Topical Bible: The Jews: Christ Was Sent To

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The mission of Jesus Christ to the Jewish people is a central theme in the New Testament, reflecting the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and God's covenantal promises to Israel. The Gospels emphasize that Jesus' earthly ministry was primarily directed towards the Jews, affirming His role as the promised Messiah and the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets.

Old Testament Foundations

The expectation of a Messiah is deeply rooted in Jewish Scripture. Prophecies such as those found in Isaiah 7:14, "Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call Him Immanuel," and Micah 5:2, "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come forth for Me one who will be ruler over Israel," set the stage for the coming of Christ. These prophecies were understood to be directed towards the Jewish nation, anticipating a deliverer who would arise from among them.

Jesus' Ministry to the Jews

The Gospels record that Jesus' ministry was initially focused on the Jewish people. In Matthew 15:24, Jesus states, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." This declaration underscores His mission to bring the message of the Kingdom of God first to the Jews, in accordance with God's redemptive plan.

Throughout His ministry, Jesus engaged with Jewish religious leaders, taught in synagogues, and performed miracles among the Jewish populace. His teachings often referenced the Hebrew Scriptures, affirming their authority and pointing to their fulfillment in His person and work. In Luke 4:16-21, Jesus reads from the scroll of Isaiah in the synagogue and declares, "Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing," identifying Himself as the fulfillment of messianic prophecy.

The Apostolic Mission

After His resurrection, Jesus commissioned His disciples to continue His work, beginning with the Jewish people. In Acts 1:8, He instructs them, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." The early chapters of Acts detail the apostles' efforts to preach the Gospel to the Jews, starting in Jerusalem.

The Apostle Paul, though known as the apostle to the Gentiles, also prioritized the Jewish people in his missionary endeavors. In Romans 1:16, he writes, "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, then to the Greek." This reflects the pattern of offering the message of salvation to the Jews first, in recognition of their unique role in God's salvific history.

Rejection and Acceptance

Despite Jesus' focus on the Jewish people, the New Testament also records the mixed reception He received. While many Jews accepted Him as the Messiah, others rejected His claims, leading to His crucifixion. This rejection, however, was not outside of God's sovereign plan. In Romans 11:25-26, Paul speaks of a partial hardening that has come upon Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in, with the assurance that "all Israel will be saved."

The New Testament narrative thus presents Jesus' mission to the Jews as both a fulfillment of God's promises and a pivotal moment in redemptive history, opening the way for the inclusion of the Gentiles into the people of God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 15:24
But he answered and said, I am not sent but to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 21:37
But last of all he sent to them his son, saying, They will reverence my son.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 3:20,22,26
And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached to you:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Jews, in Rejecting Christ, Rejected God who Sent Him.
... Chapter CXXXVI."The Jews, in rejecting Christ, rejected God who sent him.
"For you see how He now addresses the people, saying ...
/.../chapter cxxxvi the jews in rejecting.htm

The Resurrection of Christ did not Convert the Jews but through ...
... Chapter CVIII."The resurrection of Christ did not convert the Jews But through
the whole world they have sent men to accuse Christ. ...
/.../chapter cviii the resurrection of christ.htm

Messianic Discussion with John the Baptist.
... And he confessed and denied not; and he confessed, I am not the Christ. [4837] What
legates should have been sent from the Jews to John, and where should they ...
/.../origens commentary on the gospel of john/6 messianic discussion with john.htm

Feeding Upon Christ.
... (John 6:44). 44. No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw
him. ... It was the charge of Christ against the Jews: "Ye will not come ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/feeding upon christ.htm

The Jews Sent Persons through the Whole Earth to Spread Calumnies ...
... XVII."The Jews sent persons through the whole earth to spread calumnies on Christians.
"For other nations have not inflicted on us and on Christ this wrong ...
/.../chapter xvii the jews sent persons.htm

In Christ all are Free. The Jews Hope for Salvation in Vain ...
... The Jews hope for salvation in vain because they are ... for the purpose of indicating
beforehand that Christ would receive ... to the will of Him that sent Him, who ...
/.../chapter cxl in christ all are.htm

Testimonies. 1. That Christ is the First-Born, and that He is the ...
... the only and true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent. ... the Gentiles foolishness;
but to them that are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power ...
/.../three books of testimonies against the jews/testimonies 1 that christ is.htm

Christ Before Pilate.
... Then Annas sent him to Caiaphas. ... Hence, it was needful for the Jews to go to Pilate,
the Roman governor, to secure this condemnation of Christ. ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/christ before pilate.htm

From the Departure of Marath Mary from the World, and the Birth ...
... was constantly inquiring about Him; and, when Christ was put ... and Abgar the king heard
that the Jews had slain ... And Abgar wrote letters and sent them to Sabina ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the decretals/vi from the departure of.htm

Dialogue of Justin, Philosopher and Martyr, with Trypho
... Chapter CXXXVI.--The Jews, in rejecting Christ, rejected God who sent him.
Chapter CXXXVII.--He exhorts the Jews to be converted. ...
/.../justin/dialogue of justin philosopher and martyr with trypho/