“What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness of faith; but Israel, pursuing the law of righteousness, has not attained to the law of righteousness. Why? Because they did not seek it by faith, but as it were, by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumbling stone.” – Romans 9:30-32
Paul closes Romans 9 by shifting from God’s sovereign choice to human responsibility, emphasizing that salvation has always been by faith. The paradox is striking: Gentiles who never sought God have found Him, while many Jews who pursued righteousness through the law have missed Him entirely. Why? Because they tried to earn salvation through works, not receive it through faith. Paul isn’t speaking of nations, but individuals. He himself is a Jew who believed. The issue isn’t heritage—it’s humility. The Jews thought the Gentiles needed to rise to their level, but in truth, they needed to descend to the level of repentance. Leviticus reminds us that on the Day of Atonement, the people were commanded to “afflict their souls” (Leviticus 16:29). Salvation has always required brokenness, not entitlement.
Paul then quotes Isaiah and the Psalms to show that Jesus was always meant to be the cornerstone of salvation, yet He became a stumbling stone to many. “Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offense, and whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame” (Romans 9:33). The Jews stumbled because they substituted religious privilege for personal faith. They rejected the very Savior their Scriptures pointed to. But others—those who believed—found no shame in Him. This truth is illustrated in Luke 17, where ten lepers are healed, yet only one returns to give thanks. And that one was a Samaritan. The others, likely Jews, accepted the miracle but missed the Messiah. The Samaritan, knowing he had no claim, returned with loud praise and deep gratitude. He didn’t just receive healing—he received salvation.
This story reminds us that the ground at the feet of Jesus is level. Whether Jew or Gentile, religious or irreligious, clean or unclean, all must come by faith. The Samaritan leper didn’t let his background or his condition keep him from Jesus. He believed, he returned, and he worshiped. Today, many feel too defiled to draw near to Christ. But the truth is, Jesus invites sinners of every kind. The only barrier is pride. Entitlement blinds us to grace, but humility opens the door to salvation. So come—whether you feel worthy or not. Jesus is not offended by your need. He is moved by your faith. And whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” – John 3:16
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