Matthew 8:10-12 - I have not found anyone in Israel with such faith

8:10

Elsewhere we will read of Jesus saying He was sent to the house of Israel (Matt 15:21-28), this incident shows that we should be careful in an over literal reading of such statements, for here Jesus answers the request of a Roman soldier, and highly commends him. Jesus knew that initially He was sent to Israel, but the ultimate goal was the whole world, and He responded to anyone who showed faith. Indeed, this man demonstrated more faith than anyone in Israel had done. It also shows that faith does not demonstrate itself in merely having the “correct doctrine”. This is not to say that doctrine does not matter, it most certainly does, but faith demonstrates itself in actions as well (James 2).

8:11,12

We then get Jesus telling good news and harsh news. He declares that many will come from east and west (ie from all the nations) and will have a full share in the kingdom of heaven, but many who are “in the kingdom” (ie the Israelites) will be thrown out. If ever we think we are in the kingdom automatically, or through birthright, we are badly mistaken. Notice two other things. First, He refers to the feast “with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob”. This goes right back to the beginning, it was always part of God’s plan to include people from all nations. We are not in the kingdom as second class citizens, we are not country members, we are fully in the Kingdom of God. Then look at the end, those who are thrown out to “where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth”. Now can we just get the main point Jesus is making, rather than have utterly stupid debates about annihaltionsim, eternal concious punishment, conditional immortality? If you are arguing about such things why don’t you go and do something useful with your life instead? The meaning is absolutely clear, being thrown out of the kingdom is an utterly terrible thing to happen, and one that we should do all we can to avoid. We all need to repent and believe.