Broken Branches

Continuing with his use of plant metaphors Paul continues talking about the relationship between Jews and Gentiles and the kingdom.  Here is what he writes in verses 19-24:  “¹⁹ You will say then, “Branches were broken off that I might be grafted in.” ²⁰ Well said. Because of unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by faith. Do not be haughty, but fear. ²¹ For if God did not spare the natural branches, He may not spare you either. ²² Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off. ²³ And they also, if they do not continue in unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. ²⁴ For if you were cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and were grafted contrary to nature into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these, who are natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree?”  I think what Paul is writing is pretty easy to understand.  The Gentiles were “grafted” into the vine.  The Jews who did not believe were broken off.  However, the Gentiles must believe also or they will be broken off and believing Israel will be grafted in.  The issue is not race but belief.  I believe that Paul is not teaching that specific people can be grafted in and broken off repeatedly…that would indicate that an individual could lose his salvation. Rather, Paul is talking about groups of people in general.  The Gentiles enjoy the favor of God but they should not believe that the same judgment that fell on Israel could not fall on them.  Those of us who are not Jewish are part of the group that has been grafted into the covenants and promises of God through God’s mercy.  However, there should be no understanding of special favor as a “people” here.  God’s covenant with Israel is still ongoing in some way, which Paul will write about tomorrow.  Be thankful that because of a mystery filled combination of God’s grace and your belief, you have been grafted into the vine of Christ.