Topical Bible: The Jews: Christ: Regarded As the Restorer of National Greatness

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Throughout the history of Israel, the Jewish people have held onto the hope of a Messiah who would restore their national greatness and fulfill the promises made to their forefathers. This expectation is deeply rooted in the Hebrew Scriptures and is a central theme in the prophetic writings. The anticipation of a Messianic figure who would bring about a new era of prosperity and peace is evident in various passages of the Old Testament.

Messianic Prophecies and Expectations

The Jewish expectation of a Messiah is grounded in numerous prophecies that speak of a coming king from the line of David who would establish an everlasting kingdom. In 2 Samuel 7:12-13, God promises David, "When your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who will come from your own body, and I will establish his kingdom. He will build a house for My Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever." This promise laid the foundation for the hope of a Davidic Messiah.

The prophet Isaiah also speaks of a future ruler who would bring justice and peace. Isaiah 9:6-7 declares, "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from that time and forevermore."

Christ as the Fulfillment of Messianic Hope

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is presented as the fulfillment of these Messianic prophecies. The Gospel of Matthew opens with a genealogy that traces Jesus' lineage back to David, emphasizing His rightful claim to the Davidic throne (Matthew 1:1-17). Throughout His ministry, Jesus is recognized by many as the promised Messiah, the one who would restore Israel's greatness.

In Luke 1:32-33, the angel Gabriel announces to Mary, "He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David, and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever. His kingdom will never end." This announcement echoes the promises made to David and reinforces the expectation of a Messianic king.

The Kingdom of God

While many Jews in Jesus' time anticipated a political and military leader who would liberate them from Roman rule, Jesus' mission was to establish a spiritual kingdom. In John 18:36, Jesus clarifies, "My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight to prevent My arrest by the Jews. But now My kingdom is not of this realm."

Jesus' teachings and actions revealed that His kingdom was characterized by righteousness, peace, and the transformation of hearts. In Matthew 4:17, He begins His ministry with the proclamation, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." This call to repentance and spiritual renewal was central to His message.

The Restoration of Israel

The early Christian community, composed primarily of Jewish believers, understood Jesus as the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel. In Acts 1:6, the disciples ask the risen Christ, "Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?" This question reflects the enduring hope for national restoration. Jesus responds by redirecting their focus to the coming of the Holy Spirit and the global mission of the church (Acts 1:7-8).

The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, speaks of a future time when "all Israel will be saved" (Romans 11:26), indicating that God's promises to the Jewish people remain intact and will be fulfilled in His divine timing.

Conclusion

The Jewish expectation of a Messiah who would restore national greatness finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While His kingdom transcends earthly political structures, it encompasses the hope of spiritual renewal and the eventual restoration of all things under His righteous reign.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 20:21
And he said to her, What will you? She said to him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on your right hand, and the other on the left, in your kingdom.
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Luke 24:21
But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done.
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Acts 1:6
When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, will you at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?
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Library

In his Temple
... But the Jews had not understood the significance ... the blind beheld the face of their
Restorer. ... They regarded Christ's mission as an innovation, and questioned ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 16 in his temple.htm

The Christ of the Gospels. By Rev. Professor Schaff.
... by divines who are by no means regarded as orthodox ... the least affect the picture
of Christ's character, but ... to Rome, believed by thousands of Jews, Greeks, and ...
/.../the christ of the gospels.htm

The Story of the Baptist, from his Last Testimony to Jesus to his ...
... It was regarded as a religious duty to gladden the ... Paul argued with the Jews, that
their boast in the ... complained, because the real Elijah and Christ did not ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxviii the story of.htm

The Prophet Amos.
... in the New Testament, and that to Christ all is ... of worship was, among the ten tribes,
regarded as non ... in order to impress them with the greatness of divine power ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the prophet amos.htm