I’m struck by the story of the Roman centurion who wouldn’t let Jesus come to his house.

[There was] a Roman military captain who had a beloved servant he valued highly, and the servant was sick to the point of death. When the captain heard that Jesus was in the city, he sent some respected Jewish elders to plead with him to come and heal his dying servant. So they came to Jesus and told him, “The Roman captain is a wonderful man. If anyone deserves to have a visit from you, it is him. Won’t you please come to his home and heal his servant? For he loves the Jewish people, and he even built our meeting hall for us.” Jesus started off with them, but on his way there, he was stopped by friends of the captain, who gave this message: “Master, don’t bother to come to me in person, for I am not good enough for you to enter my home. I’m not worthy enough to even come out to meet one like you. But if you would just release the manifestation of healing right where you are, I know that my young servant will be healed. (Luke 7.2 – 7, Passion Translation)

Note the contrast. The Jewish elders argued on the basis of merit. He “deserves” it. “He loves the Jewish people, and he even built our meeting hall for us.” The centurion considered himself unworthy. 

I’m not sure that most Jewish believers even began to understand grace even after Peter articulated the concept clearly in Acts 15. Do we?

No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that WE are saved, just as they are.” (Acts 15.11, NIV, emphasis mine)