Jesus the New Israel

From Egypt, Yahweh led His people into the wilderness. He led them with the promise of a new land for them to occupy as their own with His blessing.

Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness. He re-entered the story of Israel. He faced the temptations of Israel:

• ‘provide for us, oh God, the physical bread we need to live!’ in Satan’s “tell this stone to become bread” (Luke 4:3)
• ‘is Yahweh truly the God or are there better options?’ in Satan’s “if you worship me, it will all be yours” (Luke 4:7)
• ‘will Yahweh truly give us victory over those giants in the land?’ in Satan’s “throw yourself down from here” (Luke 4:9)

Jesus facd the temptations and overcame them by the Word of God. He – in Himself- became the new faithful Israel.

And through His faithfulness we are allowed to enter into a new exodus and a new land of God’s Kingdom and blessing.

As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile – the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of hte Lord will be saved.” – The Apostle Paul in Romans 10:11-13