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29 Jul: No More Dividing Wall
For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us. Ephesians 2:14
Scripture Reading: Ephesians 2:11–22
A monk named Telemachus lived a simple, quiet life, yet his death near the end of the fourth century left a lasting mark on history. While visiting Rome, he witnessed the brutal gladiator games. Unable to stand by, he climbed into the arena and tried to stop the fighters. The crowd reacted with anger and stoned him to death. But his sacrifice did not go unnoticed. The emperor Honorius was deeply affected and soon put an end to the gladiator games, a tradition that had lasted for about 500 years.
When Paul describes Jesus as “our peace,” he is pointing to the breaking down of long-standing division between Jews and Gentiles (Ephesians 2:14). Israel, God’s chosen people, had long been set apart and given special privileges. Gentiles could worship at the temple, but only in the outer court, separated by a wall that marked clear boundaries, even carrying the threat of death if crossed. Over time, this separation grew into deep mistrust and hostility.
Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, that barrier has been removed. Now both Jews and Gentiles can come to God freely through faith (verses 18–22). No group stands above another. All share the same access and the same standing before Him.
In a similar way to how Telemachus stepped in and paid the price to stop violence, Jesus gave His life to bring reconciliation. Because of Him, division no longer has the final say. If He is our peace, then we are called to live in that unity and not allow our differences to pull us apart. Through His sacrifice, we are brought together as one.
By: Jeffrey Wald
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Reflect & Pray
How do you reveal you’re at peace with all people? What issues—such as race, status, or privilege—sometimes get in the way? Why?
Dear God of peace, You’ve made us one in Jesus. Help me to know it and live it.