Scripture: Romans 11: 12, 16, 18

But if their transgression means riches for the world, and their loss means riches for the Gentiles, how much greater riches will their full inclusion bring!(12)  If the part of the dough offered as firstfruits is holy, then the whole batch is holy; if the root is holy, so are the branches.(16)  do not consider yourself to be superior to those other branches. If you do, consider this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you.(18)

Scripture Commentary: God is the root of the tree

As sinners we are branches that have fallen off of the olive tree. When we repent and come to Christ, we are being grafted onto Jesus’ tree. We become a part of his family and we are supported by he who is the root.

As members of the tree, we have a responsibility to graft more branches onto our single body. We do not have a right to put others down. This is analogous to Paul’s vision for the church, where Jews and Gentiles would unite with God and Christ. God’s original plan was for the Jews to be a source of God’s blessings to the Gentiles.

There is great rejoicing when we come to Christ

We have been grafted onto a tree representative of God’s promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Therefore, we must work to unite Jews and Gentiles, and to become one with Christ.

When a Jew comes to Christ, there is a great rejoicing. Symbolically, a dead person has come back to life. When Christ is in you, a new you has been born. We are all absolutely dependent upon God. He is the root of the tree, the source of all things including ourselves. God deserves our praise.

Have you been grafted into the family, or are you a wild olive branch?

Read the Entire Chapter:
Romans Chapter 11