What does it mean to be grafted in? Let’s start with the meaning of grafting. Grafting is a horticultural technique where tissues of plants are joined so they can continue their growth together.
The Farmer And The Olive Tree
I recently watched a video of a farmer grafting two varieties of olive trees. One tree wasn’t producing the desired size of fruit and another was. Instead of starting completely over, the farmer cuts off a piece of olive tree from a fruitful tree. He then cuts into a branch from the original tree. Here begins the process of fusing the two branches together. Both trees have to be cut and aligned correctly for grafting to work. To produce lasting fruit, the two branches must be tightly fitted together and then wrapped securely to ensure a healthy fusing. In time, with the correct amount of pressure and alignment, the grafted branch receives from the root system and becomes part of the original tree. Paul puts it like this, “a partaker of the root and fatness of the olive tree”. It then can bear healthy fruit.
Grafted In
The Apostle Paul uses this same language in Romans 11. He is thoughtfully giving us a visual example of the olive tree. Many who Paul was speaking to at that time and place would’ve understood and been familiar with the olive tree analogy.
“And if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive tree, were grafted in among them, and with them became a partaker of the root and fatness of the olive tree, do not boast against the branches. But if you do boast, remember that you do not support the root, but the root supports you. You will say then, “Branches were broken off that I might be grafted in.” Well said. Because of unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by faith. Do not be haughty, but fear. For if God did not spare the natural branches, He may not spare you either.
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. And they also, if they do not continue in unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. 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?” Romans 11:17-24
The Mystery
What is Paul saying here? He is describes and gives imagery to the revelation he’s received. Israel is like the natural olive tree, set apart and chosen by God. The gospel first comes to the Jews but now this message goes out to the Gentiles. When they come to faith in Jesus it’s like they are the wild branches being grafted into the natural tree of Israel. Paul speaks of a mystery in Ephesians 3:6. What is this mystery? It is the inclusion of the Gentiles as fellow heirs along with the Jews.
“This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.”
From reading this chapter we can ascertain a few very important things. Firstly, this mystery has been hidden- kept secret for generations. Secondly, Paul’s understanding came by revelation by the Spirit of God. Finally, this mystery now made known through revelation by the Spirit, has always been part of God’s eternal purpose and plan.
Two Trees Become One
Two trees – one natural and one wild. They become one tree through the grafting in process. A beautiful picture of God’s family. God has chosen a people, Israel, to show His faithfulness throughout the generations. He reveals His covenant keeping love and nature in His refusal to walk away from Israel despite their unfaithfulness. Through the grafting in God is extending that same covenant love to a people out side of Israel to become heirs with them in His promises. The Gentiles not only partake as heirs but also have a mandate to love the God of Israel even to the point of making the Jewish people jealous and leading to their salvation in Jesus as their Messiah. Let us recognize our roots and join ourselves in unity and alignment to God’s people. What a beautiful picture this is!
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