For Your Edification and Encouragement

God’s Plan Through Israel and the Church – Part 8

Now I say that Jesus Christ has become a servant to the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made to the fathers,

Romans 15:8

Jesus came to fulfill the promises made to the fathers and offer the Kingdom to Israel. He came as the promised Messiah—performing miracles, preaching the gospel of the Kingdom, and confirming that the time had come.

“Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand!”
— Matthew 4:17

The majority of Christendom, whether Church members or not, assume that the opening of Matthew Chapter 1 marks the start of Christianity. That the Lord Jesus has arrived to start the Church, this is a misconception. At this point, the narrative remains an extension of God’s covenant with Israel, rooted in Old Testament promises. In Luke Chapter 1, as the angel’s announcement to Mary reveals, Jesus enters the scene not primarily to proclaim His death on the cross for the world’s sins—though that is undoubtedly part of God’s plan—but to fulfill the promises made to Israel. With 2 exceptions, the context of the Four Gospels is distinctly Jewish, and language and the context make it undeniable.

It’s also important to recognize that these events unfold under the Law. The Temple is still active, sacrifices continue, and even those who become followers of Christ (those who believed that Jesus was indeed Israel’s promised Messiah, the Son of God) retain their Jewish practices. Jesus does not rebuke them for this, quite the opposite. The Lord Jesus doesn’t tell them that they are Law no longer under the law—that’s a revelation that comes many years later (around 14 years later) through Paul. This reflects the Bible’s progressive revelation: God doesn’t disclose everything at once. And why it is so important to study the Bible in time, not getting ahead of events as they unfold. While prophecy abounds in the Old Testament, some truths remain hidden until God chooses to unveil them. In Luke Chapter 1, the angel’s announcement to Mary sets the stage for Christ’s first advent, fulfilling God’s promises to Israel.

Take time to read the passages below carefully—and pay close attention to the language. Read these verses in real time, as if the events are unfolding before your eyes. This will help you see clearly that the angel is announcing the imminent birth of Israel’s promised Messiah—the One who will crush Israel’s enemies and establish the promised kingdom, ruling and reigning from David’s throne in Jerusalem, on Mount Zion.

‘Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus . He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.”’

Luke 1:30-33

The following passages make it even clearer that Christ’s first advent was to fulfill the covenant promises He made to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and David. In Luke 1:67–75, we find Zacharias—John the Baptist’s father and a priest—speaking under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. And what does he proclaim?

In the opening words of what many call the “New Testament,” Zacharias praises and exalts the Lord God of Israel. But notice what he emphasizes—not primarily salvation from sin (though that is part of the overall plan)—but deliverance from Israel’s enemies.

What enemies?
The same enemies that surround Israel today.

Read these verses carefully. Pay attention to the language. You don’t need to be a seminary graduate—just read the plain text. And do this: read the verses in real time, as if you’re watching the events unfold in the present moment. When you do, it becomes unmistakably clear:

• This passage is about Israel.
• It’s about the redemption of Israel.
• It’s about the fulfillment of the covenant God made with the patriarchs.

Luke 1:67-75

Now his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying: “Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, For He has visited and redeemed His people, And has raised up a horn of salvation for us In the house of His servant David, As He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets, Who have been since the world began, That we should be saved from our enemies And from the hand of all who hate us, To perform the mercy promised to our fathers And to remember His holy covenant, The oath which He swore to our father Abraham: To grant us that we, Being delivered from the hand of our enemies, Might serve Him without fear, In holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our life.

Israel’s Rejection Was Foreknown

From the beginning of His ministry, Jesus was opposed by the religious leaders. They questioned His authority, rejected His miracles, and attributed His works to Satan (Matthew 12:24).

This accusation marked a national turning point. From that moment, Jesus began to speak in parables and focus more on preparing His disciples for what was to come.

Betrayed by His Own

Though multitudes followed Him for miracles, the nation as a whole did not believe that He was indeed the Israel’s Messiah. When given the choice between Jesus and Barabbas, they chose a murderer.

“We have no king but Caesar!”
— John 19:15

The Cross Was Not the End of the Offer

Even after the crucifixion, in the early chapters of Acts, God offered Israel the Kingdom again—through Peter and the apostles:

“Repent therefore and be converted… that He may send Jesus Christ… whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration…”
— Acts 3:19–21

But once again, the leaders rejected the message. The final act of national rejection came in Acts 7, with the stoning of Stephen.

Why This Matters

Jesus was the promised King. The Kingdom was offered. But Israel—as a nation—rejected it. They crucified their Messiah and refused to repent, even after the resurrection.

This doesn’t mean God’s promises failed. It simply means the prophetic program was paused—and something brand new was about to be revealed.