This text shows Paul’s concern for the unbelieving Jews he was ministering to.  Although physical Israel rejected Christ, it will and has led to the salvation of the people of many nations.  It has been beneficial to us as Christians because the Gospel has gone out to the nations as a part of God’s plan and is used as righteous jealousy to wake up the Jews to Jesus being the Messiah.  Paul wants people to see what they have that they took for granted, such as being a part of the covenant community. 

 

While they will not be fully restored, God is not done with Israel in the sense that many will be saved through Jesus Christ.  As we see today and throughout history, Jews have been disproportionately despised, and as Christians, we are not to be arrogant toward them.  While they are not to be considered de facto Christians and need the Savior, we have much common ground in the 39 books of the Old Testament, and we need to make them jealous for Christ by living faithfully and showing them the Messiah with love, patience, and humility. 

 

Scripture: Psalm 22, Romans 11:11-24