How does the allegory of the olive trees answer Jacob’s question regarding the Jews?

Question

Dear Gramps,

Jacob in the Book of Mormon asks a question about the Jews in Jacob 4:17:  “And now, my beloved, how is it possible that these, after having rejected the sure foundation, can ever build upon it, that it may become the head of their corner?”  He answers with the allegory of the olive trees in chapter 5.  But how does this answer his question?

Robert

Answer

Robert,

If you take a look at the Come, Follow Me manual page 46 it says:

God knows and loves His children, and He will prepare a way for each of them to hear His gospel, even those who have rejected Him in the past (see Jacob 4:15–18). And then, when the work is done, all those who have been “diligent in laboring with [Him] … shall have joy with [Him] because of the fruit of [His] vineyard” (Jacob 5:75).

The allegory not only tells a history.  It shows us by allegory how much he cares for his children.  If your child were lost in unwanted paths (bearing bad fruit) would you simply outright reject them forever?  Or would you always try to keep the door open?  I’d always want the door open so that they may one day return.  And it takes a lot of love and work on his part to make the return more likely.

So, essentially, because of his love for us, the door is always open for us to return.  This aspect of the Allegory of the Olive Tree is applicable for both a people and for each individual.  And just as a gardener doesn’t give up on a big tree because of one bad season, the Lord doesn’t give up on us because we had a period in our lives where we rejected him.  We’re always allowed to repent and return to him (provided that we don’t commit unpardonable sins).

He cares for every one of us and wants us to enjoy the fruit of his vineyard.  And he will make every effort to call us back to him.

Gramps