While the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. The sons of the kingdom — those with the covenant heritage, the birthright of Abraham — who reject the king will find themselves excluded from the table where they expected to recline. The outer darkness and the weeping and gnashing of teeth are Matthew's consistent imagery for the condition of exclusion from the kingdom's presence. Romans 9:6–8 says not all Israel is Israel — descent from the patriarchs does not guarantee the kingdom's inheritance. The centurion's faith places him at the patriarchal table; the covenant heritage that produces presumption without faith places its holders outside.

COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS

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