I. The Word: Romans 11:11-21

11I say then, they did not stumble so as to fall, did they? May it never be! But by their transgression salvation has come to the Gentiles, to make them jealous. 12Now if their transgression is riches for the world and their failure is riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their fulfillment be! 13But I am speaking to you who are Gentiles. Inasmuch then as I am an apostle of Gentiles, I magnify my ministry, 14if somehow I might move to jealousy my fellow countrymen and save some of them. 15For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world, what will theiracceptance be but life from the dead? 16If the first piece of dough is holy, the lump is also; and if the root is holy, the branches are too.

      17But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive, were grafted in among them and became partaker with them of the rich root of the olive tree, 18do not be arrogant toward the branches; but if you are arrogant, remember that it is not you who supports the root, but the root supports you. 19You will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” 20Quite right, they were broken off for their unbelief, but you stand by your faith. Do not be conceited, but fear; 21for if God did not spare the natural branches, He will not spare you, either

II. Reflection Questions:

1. Who were the first intended recipients of salvation?

2. What was God’s purpose in making them recipients? (see Genesis 12…it was “so that….”)

3. What is God’s purpose now in making Gentiles recipients of this salvation? (See Romans 11:11)

Anyone with children knows that dinner time can be one of the most trying times a parent can endure.  Whether it’s the occasional screaming at a restaurant or throwing food on the floor right at your kitchen table, there is nothing that tries your patience quite like convincing your child that they need food to survive.

Take, for instance, my 14 month old son…we’ve mimicked helicopters, fighter planes, fire trucks, and have had a moderate level of success.  What’s been the most successful tactic though, as weird as it may sound, is provoking him to jealousy. Let me explain how this works.  Rather than attempting to feed him we’ve discovered that if we just start offering his food to someone else (namely his brother and sister) he becomes extremely jealous and starts desiring the food that he initially rejected.  So by offering the food prepared for my son to his siblings they’re now nourished by one thing that was intended for him and through his jealousy he’s now able to pursue something that will sustain him and provide life giving nutrients.

I believe that’s what’s happening in these passages.  God’s outstretched hand has been offered to Israel in order to eat and be full on his life sustaining power…mainly Himself.  Remember Jesus said about Himself, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.” – John 6:35   He’s made helicopter sounds and fire truck sounds but Israel (as a whole) has refused to receive his life giving food…Himself.

As a result, God has turned from rebellious Israel and offered this same gift of salvation to the Gentiles.  But as Gentiles now start to feed on God’s faithfulness and taste of his nourishing grace, Paul provides a warning.  That warning is not to look on Israel’s rebellion with derision or pride as though there is something special about the Gentiles. On the contrary, the apostle Paul asks us to fear because “For if God did not spare the natural branches [physical Israel], neither will he spare you”.

So what’s our takeaway from this? I believe we can walk away with 3 things.

1. Our faith is Jewish in its roots.  Christianity is born out of Judaism.  Therefore, we should walk with humility towards our Jewish brothers and sisters who have been blinded for a season until the fullness of the Gentiles come in.  Pray for Israel.

2. We should preach the gospel in order that fullness of the Gentiles come in.

3. Walk in an attitude of thankfulness for what God has done.  We, as Gentiles, are benefactors of His kindness and not on our own volition. He owes us nothing. “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” – Romans 9:15