Grafted in - Faapipiiina faatasi

Scripture Focus: Roma 11:17-25

But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive, were grafted in among them, and became partaker with them of the root and of the richness of the olive tree; don’t boast over the branches. But if you boast, it is not you who support the root, but the root supports you. You will say then, “Branches were broken off, that I might be grafted in.” True; by their unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by your faith. Don’t be conceited, but fear; for if God didn’t spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you. See then the goodness and severity of God. Toward those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in his goodness; otherwise you also will be cut off. They also, if they don’t continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. For if you were cut out of that which is by nature a wild olive tree, and were grafted contrary to nature into a good olive tree, how much more will these, which are the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree? For I don’t desire you to be ignorant, brothers, of this mystery, so that you won’t be wise in your own conceits, that a partial hardening has happened to Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in,
- Romans 11:17-25 (WEB)

Study:

In this passage, Paul uses the powerful metaphor of an olive tree to describe the relationship between the Jewish people and Gentile believers. The "natural branches" symbolize Israel, God’s original covenant people, while the "wild olive" branches represent Gentiles who were once excluded but are now grafted in through faith. This grafting is contrary to nature, indicating the gracious and sovereign work of God in including Gentiles into His covenant family. Paul cautions believers against pride, reminding us that it is God who sustains us. The passage also highlights God’s justice — both His goodness to those who believe and His severity toward those who reject Him. The promise remains open that some branches cut off (unbelieving Israel) can be grafted back in if they turn to faith.

Application:

This passage calls us to humility and gratitude. As Gentile believers grafted into God’s promises, we must not boast or look down on others. Our faith unites us into the same root of salvation – Jesus Christ. We are called to continue in God’s goodness by living in faith and fear of Him, recognizing His discipline and grace. It encourages us to pray for the spiritual restoration of others, including those from different backgrounds or traditions. Ultimately, we find assurance that God’s plan is inclusive but requires ongoing faithfulness.

Reflection Questions:

• How does understanding the olive tree metaphor deepen your appreciation of your place in God’s family?
• In what ways are you tempted to boast about your faith or background?
• How can you remain humble and dependent on God daily?
• What does this passage teach you about God’s balance of goodness and severity?
• Are there people or groups you can pray for that may yet be "grafted in" by faith?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for grafting us into Your family by Your grace. Help us to walk humbly in faith, guarded from pride, and rooted deeply in Your love. Teach us to appreciate others as part of Your plan and to pray for those not yet part of Your covenant. May we continue in Your goodness until the day of Your fullness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Tags: grafted in, Romans 11, olive tree metaphor, faith, humility, Gentiles and Jews, God's grace, Bible study, Christian growth, God's goodness and severity