Matthew ch.8 v. 11-12

[rider]

When Jesus was talking to the centurion who wanted his servant cured, He said "And I say to you that many shall come from the East and the West and shall sit down with Abraham and Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.
But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into the exterior darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Does this refer to the Jews (the children of the kingdom) not becoming followers of Christ (Christians) because of their lack of belief that Jesus was the Messiah and the Church’s proclamation that there is no salvation outside of the Catholic Church?

 

[Nita]

Yes, it refers to the Jews. The reason is their lack of faith. Here is the commentary from the Geo Haydock Bible on these verses:

*Ver. 11. In consequence of the faith of this Gentile, Jesus Christ takes occasion to declare that many Gentiles would be called to sit at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven, which is frequently represented under the figure of a feast. See chap. xxii. 2; Luke xii. 29. and xvi. 16; Apocalypse xix. 9. In ancient times, the guests were reclined on beds when they took their means. (Bible de Vence)

Ver. 12. Whilst the Jews, who glory in descending from the patriarchs, and who, on this title, are children and heirs of the celestial kingdom which had been promised them, shall be excluded for having rendered themselves unworthy by their unbelief. (Bible de Vence) — Shall be cast out into exterior darkness. This is spoken so as to imply a comparison to a supper in a great room, with a number of lights, when they who are turned out in the night, stand without, starving, weeping, and gnashing their teeth. (Witham)*

You will find the Haydock Bible Commentary very helpful.
haydock1859.tripod.com

Nita

 

[rider]

Thanks for the link, Nita!