Jesus Made a Legitimate Offer of the Kingdom to Israel

Introduction

The question of whether Jesus legitimately offered the kingdom to Israel is a critical issue in dispensational theology. Revised dispensationalism affirms that Jesus’ proclamation of the kingdom was a genuine offer conditioned upon Israel’s acceptance of His Messianic identity. This paper argues that the kingdom Jesus offered was in continuity with Old Testament prophecies, was explicitly preached during His earthly ministry, was rejected by Israel, and was subsequently postponed. The argument will be structured around four key points: (1) the Old Testament expectation of the kingdom, (2) Jesus’ explicit offer of the kingdom, (3) Israel’s national rejection of the kingdom, and (4) the kingdom’s postponement and future fulfillment.

The Nature of the Kingdom in Old Testament Expectation

The concept of the kingdom of God is deeply rooted in the Old Testament. The prophets envisioned a future Messianic reign in which God would establish His theocratic rule over Israel and the nations. Key passages such as Isaiah 2:1-4, Daniel 2:44, and Zechariah 14:9 describe an earthly kingdom where the Messiah reigns in righteousness, Israel is restored to preeminence, and the nations come to worship the Lord. The Davidic Covenant (2 Samuel 7:12-16) further establishes that the Messiah, as a descendant of David, will rule from Jerusalem.

These prophecies indicate that the kingdom is a literal, physical, and political reality centered on Israel. Unlike amillennial and postmillennial interpretations that spiritualize the kingdom, revised dispensationalism maintains that the kingdom promises remain unfulfilled and will be realized in the future millennial reign of Christ. The expectation of the disciples (Acts 1:6) confirms that first-century Jews understood the kingdom in these literal terms.

Jesus’ Explicit Offer of the Kingdom

With this Old Testament backdrop, Jesus’ proclamation of the kingdom must be understood in its historical and theological context. The Gospels present John the Baptist as the forerunner of the Messiah, preaching, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 3:2). This identical message is taken up by Jesus in Matthew 4:17, marking the beginning of His public ministry.

The legitimacy of Jesus’ offer is demonstrated through His authoritative teaching and miraculous works. Matthew 11:2-6 records John the Baptist’s inquiry from prison regarding Jesus’ identity. Jesus responds by pointing to His miracles as evidence that He is fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecies (Isaiah 35:5-6). These miracles authenticated Jesus as the Davidic King who had the power to bring about the promised kingdom.

Furthermore, Jesus specifically instructed His disciples to preach the kingdom message exclusively to Israel (Matthew 10:5-7). This limitation underscores the reality that the kingdom offer was directed toward the covenant people who had been given the promises. The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) provides kingdom ethics, reinforcing that Jesus was offering a tangible kingdom to a covenant people who were expected to respond in faith.

Israel’s Rejection of the Kingdom

Despite the legitimacy of Jesus’ offer, Israel’s leadership rejected His Messianic claims. This rejection is most clearly seen in Matthew 12, where the Pharisees attribute Jesus’ miracles to demonic power (Matthew 12:22-32). This act of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit signifies a decisive turning point in Jesus’ ministry. No longer does He offer the kingdom in the same manner; instead, He begins to speak in parables (Matthew 13), revealing that the kingdom will not be immediately established due to Israel’s unbelief.

The rejection culminates in Jesus’ lament over Jerusalem in Matthew 23:37-39. He declares, “You will not see Me again until you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.’” This statement implies that Israel’s acceptance is a prerequisite for the kingdom’s establishment. The national rejection is further confirmed by Jesus’ formal rejection by the Sanhedrin and His crucifixion.

The Postponement of the Kingdom

Following Israel’s rejection, Jesus shifts His focus toward His coming death and resurrection (Matthew 16:21). The kingdom, while still a future reality, is no longer presented as imminent. Instead, Jesus introduces the concept of the “mysteries of the kingdom” (Matthew 13:11), indicating a new phase in God’s redemptive program.

This postponement is further clarified in the post-resurrection period. In Acts 1:6, the disciples ask, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” Jesus does not deny the future restoration but redirects them to the present mission of preaching the gospel. This transition introduces the church age, a mystery not revealed in the Old Testament but now made known through Paul (Ephesians 3:1-10). While the church participates in spiritual blessings, it is not the kingdom itself, but a distinct entity in God’s program.

Paul reaffirms the postponement in Romans 11:25-27, where he explains that a partial hardening has come upon Israel until “the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.” This passage confirms that Israel’s rejection is temporary and that national restoration remains future. The Second Coming of Christ will bring about the fulfillment of kingdom promises, as seen in Zechariah 14 and Revelation 20:1-6.

Israel as an Instrument of Judgment Against the Nations

The Old Testament Expectation of Israel’s Role

Throughout the Old Testament, Israel is depicted as an instrument of divine judgment. The Abrahamic Covenant (Genesis 12:3) includes a promise that those who bless Israel will be blessed, while those who oppose them will be cursed. The conquest of Canaan (Deuteronomy 9:3-5) serves as a model of how God would use Israel to execute judgment on sinful nations.

Prophetic Declarations of Israel’s Future Role

• Isaiah 60:10-12 predicts that nations that refuse to serve Israel will be destroyed.

• Joel 3:1-17 describes the Day of the Lord, where the nations will be judged in the Valley of Jehoshaphat with Israel’s victory assured.

• Zechariah 12:1-9 portrays Israel as God’s weapon against hostile nations in the final battle.

The Millennial Kingdom and Israel’s Judicial Role

In the future Messianic Kingdom, Israel’s role in executing divine justice will be fulfilled under Christ’s reign:

• Psalm 2:8-9 and Revelation 20:4-6 depict the Messiah ruling with a rod of iron, with Israel sharing in His reign.

• Zechariah 14:14-16 states that the surviving nations must worship in Jerusalem, indicating Israel’s exalted position.

Conclusion

The Old Testament and New Testament affirm that Jesus’ offer of the kingdom was legitimate but postponed due to Israel’s rejection. The future establishment of the kingdom will see Israel restored and playing a key role in executing divine judgment, fulfilling its prophetic destiny in God’s redemptive plan.