GENTILES
Ninth
of twelve in Jesus’ Earthly Life & Ministry
Parallel Series
Isaiah
11:10, John 12:18-21
Isaiah
11:10: “In that day the Root of Jesse
will stand as a banner for the peoples of the nations will rally to him, and
his place of rest will be glorious,”
John
12:20-21: “Now there were some Greeks
among those who went up to worship at the feast. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida
in Galilee, with request, ‘Sir,’ they said, ‘we would like to see Jesus.’”
The word Gentiles [JEN-tiles], (same beginning as gentle—which
means mild, or calm)—is the translation of the Greek word ethnos, meaning nations or peoples.
Gentiles are a clan or tribe of people.
This is similar to the English translation for the Hebrew word goy. (That can also refer to a swarm of insects!) The Latin word gens combined with the Greek word genos builds the English words gene, genre, genus and genesis.
Christianization of the Roman Empire used the word “Gentile”
to refer to a non-Jew. But, “Gentile”
can also mean in Germany—or in France, for example—someone who’s not a native of
that country. “Gentile” doesn’t strictly
mean a non-Hebrew or non-Jew. It means someone
who doesn’t belong to whatever nation is the topic.
So, among Christians, a “Gentile” can be someone who doesn't believe in Jesus Christ.
“Root of Jesse” is the Messianic
title for Jesus.
The word Greek can mean a person from Greece. When Alexander the Great conquered so much of
the world, he spread the Greek language throughout. Most “foreigners” spoke Greek; it was the
“trade” language.
So, “Greeks” in the Bible refer to
Gentiles, or non-Jews.
But for Christians, Romans 10:12-13
confirms, “For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is
Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on Him, for, ‘Everyone who calls on
the name of the Lord will be saved.’”
Take Home Nugget
Isaiah 5:26 says that a banner hung
from a pole placed on a hill signals a gathering. Isaiah 11:10 means that Jews who’re scattered around
the world will return home (Canaan, Israel, Zion). They will rally around Jesus, recognizing Him
as their long-awaited Messiah. Check the
lesson linked below to see from where the Jews are returning home.
Jesus came first for the Jews, then
for the Gentiles. John 12:20-21 shows Gentile
(Greeks) eagerness to meet Jesus—right after Jesus’ triumphal ride into
Jerusalem on a donkey. The crowd cheered,
“Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the King of Israel!” (John 12:13).
Hosanna
is a Hebrew expression that means “save,” an exclamation of praise.
“Praise
the Lord, all you Gentiles, and sing praises to Him, all you peoples.”
J.D.
Griffith
A
personal, private lesson experience with our staff
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