jesus has become our peace) by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.
Reflection
Are you confused by Paul’s reference to two men, two different groups of people? What he is talking about is the dividing line between Jew and Gentile (everyone who isn’t a Jew). The Jews are the chosen people of God and are the beneficiaries of God’s covenant through Abraham and then re-instated through Moses and the giving of the Law (the Ten Commandments). God’s promises before Jesus were for those who shared in the covenant that God had made with Israel.
Paul is now saying that through Jesus Christ there is no longer a dividing line between Jew and Gentile. Jesus through the sacrifice of his life has paid the price for all sin, Jew and Gentile alike. When we are united with Christ we become one body whether we are Jew or Gentile. In fact, through Jesus a new Israel has been created. All are invited to be a part of this new Israel. The new Israel is in the form of the church of Jesus Christ. In Jesus, all people are invited to be his people. The two have now become one. Through Christ’s death and resurrection we all have access to God the Father through the power of the Holy Spirit.
You are invited to consider today how your life has been changed because you have received the gift of reconciliation and are no longer alienated from God.
