Today we will talk about what did Jesus say about Israel. Many Christians do not know what this means. Israel holds a special place in the heart of God and in the teachings of Jesus. Throughout His ministry, Jesus shared profound insights about this nation, its people, and their role in the divine plan. Understanding His words can deepen our appreciation for the Scriptures and the significance of Israel in God’s redemptive story. Let’s embark on this journey together, exploring the Scriptures to uncover the essence of what Jesus communicated concerning Israel.
What did Jesus say about Israel
Israel as a Chosen Nation
When exploring the significance of Israel, we first need to recognize its status as a chosen nation. In Hebrew, the word for “chosen” is “bachar” (בָּחַר), which suggests the idea of selection and favor. From the foundation of Israel’s history, God selected Abraham, calling him to be the father of many nations (Genesis 12:2). Jesus affirmed this divine choice when He referenced Israel’s role in His teachings. In Matthew 15:24, He said, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.” This statement shows that Jesus acknowledged His mission targeted initially at Israel, highlighting their unique relationship with God.
Throughout the Old Testament, God repeatedly affirmed His covenant with Israel. For example, in Exodus 19:5-6, God declared, “You will be my treasured possession among all nations.” Jesus honored this special status, though His mission didn’t end there; He widened His embrace to include all who would follow Him (Galatians 3:28). This indicates a beautiful blend of God’s faithfulness to Israel while opening the door for Gentiles to partake of His grace.
In John 4:22, during His conversation with the Samaritan woman, Jesus reaffirmed that salvation is from the Jews. This statement further emphasizes Israel’s historical significance in God’s plan for redemption. However, it also challenges the stereotypes regarding exclusivity as it expands the notion of God’s love beyond geographical and ethnic boundaries.
Furthermore, Jesus often spoke in parables, many of which included Jewish audiences as central figures. In the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16), Jesus illustrated how God’s grace is extended generously and that all who come to Him are welcomed. Through this parable, we witness the love of God for Israel while simultaneously highlighting His desire to embrace every nation under His banner.
Jesus continually demonstrated His profound love for Israel, weeping over the city of Jerusalem in Luke 19:41-44. Here, He lamented, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes.” This moment encapsulates Christ’s compassion and desire for Israel to recognize their messianic hope in Him. His journey emphasized the importance of Israel’s identity and their call to be a light unto the nations.
The Role of Israel in God’s Plan
Secondly, exploring Jesus’ teachings about Israel reveals its significant role in God’s redemptive plan. The historical context of Israel provides a backdrop for understanding this role. The Old Testament is filled with prophecies regarding the coming Messiah, and Jesus fulfilled many of these prophecies, marking Israel as central to His mission.
In Matthew 26:54, Jesus states, “But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?” This response not only shows His commitment to Israel but also to fulfilling God’s promises as laid out in the prophets. His mission was not just about the present but fulfilling ancient prophecies, showcasing the continuity of God’s plan through Israel.
Jesus also provided insights into how the kingdom of God would unfold. In Matthew 21:43, He declares, “Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit.” Here, Jesus indicates that anyone who embraces His teachings, regardless of background, can be part of His kingdom. This marks a shift towards inclusivity; Israel remains a vital part of God’s story, yet now it invites all who believe in Jesus to partake.
Moreover, in Romans 1:16, Paul emphasizes the importance of the Gospel, stating, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.” This affirms that while Jesus’ ministry reached beyond Israel, the Jewish people remain foundational to the story of salvation.
As we reflect on Jesus’ words, we can see a pattern that asserts Israel’s pivotal position in embracing God’s covenant promises. It was through Israel that the world would witness God’s plan unfold, finally leading to the advent of Christ.
Jesus frequently pointed to Israel in His interactions, affirming their place not just as a physical nation but as a people who God seeks to redeem. He passionately desired their recognition and acceptance of Him as the Messiah. In John 5:39-40, He encouraged the Jewish leaders, saying, “You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life.” Here, we see Jesus connecting His identity and mission directly to the Scriptures that originated in Israel, imploring them to understand their significance.
Thus, our understanding of Israel as a vital part of Jesus’s ministry and its implications for all humankind sheds light on how God has been careful in His plans for both Israel and the broader world.
The Promise of Restoration
In addition to focusing on Israel’s chosen nature and role in God’s plans, it is essential to consider the promise of restoration that Jesus conveyed. The biblical GPS, so to speak, always leads back to hope and restoration despite sin and disobedience. During Christ’s earthly ministry, He made it clear that there is a pathway back to right standing with God.
Jesus expressed this hope in Matthew 23:37 when He lamented, “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings.” This encapsulates the heart of Jesus, yearning for His people to return. He viewed the rejection not simply as an end but as a moment of tragic misalignment with their destiny.
Moreover, in His teachings, Jesus pointed toward a future where Israel would be restored. In Luke 21:24, He declared, “They will fall by the sword and will be taken as prisoners to all the nations. Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.” This prophetic word indicates that while there would be challenges ahead for Jerusalem, there is a fulfillment yet to come.
The story of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32) also provides a beautiful metaphor for Israel’s journey—a journey of wandering yet coming home. Jesus revealed the love of the Father, actively awaiting the return of His children. Jewish listeners would resonate deeply with this metaphor of reconciliation and love, highlighting that no matter how far they strayed, the Father’s arms remained open.
Furthermore, these hopes resonate with Israel’s prophetic texts, such as Jeremiah 31:31-34, where God promises a new covenant: “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts.” Jesus upheld this expectancy as part of His mission, assuring Israel of God’s unwavering commitment to restore, redeem, and revive them.
The fulfillment of hope culminates beautifully in Revelation 21:3-4, which reflects on the ultimate restoration of all believers, including Israel, in God’s eternal kingdom: “God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.” Here, we find profound assurance of God’s continued faithfulness to Israel amidst the shifting tides of history.
Thus, Jesus’ passion for Israel boils down to an unwavering hope and promise that they remain integral to the fulfillment of God’s plans—with the ultimate vision being one of reunion in the kingdom of God.
Final Thoughts
Throughout our discussion about what Jesus said about Israel, we have seen how crucial this nation is to His message and mission. Israel was chosen, called out, and entrusted with God’s promises, with Jesus emphasizing their role in His ministry and the Kingdom of God.
We recognized that the teachings of Jesus highlight Israel’s history and their relationship with God, showcasing His love and desire for them to embrace Him fully. Importantly, we reflected on the joyful hope of restoration that remains ever-present, emphasizing that while challenges may arise, God is always at work to draw His people back to Him.
As Christians, it inspires us to uphold Israel in our prayers and conversations, rejoicing in the promises of hope and salvation that extend to all people. Just as Jesus longed to gather Jerusalem, we, too, should foster a heart of love and inclusion, knowing that we are part of a much larger story woven together by God’s hand.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4