Christ, the Example of Hope for Jews, and Gentiles

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Romans 15:1-13

 

Romans 15:8-9

For I tell you that Christ became a servant to the circumcised to show God's truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, ⁹ and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written,

“Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles,
    and sing to your name.”

(ESV)

 

 

Jesus demonstrated selfless leadership because He is God who left the glory of heaven to take on flesh and suffer an excruciating death on the cross to pay for the sins of all humanity (2 Corinthians 5:21; Romans 5:8). Not only did Jesus provide an example of selfless leadership but his sacrificial death for the sins of humanity means salvation is available to all for it is a gift and not something earned through good works (Ephesians 2:8-9). However, like any gift, one must accept it and open it up for it to have any value to the recipient.

 

Christians should bear with the failings of those weak in the faith, not to please ourselves by lording over them with religious superiority but to build them up (Romans 15:1-2). Jesus did not please himself by lording over others but instead took on the reproaches or sins of others, including those putting him on the cross (2 Corinthians 5:21; Luke 23:34; Romans 15:3). Scripture reminds us that what was previously written was done for our instruction and encouragement giving people hope (Romans 15:4). Paul’s prayer is that the God of endurance and encouragement may grant us to live in harmony with one another in accord with Jesus, glorify the God and Father of Jesus, and welcoming one another like Christ has welcomed us (Romans 15:5-7).

 

Christ became a servant of the Jews to show His faithfulness and confirm the promises given to the patriarchs so the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy (John 10:16; Psalm 18:49; Romans 15:8-9). Jesus also provides hope for the Gentiles so they can rejoice and praise the Lord (Isaiah 11:10; Psalm 117:1; Romans 15:10-12). The passage concludes with Paul praying that the God of hope will fill his readers with all joy and peace in believing so they can abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13).  

 

In this section of Romans, Paul teaches how believers are to live for Christ. In Romans 15:1-7, Paul teaches how Jesus provided the perfect example of selfless leadership by making himself a reproach, even though he knew no sin, so sinners could have forgiveness from sin (2 Corinthians 5:21; Romans 5:8). This forgiveness is available to all, Jews and Gentiles because it is not dependent on one’s works but the grace of God (Ephesians 2:8-9). This fulfills Isaiah 11:10 with the root of Jesse, Jesus, as the one all nations shall inquire of, providing a resting place of His glory for all.

 

Everyone reading this needs a savior for all of us have sinned and missed the mark with God (Romans 3:23). To make matters worse, this missing the mark is a capital crime with God (Romans 6:23) but Jesus came to die for sinners so they can have forgiveness from sin and eternal life (Romans 5:8, 6:23). This gift of salvation is also available to all for it is not dependent on one’s good works or ones heritage but a gift of God’s grace (Ephesians 2:8-9). If you have never done so, I invite you to pray with me now and receive this gift of God’s grace,

 

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

 

I encourage those that just prayed to find a church teaching the Bible so they are equipped with the truth which sets people free (John 8:32). Believers also need the empowerment of the Holy Spirit to live a transformed life like Peter who went from a denier of Christ to one boldly preaching the Gospel (Acts 2; Matthew 26:69-75). Believers also need encouragement from the Word of God, knowing Jesus is coming back, and through fellowship with other believers (1 Thessalonians 5:11; Acts 27:36; Romans 15:4). May God challenge and bless everyone reading this.