Episode Summary
In the Old Testament, God chose the Israelites to be His people, the family of God. But the New Testament declares that because of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, all the peoples of the world can belong to God’s family by believing in Jesus.
These two statements seem contradictory, yet knowing the entire biblical story removes the confusion, revealing a God who wants all people to come into relationship with Him and who is faithful to His promises.
Bobby McGraw talks with Matt Davis, a Jewish believer in Jesus and co-founder of The Jewish Road, shedding light on this compelling subject.
Matt connects the Old and New Testaments as two acts of one story, revealing a God who is unfolding His plan for the world.
They also discuss spiritual conflict, God’s faithfulness, and the importance of relying on God’s biblical promises rather than the actions of modern government.
For anyone who has wondered if God plays favorites, or whether His invitation extends to everyone, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on God’s larger story and our place within it.
Key Takeaways
Matt explains God’s choice of Israel as a calling to bless the nations, rather than a declaration that everyone else matters less.
Reading the Old and New Testaments together helps make sense of Jesus’ identity, teaching, and place in the biblical story.
Matt describes spiritual conflict as part of the Bible’s larger story, while acknowledging how unfamiliar that idea can sound to someone exploring faith.
Matt believes God remains faithful to His promises to the Jewish people. He distinguishes that conviction from agreement with every decision made by Israel’s government.
You do not need to understand every part of the Bible to begin exploring it. Matt invites listeners to look for the connections and consider where God may already have been present in their own lives.
Chapter Markers
00:00 - Does Having a Chosen People Mean God Picks Favorites?
07:32 - Israel’s Struggles and the Bible’s Spiritual Battle
16:03 - Where Jesus Fits in the Story
21:43 - Has the Church Replaced Israel?
28:38 - Finding Your Place in the Story
Resources
The Jewish Road - The ministry Matt and his father started to help people connect the Bible’s Jewish roots with faith in Jesus. Its website includes their podcast, articles, and teaching resources.
He Was There All Along: Finding Jesus in the First Half - Matt’s 30-day journey through the promises and connections that lead toward Jesus’ birth. He describes a book, a YouVersion reading plan, short daily videos, and a Jesse tree ornament set. Explore the resources through The Jewish Road.
The 30-Minute Bible - By Craig G. Bartholomew and Paige P. Vanosky. Recommended in the outro as an approachable way to understand the Bible’s larger story.
InterVarsity Press - Thanked in the outro for supporting the reach of the podcast.
Share this conversation with someone who has wondered why God chose Israel or how the two halves of the Bible fit together. Have a question you would like the show to explore? Send it to Clear Faith for a possible future episode.
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