“But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, although a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing root of the olive tree,…” Romans 11:17
August 6, 2025
What kind of branch are you? A natural olive branch? A wild olive branch? You may ask what difference does it make? A lot! The apostle, a converted Jew, tells us about the olive tree which represents the covenant that God made with Abraham (Gen. 12:1-3). God is not through with the nation Israel. Her fall (national rejection of the Messiah) is being used by God to advance His kingdom-redemption plan. The natural olive branches cut off are the unbelieving Jews. The wild olive branches grafted on the tree are Gentile believers. Paul is talking about groups not individuals in the church age. 1. The olive tree tells us that Jesus Christ is the center of God’s redemptive plan. The blessings promised to both Jews and Gentiles come through Jesus Christ (Gal. 3:6-9, 29). 2. The olive tree explains the relationship between Jew and Gentile in the program of God. Israel’s present state of unbelief has a threefold purpose: (a) riches – provision of our salvation, (b) fulfillment – promise of millennial blessing, (c) jealousy- provoke Israel to believe apart from works and self-righteousness and have their eyes open to the truth.
This will be continued. It is of vital importance for Christians to know Israel’s place among the nations. Also, the church of Jesus Christ is not the true Israel. The Church is not the olive tree. If you are a wild olive branch, praise God for the riches of His grace to you.
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“O Lord, keep me mindful that I have a debt to Judaism and that Israel must not be treated with contempt. Show me how I can reach out to the Jews in my world.”