Paul wanted them to understand all that God had done for them. They were Gentiles who had no hope of knowing God, but now they were near to God through the blood of Jesus.
Read Ephesians 2:14-18
In Jesus, Gentile believers have been brought close to God because their sins are paid for by the blood of Christ. Jesus himself has become our peace by making Jews and Gentiles one group called Christians. Before Jesus, the Law was like a wall separating the two groups. For instance, Gentiles were not allowed to enter the temple—only Jews could do that. The Jews had the Law but the Gentiles did not. So, each group viewed the other as an enemy. But when Jesus died on the cross, he took care of that. No longer would people have to obey the Law to be right with God. Instead, Jesus had already paid the price for our sins and made us right with God. Whether Jew or Gentile, anyone who believes is reconciled (made right) with God through Jesus. This is the message of Jesus to Jews (those who are close) and Gentiles (those who are far away). We all can have a relationship with God the Father through Jesus.
- Who has brought Jews and Gentiles close to God?
- Who made peace between Jews and Gentiles?
- Draw a picture of two people separated by a thick line.
a. Label one person Jews.
b. Label the other person Gentiles.
c. Label the thick line the Law. - How did Jesus pay the price for our sins?
- Now change your picture:
a. Draw a thick horizontal line through the thick line to make a cross.
b. Write the name Jesus above the cross.
c. Draw a triangle above the cross and label it God the Father. - Who brought the two people to God?
