Let's Break Down Walls

A Reflection of Ephesians 2:11-22

Khen Lim



Image source: preacherpartystore.org

In the ancient world we know of, much of society practised socially-agreed segregation that classified and separated people such as the rich and the poor, the masters and the slaves but also men from women and Romans from barbarians. From a theological aspect, there were two divisions – the Jews and the Gentiles (Eph 2:11-12).

Under the one true God and heralded as His people, Israel was blessed right from the beginning. They were a privileged nation imbued with the Word of God, the many covenants, Temple worship and the promises invested in Israel’s coming Messiah, not to mention the prophecies that would restore it in the future. The Gentiles, on the other hand were left groping in the dark, wallowing hopelessly and drowning in their twisted pagan conduct.

Still, Israel’s light had dimmed considerably with their disobedience over the ages. God’s greater glory had yet to be revealed in its fullness. Israel had felt the need for walls and barriers between themselves and God. The Sinai covenant emphasised these divisions (vv.14-16) and the Temple in Jerusalem exemplified such barriers. Outside it was a yard called the court of the Gentiles and a wall. At various intervals on the wall were deathly warnings for Gentiles not to venture beyond. 

The next court on the other side of the wall was for Jewish women with a further barrier to prevent them from getting past that point, for only Jewish men were allowed beyond. But the next barrier was only for the priests to go past. Even so, they themselves also encountered a final barrier beyond which only the high priest could ultimately enter. This was the holy of holies and even then, that was only once in every year. With all these walls and barriers in place, what real peace was there?

In God’s eternal plan and wisdom, He foresaw the need to bring down these impediments so that both the Jews and Gentiles could enjoy full access to Him (vv.13, 17-18). While the covenant law given in the Sinai was merely temporary, Jesus’ full atonement at the cross was for the sins of all humanity and this action alone nullified the whole creaking old system that was nothing but walls of separation between the Jews and Gentiles. Jesus has long proven to be the way out of this mess.

Based on the new covenant, God has called a new people to Himself; that this new humanity would no longer be a choice between Jews and Gentiles but instead would be Christian believers. God’s plan for reconciliation, therefore, was for both Jews and Gentiles to be inculcated into a one new people in Christ.

And at last, we Gentile believers no longer have to occupy the outer courts. Similarly women will not be excluded from God’s presence anymore. Men will not be subjected to those who are and aren’t of priestly persuasion in order to be in audience to the Almighty God (vv.19-22).

Jesus Christ has done the humanly unimaginable and changed this for the good of all forevermore. Believers of all walks of life now have immediate uninterruptible access through the blood of Jesus and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.