Matthew 8:11-12

“I tell you, many will come from east and west and will eat with Abraham and Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven, while the heirs of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” And to the centurion Jesus said, “Go; let it be done for you according to your faith.” And the servant was healed in that hour.

Question:

It seems to have no relation to the rest of the story of the centurion, so I would like to know what it means metaphysically.

Comment:

Oh, I think it has a great deal to do with the story of the centurion. He was a Roman army officer, after all—the enemy, the violator of Jewish history and tradition. Yet while the Jews who followed Jesus were reluctant to believe even the most obvious of his demonstrations of Christ Power, this Roman soldier had absolute faith that Jesus could effect a healing from a distance, without even seeing the servant who was ill. Jesus is warning them that simply being descended from Abraham, Isaac and Jacob will not be guaranteed admission to the “banquet” of the kingdom of heaven. Many non-Jews who come to believe will be included, and many Jews who do not believe will be excluded. That’s why Jesus is able to confidently and clearly state the spiritual law: “Let it be done to you according to your faith.” It doesn’t matter who you are; what matters is what you believe.

Blessings!

Rev. Ed