Romans pt 20: Grafting Branches
If some of the branches have been broken off, and you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root, 18 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. 19 You will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I could be grafted in.” 20 Granted. But they were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but tremble. 21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either. (Ro 11:17–21).
Grafting Outsiders into Gods People
The Metaphor of choice in the first century, and especially in the teachings of Christ, is the metaphor of agriculture; humans are plants in Gods garden, and God is cultivating us. This is an age old way of describing Gods people and Gods work among those people. Jesus used more agricultural metaphors than anything else, and we will look at some of those this morning. But here, Paul describes Gods people as a tree, that God as the gardener. He offers them some reassurance that they do indeed belong, and he also offers them some warnings.
In verse 17, Paul speaks about Israel as a tree, a tree with branches that were intended and created by God to bear the fruit of the tree. But some of the branches have, for whatever reason, not been able to bear fruit, nourishment from the root wasn’t able to make it to the visible the branches, the leaves to produce fruit.
The farmer cannot afford to lose a single branch, he needs fruit, he’s got people to feed!
So he cuts off the dead branch and goes out into the wilderness to finds another tree. He removes one of the branches from this wild tree and grafts it into the place where the other branch was, joining it’s plant arteries to the arteries that lead to the root of the tree, providing it nourishment that is so much more enriching than what that branch was getting in the wild. And with this new source of life flowing in, the branch produces fruit equal, just as good as, the original branches of the tree. This is the metaphor that Paul gives to both the Jews and the Gentiles so that they can understand what God means by bringing in non-Jewish people into the people of God.
Warning: “You must not brag…”
Romans 11:18 (NIV): 18 do not consider yourself to be superior to those other branches.
There is something to be said here about what both the Gentiles and Jews expected by being included at the table. They each lived in a world of status and honor, much like today, where we include and exclude based upon the perceived value and status that someone brings to a group. In their world, meals were taking place all over the city every day. You could see them, Roman houses had common areas that outsiders could often see from the street. And as you wandered the roads you would often hear loud and boisterous dinners taking place and, of course, you were meant to hear them. They piqued peoples interest, they let you know that something is going on and that you are not a part of it. However, you come come over and peer in, past the slave watching the door, you could see the alliances taking place, the political posturing, those who were gaining seats at high status tables, climbing the societal ladder.
This is the main reason that the early Christians chose the table to represent their gatherings. Jesus used the table, not for division and status manipulation, but as a subversive unifying act between the differing classes in Rome. The meal became a holy thing for them, the table of Christ, communion, the eucharist (eu = good, Charis = gift), the table is no longer a source of anxiety for them, it was a good gift that those who had no table had been invited in to dine at the table of the King Jesus, even if it seemed that he was just the king of a band of misfits.
And so when it comes to these Gentiles being included, they felt dignity, they felt honored, they felt included, they felt really special, and really loved. But table inclusion in the 1st century was a big deal, it came with some social weight, so there is always a danger that it would go to their heads… and we can tell from Pauls letter to the Romans that it did! We know this because Paul had to tell them to cut it out in verse 18.
Fruit of the Tree
The proper response to the inclusion of outsiders and enemies is not jealousy. And the proper response to being included is not arrogance and pride, but rather is standing in awe of Gods kindness. The fruit of the wilderness says “What are YOU doing at this table?” The fruit of the Spirit says “You too? Jesus is amazing!” They should gratefully and humbly recognize that they have been joined to something that they had no right to.
"The more we abide in Christ and allow His life to flow through us, the more fruit we will bear. It is a natural outpouring of His grace and power at work within us.” ~ Dallas Willard
It is not the toil of bible study, it is not the ruthless shame-filled purging of sin, it is not emotional experience or reading a thousands books and making sure you believe all the right things. It is abiding. Jesus says “You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me” (John 15). Jesus even removes the fear you have of your own failings, he says “we are square, you and I. I’ve made sure of that. Just remain in me and I’ll bear fruit in you.” And by this all will know that you are his disciple, if you have love for others.
How does the metaphor of grafting branches onto a tree help us understand the inclusion of non-Jewish people into the people of God?
Why is it important for both Jews and Gentiles to avoid feeling superior to one another in the context of their inclusion at the table of God?
In what ways can the concept of being joined to something we have no right to create feelings of gratitude and humility?
Have you experienced this elsewhere in your life?
Have you helped others experience this?According to Dallas Willard, what is the key to bearing fruit in our lives as followers of Christ? How does this concept differ from mere intellectual or emotional pursuits?
How does the idea of abiding in Christ and allowing His life to flow through us relate to bearing fruit and demonstrating love for others?