Grafted into the Cultivated Olive Tree

Metaphor: Grafted into the Cultivated Olive Tree

Concept:  Although the Jews seem rejected of God to many people, this passage makes it clear how very  eager He is to graft them back in and how he has demonstrated His goodness to us. Once again we have an agricultural metaphor that may stretch city people but it provides powerful insight.

Rom 11:17-24

          But some of these branches from Abraham's tree—some of the people of Israel—have been broken off. And you Gentiles, who were branches from a wild olive tree, have been grafted in. So now you also receive the blessing God has promised Abraham and his children, sharing in the rich nourishment from the root of God's special olive tree. 18 But you must not brag about being grafted in to replace the branches that were broken off. You are just a branch, not the root.

19 "Well," you may say, "those branches were broken off to make room for me." 20 Yes, but remember—those branches were broken off because they didn't believe in Christ, and you are there because you do believe. So don't think highly of yourself, but fear what could happen. 21 For if God did not spare the original branches, he won't* spare you either.

22 Notice how God is both kind and severe. He is severe toward those who disobeyed, but kind to you if you continue to trust in his kindness. But if you stop trusting, you also will be cut off. 23 And if the people of Israel turn from their unbelief, they will be grafted in again, for God has the power to graft them back into the tree. 24 You, by nature, were a branch cut from a wild olive tree. So if God was willing to do something contrary to nature by grafting you into his cultivated tree, he will be far more eager to graft the original branches back into the tree where they belong. NLT

God’s mercy seems so vast to us and yet we rejoice that He extends it to us continually. This passage also reminds us that God’s promises to the Jewish people will be fulfilled as they turn to Him.