In this study, we examine the rejection of the Messiah and what happened to the genuine offer of the earthly kingdom made to Israel. We begin by reviewing what the Jews were expecting: a Messiah who would come and establish His kingdom. From there, we trace how Jesus openly offered that kingdom, and then carefully work through the different responses to Him recorded in the Gospels.
First, we consider the reaction of His followers who clearly recognized Him as the promised Messiah and King. Disciples such as Andrew, Peter, Nathanael, and Martha openly confess that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God and the King of Israel. Their testimony shows that some in Israel correctly understood who He was and responded in faith.
Next, we survey the broader reaction of the general public and the religious leadership. In the crowds, there is confusion and division: some see Him as a good man, others as a deceiver, some as “the Prophet,” and others as the Christ. Many debate whether the Messiah could come from Galilee, not realizing He had been born in Bethlehem. Among the chief rulers, some secretly believe in Him, but refuse to confess it openly for fear of being put out of the synagogue and because they love the praise of men more than the praise of God. The religious leaders, focused on their interpretation of the law—especially the Sabbath—stumble over His works, rejecting the clear testimony of His miracles.
We then connect these reactions to Old Testament prophecy that anticipated the Messiah being hated without cause, despised by the nation, and even alienated from His own family. The study shows how these prophecies are reflected in the Gospel accounts: His own brothers do not initially believe in Him, His relatives think He is out of His mind, and the nation as a whole does not receive Him, even though He came to His own people.
Finally, we focus on the so-called triumphal entry as the climactic moment of this offer. Zechariah foretold Israel’s King coming to Jerusalem lowly and riding on a donkey’s colt, and the Gospels record this precise event. Crowds greet Him with messianic language, recognizing Him as the King of Israel and spreading garments and branches before Him. Yet, despite the prophetic accuracy and public enthusiasm, the larger response in Jerusalem remains unbelief. The triumphal entry is therefore “triumphal” in fulfillment of prophecy, but not in the sense of a national acceptance of the King or His kingdom.
This message shows that the kingdom offer was real, but it was not accepted because of unbelief—especially on the part of Israel’s leaders. It also prepares the way for the next studies, which will follow the deliberate plans of the religious authorities, the betrayal of the Messiah, and the events leading up to His crucifixion, again drawing attention to the remarkable precision of biblical prophecy.
