As far as the gospel is concerned, they are enemies for your sake;
but as far as election is concerned, they are loved on account of the
patriarchs, for God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable. Romans 11:28-29
Jesus came to the Jews to reveal himself as the
fulfillment of Messianic prophecies in the Old Testament. Many Jews rejected him and had him
killed. Even after proof of Jesus’
resurrection, the Jews continued to deny and persecute those who proclaimed
Jesus as God.
In Romans 11, Paul asked if the Jews fell too far away to
ever be recovered. No, not at all (verse
11). But the Gentiles or non-Jews, in
turn, received the message of Jesus as Lord.
Paul hoped that would cause the Jews to be jealous and return to God
(verse 14).
Despite their rejection, the Jews are still loved by God
because of the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses and others. He called them to be his people and that call
can never be revoked. However, others
are now also filling the void and becoming God’s people also.