I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go! Let it be done just as you believed it would.” And his servant was healed at that moment.

--Contrasting verses:
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭19‬:‭21‬-‭23
‬Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth. Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven.”

A rebuke is a sharp correction intended to sting a bit to get the hearer to change course in life. This is what Jesus gave the Jews here. They likely automatically assumed that if they were in good standing with the Chief Priests and Pharisees they would be included in God’s kingdom. They said their prayers devoting themselves to God. Why should they not have assurance of salvation?

However, following God has never been about just a one-time prayer. If you think so, I challenge you to read the scriptures and prove it. The vast majority of the context is about heart-change and changes in our lives. Even the sinner on the cross next to Jesus changed his heart and Jesus knew it. Without a heart change, any salvation prayer said falls on deaf ears with God.

The majority of the Jews sitting around Jesus had not changed their hearts. They followed and listened, marveled at his miracles, and counted themselves as one of the group, while it was popular to do so. But they had not changed their hearts.

Where is my heart today? Is it submitted to the will and ways of our Father God? Will I surrender my rights and plans and even dreams to God and his purposes for me?

The Centurion sacrificed much to seek Jesus. And he was rewarded. His servant became well. Contrast this with the story of the rich young ruler (the ending I have included here). This man kept all the commandments he could, and wanted validation from Jesus. He sought to be in the “In Club” — to be included by technical merits, wealth, or status. But alas, there is no such club with God.

Here, we find many Jews in the same predicament. But the Centurion showed the heart of a sold-out follower.  He showed the faith of one who would lose everything to help a poor servant.  In contrast, the rich young ruler would keep everything to serve and help only himself.

Lord, this is such a great lesson in obedience and heart condition. My heart must be surrendered to you and your plan, will and ways for my life. My head must have a mindset like Jesus Christ. And my feet must be ready to jump into action to obey you, no matter the sacrifice. This is what honors you. This is what following you is all about.