APRIL 10, 2026 – LIFE FROM THE DEAD

READ: Rom. 11:13–22: … if the root is holy, so are the branches. … do not boast against the branches.

The firstfruits of the dough were the first portion of the grain harvested from the land, which had to be brought as a heave offering to the LORD and thus be sanctified (Num. 15:18–21). Thereby all the harvested grain, all the bread, was sanctified.

That first dough belongs to the whole lump, just as the root belongs to the whole tree. Both in the case of the firstfruits and of the root, it concerns the patriarchs, especially Abraham. They are holy, that is, set apart and destined for the LORD and His service. Therefore their descendants—the branches or the lump—are likewise set apart and destined for the LORD.

In verse 17 the richness of the root is mentioned: the patriarchs received God’s unchangeable promises by which and from which their descendants might live—life from the dead (v.15).

The root of this cultivated olive tree (v.24) bore natural branches (Israel): the people of God, the church of Christ of the Old Testament. But because of unbelief, several of these branches were broken off.

In place of these unbelieving Jews, believing Christians from the Gentiles have been added to the church: wild branches grafted into the rich root. They came from a wild olive tree but now belong to the cultivated one.

A warning follows to Christians of Gentile origin. They must not boast against the broken-off branches. They are not better in themselves. Moreover: “you do not support the root, but the root supports you” (vs..18); salvation is of the Jews (John 4:22).

In the new dispensation, the lump and the branches consist of all who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour. This is a matter of undeserved grace, of God’s goodness. All boasting is therefore excluded, also among the Gentiles.

Moreover, they must continue to examine themselves instead of looking down on others. If God did not spare the unfaithful Jews, the same can happen to them if they do not continue in faith (v.21; cf. 1 Cor. 10:11–12). Rather, let them provoke them to jealousy, that they also may be saved (v.14).

How do we give shape to that “provoking to jealousy”?

Sing: Ps. 87:1,2