In Sunday’s lectionary reading, Paul warned the Gentile (non-Jewish) Christians in Rome not to become proud of their new standing as members of God’s people (v. 18, 20). He exhorts them to stay humble, stand firm in faith, and share in his mission to Gentiles and Jews alike.

The passage depends on the image of the olive tree: the “root” is God’s promise, the “tree” is the people of God, the “broken-off” branches are Jewish people who haven’t believed in Christ, and the “grafted-in” branches are Gentiles who have believed in Christ.

This analogy immediately reveals why Gentile-Christians should not be proud, especially as they relate to the Jewish people. For the root supports the branches (v. 18). It is because of God’s promise to bless all nations through Abraham (Gen 12:3) that Gentiles are invited in. Moreover, if God can cut off natural branches (the Jewish people) because of unbelief (v. 20-21), he can certainly cut off those grafted in. So, Christians must stay humble and reject ethnic boasting and antisemitism.

Secondly, Paul singles out the main issue: faith in Jesus Christ. Israel sought her own righteousness by works rather than faith (10:1-5). A remnant of Jews have believed in Christ and were chosen by grace (11:5-6). Paul calls us to stand firm in faith, to wholly trust we are reconciled to God because of the cross of Christ, and refuse to indulge our tendency to boast in our own righteousness or wag our fingers at those who don’t meet our standards.

Finally, Paul wants us to join his mission (Rom 15:28) of spreading the good news that Christ died for sins and was raised. For when the “fullness” of Gentiles come in, the broken branches will be grafted back in (v. 24-26) and we will all enter eternal life (v. 15). 

Taking it Home:
How might you need to repent of pride (based on ethnicity or self-righteousness)?

Where is God calling you to join Paul’s mission to the world? Supporting a missionary? A church planter? Personal evangelism?