By Robert Olsen, Ph.D.
Professor of Historical Theology and Director of Intercultural Studies, University of Mobile
KINDNESS
Romans 11:11–24
Rejection (11–16)
Chapter 11 of Romans is one of the most mysterious passages in the New Testament and has been subject to many interpretations throughout church history.
The issue of the Jews and their relation to the Church has always been a controversial one. Questions abound surrounding the role Jews play now that Christ has come. And has God rejected the Jews because the gospel has gone to the Gentiles?
Regardless of these questions, Paul points out that there is still a plan for the Jews. In fact, one of the reasons God brought salvation to the Gentiles was to make the Jews jealous for God.
The hardening of the Jews allowed the spread of the gospel to the rest of the world, so even in their rejection of the Messiah, God used it for good. And even though large groups of Jews rejected the gospel, there is still hope for their salvation.
No one is so far away from God that they are beyond the reach of the gospel. Since sin has alienated everyone from God, everyone is equally separated — and the gospel is the only way to bridge the gap sin has created between mankind and God.
Grafted (17–22)
Paul uses the imagery of an olive branch representing the people of God to show the relationship between the Jews and Gentiles. While the Jews were historically the people of God — the original olive branch — the Gentiles have been grafted in. However, this is not due to the worthiness of the Gentiles but because of God’s grace.
Just because the Jews rejected Christ doesn’t mean that Gentiles should boast in their salvation. Salvation is always by grace through faith, leaving no room for boasting.
Unfortunately, there have historically been movements within Christianity to persecute the Jews, seeing them as the ones who killed Jesus.
Focusing on one group of people as somehow especially guilty is nonsensical. This can play out sometimes today among Christians if we look down on those who are not Christian. It can be frustrating to see people making fun of Christianity or trying to push ungodly views on society.
But instead of getting angry at these people and looking down on them, we need to remember that they need Jesus. We should support missions and ministries that help share the gospel. Praying for the lost shows we put our hope and faith in God and keeps us from being angry or depressed at the state of society and the attacks on Christianity.
Restoration (23–24)
God has not abandoned the Jews, however. The gospel is available to all people, including the Jews. Even though many have rejected Christ, the gospel never changes and is able to be accepted by all people, including the Jews.
Some believe that the Jews had the law to save them, but the law was never meant to save; it was intended to point to Christ.
Therefore, the Jews still reading the Old Testament have the Scriptures that point to Christ, but like all unbelievers, they are unable to see the gospel clearly.
It is the job of believers to share the gospel and pray for unbelievers. Pray that the Holy Spirit will remove the scales from their eyes and that they may see the joy of the salvation of the Lord.
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