Biblical Criticism – Was Christ Sent Only to the Jews?
“I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel” (Matthew 15:24),
do not mean that Jesus came only for the Jews.
This referred to the beginning stage of His ministry, directed first to Israel, the people prepared through prophecy and covenant.
The salvation He brought, however, was for the entire world.
1. The Beginning – Preaching to the Jews First:
At first, Jesus told His disciples:
“Do not go among the Gentiles, but go rather to the lost sheep of Israel.” (Matthew 10:5-6)
This was an early training phase, focusing on those who already knew the Law and the Prophets.
2. The Expansion After Pentecost:
After His resurrection, Jesus said:
“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.” (Acts 1:8)
Thus, the message expanded from the Jews to the whole world.
3. Christ’s Final Command:
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Mark 16:15: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.”
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Matthew 28:19: “Go and make disciples of all nations.”
This clearly shows that Christ’s mission became universal after His resurrection.
4. Why Begin with the Jews:
Christ started with the Jews because:
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They had the Scriptures and the prophecies.
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They were the people of God’s covenant with Abraham.
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The promises of salvation began with them.
But when many rejected Him, the call extended to all nations.
5. Christ’s Ministry to Non-Jews:
Jesus also ministered to Gentiles:
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He praised the faith of the Roman centurion (Matthew 8:10).
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He blessed the Canaanite woman.
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He went to Tyre and Sidon, Gentile regions.
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He said:
“Many will come from east and west and will take their places with Abraham in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 8:11)
These show that Christ’s salvation is for all people, not for one nation only.
Faith Message:
Christ’s love is universal.
He came first to the Jews, then opened the way of grace to every nation and person.
The gospel is a message of global salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.
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