This article was really helpful but I don't know if i agree with the wording of this sentence - "We can be thankful the first-century Jewish world initially rejected the wedding feast invitation. Because of their rejection, space was made for all of us."
Isn't it devastating that God's people, the Jews, rejected Jesus' invitation? And wouldn't Gentiles still be welcomed into God's kingdom even if all Jews did accept Christ?
That’s a great question, “Wouldn’t the Gentiles still be welcomed into God’s kingdom even if all Jews did accept Christ?”
The way Paul phrases it in Romans is that the offer of salvation through Christ is for the Jew first, but also for the Greek. This is the pattern he followed throughout his missionary journeys. He preached to the Jewish community first, and only after the Gospel was rejected, did he go to the Gentiles.
He explains this in Romans 11 as the Gospel is shared with the Gentiles in order to make the Jews jealous and provoke them to come to Christ. He says in verse 15, “For if their rejection brings reconciliation to the world, what will their acceptance mean but life from the dead?”
The Jews’ rejection of the Gospel meant reconciliation for the world. And if they were to accept the Gospel, it would mean they would be brought back from the dead. Paul is explaining, in context, that Gentiles should be humble and recognize they’ve received this opportunity because many Jews rejected the Gospel (as God knew they would), but God can and desires to graft them back into the family tree if they will believe.
As Skeeter proposes, I have trouble being thankful the Jews rejected Jesus. Even in light of Paul's explanations, I believe scripture supports the idea that reconciliation for the entire population was in God's plans from the beginning. Perhaps it can be said He knew the Jews would reject Him from the beginning. Either way, I don't think if they had accepted Jesus that Gentiles would then have been without hope.
Thank you for this article. In this day and age, I believe we are often too quick to write people off who don't agree with us, look like us, or believe like us. I am thankful that God kept pursuing me even while I was a sinner, to bring me into his house.
I appreciated much of your article, but at the end you used the words "I believe...." and this gives me some reservations regarding your personal interpretations of the scripture you are referring to and here’s why:
In 2 Peter 1:20–21, it clearly states:
"Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost."
This verse reinforces the essential truth that Scripture originates from God, not from human thought. It’s crucial to understand it through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and within the context of God’s unified message, rather than relying solely on personal interpretations.
Similarly, in 2 Timothy 3:16–17, we find:
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works."
This passage unequivocally highlights that all Scripture is divinely inspired and serves to guide, correct, and equip us as believers for godly living and meaningful action.
Currently, my husband and I feel a clear calling from God to stay with a young couple for a time. They recently accepted Christ but aren’t receiving active mentorship from their church. It’s been truly encouraging to witness their desire for discipleship, and we are diligently preparing ourselves—both physically and spiritually—to embark on this journey.
As we continue to pray and prepare, the Holy Spirit is revealing much about their true hearts. I genuinely hope they will choose to walk closely with the Lord and rely on His understanding rather than their own. However, if they are not ready to take that step, we will follow the guidance of Scripture and separate ourselves, even though it may be difficult.
Choosing to uproot ourselves from being near our daughter and grandchildren in surrender to Him is a significant step, but it’s one that I am currently learning to embrace wholeheartedly. I pray for the strength to release worldly attachments and focus on what truly matters. In Jesus’ Mighty Name!
This article was really helpful but I don't know if i agree with the wording of this sentence - "We can be thankful the first-century Jewish world initially rejected the wedding feast invitation. Because of their rejection, space was made for all of us."
Isn't it devastating that God's people, the Jews, rejected Jesus' invitation? And wouldn't Gentiles still be welcomed into God's kingdom even if all Jews did accept Christ?
That’s a great question, “Wouldn’t the Gentiles still be welcomed into God’s kingdom even if all Jews did accept Christ?”
The way Paul phrases it in Romans is that the offer of salvation through Christ is for the Jew first, but also for the Greek. This is the pattern he followed throughout his missionary journeys. He preached to the Jewish community first, and only after the Gospel was rejected, did he go to the Gentiles.
He explains this in Romans 11 as the Gospel is shared with the Gentiles in order to make the Jews jealous and provoke them to come to Christ. He says in verse 15, “For if their rejection brings reconciliation to the world, what will their acceptance mean but life from the dead?”
The Jews’ rejection of the Gospel meant reconciliation for the world. And if they were to accept the Gospel, it would mean they would be brought back from the dead. Paul is explaining, in context, that Gentiles should be humble and recognize they’ve received this opportunity because many Jews rejected the Gospel (as God knew they would), but God can and desires to graft them back into the family tree if they will believe.
As Skeeter proposes, I have trouble being thankful the Jews rejected Jesus. Even in light of Paul's explanations, I believe scripture supports the idea that reconciliation for the entire population was in God's plans from the beginning. Perhaps it can be said He knew the Jews would reject Him from the beginning. Either way, I don't think if they had accepted Jesus that Gentiles would then have been without hope.
Jesus specifically said I speak in parables so they don’t understand and repent. The time for them would be later.
Thank you for this article. In this day and age, I believe we are often too quick to write people off who don't agree with us, look like us, or believe like us. I am thankful that God kept pursuing me even while I was a sinner, to bring me into his house.
I appreciated much of your article, but at the end you used the words "I believe...." and this gives me some reservations regarding your personal interpretations of the scripture you are referring to and here’s why:
In 2 Peter 1:20–21, it clearly states:
"Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost."
This verse reinforces the essential truth that Scripture originates from God, not from human thought. It’s crucial to understand it through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and within the context of God’s unified message, rather than relying solely on personal interpretations.
Similarly, in 2 Timothy 3:16–17, we find:
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works."
This passage unequivocally highlights that all Scripture is divinely inspired and serves to guide, correct, and equip us as believers for godly living and meaningful action.
Currently, my husband and I feel a clear calling from God to stay with a young couple for a time. They recently accepted Christ but aren’t receiving active mentorship from their church. It’s been truly encouraging to witness their desire for discipleship, and we are diligently preparing ourselves—both physically and spiritually—to embark on this journey.
As we continue to pray and prepare, the Holy Spirit is revealing much about their true hearts. I genuinely hope they will choose to walk closely with the Lord and rely on His understanding rather than their own. However, if they are not ready to take that step, we will follow the guidance of Scripture and separate ourselves, even though it may be difficult.
Choosing to uproot ourselves from being near our daughter and grandchildren in surrender to Him is a significant step, but it’s one that I am currently learning to embrace wholeheartedly. I pray for the strength to release worldly attachments and focus on what truly matters. In Jesus’ Mighty Name!