by Pastor Vincent Rhodes
The question, “Does Jesus still care about Israel?” is one that stirs theological debates and prophetic reflections. With wars, ceasefires, and political tension in the Middle East dominating the headlines, many believers are asking where Israel fits in God’s plan today. Is modern-day Israel still central to God’s purposes? Or has the Church, made up of believers from all nations, become the new Israel?
The Old Covenant and God’s Chosen People
In the Old Testament, Israel was uniquely chosen by God. Through Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, God established a covenant people to bring forth the Messiah. The nation of Israel was entrusted with the law, the prophets, and the promises (Romans 9:4-5). This calling, however, came with responsibility. Israel was to be a light to the nations, a priestly people set apart for God’s glory (Exodus 19:6).
But throughout Scripture, we also see how Israel struggled with rebellion, idolatry, and hardness of heart. The prophets foretold a future restoration—one not merely physical or political, but spiritual. A time when God would write His law upon their hearts and pour out His Spirit (Jeremiah 31:31–34, Ezekiel 36:24–27).
Christ: The Fulfillment of the Promise
Jesus came not only as the Messiah of Israel but as the Savior of the world. He fulfilled the law and the prophets. Through His death and resurrection, He made a new and better covenant—not based on genealogy, but on faith.
Galatians 3:13-14 declares:
“Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us… so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.”
And in verse 29:
“If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.”
This means that through faith in Jesus Christ, Gentiles are grafted into the spiritual family of God. We are no longer outsiders but fellow citizens with the saints (Ephesians 2:11-19). The apostle Peter echoes this when he calls the Church:
“…a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people…” (1 Peter 2:9)
These words were once reserved for ethnic Israel, but are now applied to the body of believers—Jew and Gentile alike—under Christ.
A New Israel, A New People
So, does this mean God is finished with national Israel? Paul gives a sobering yet hopeful answer in Romans 11. He reminds us that while many in Israel have rejected the Messiah, God’s promises remain. Some branches were broken off, but others were grafted in. And one day, a spiritual awakening will come to Israel as a whole (Romans 11:25-26).
What’s clear is this: The true Israel of God is not based on race or ritual but on rebirth and relationship. Jesus has not abandoned Israel—but He has expanded the covenant to include all who believe in Him.
One New Man in Christ
The New Testament vision is not of two separate peoples—Jews and Gentiles—but of one new man in Christ (Ephesians 2:15). The dividing wall has been broken. God’s ultimate plan was never about one ethnic nation, but a global body of believers unified in His Son.
So, does Jesus still care about Israel? Absolutely. He cares deeply. But His care now extends to all nations. Christ died to redeem humanity, to gather a people from every tribe, tongue, and nation—those who would be called sons and daughters of God.
We are that people. We are the royal priesthood. We are the spiritual Israel. Not replacing, but fulfilling what God always intended—a people made righteous not by law, but by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
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