The conquest narratives in the Bible, including the book of Joshua, reflect a continuation of the theme of sibling rivalry and depict conflicts between different groups of people.
Jesus' statement about the transfer of the kingdom from the Jewish leadership to a people who will produce its fruits does not imply the replacement of Israel, but rather highlights their failure to fulfill their role as stewards of the kingdom and signals a messianic renewal of Israel through Jesus.
The renewal of God's covenant with Israel takes place through Jesus, who embodies the faithful remnant within the larger family and opens the way to a restored relationship with God for people from all nations.
Deep dives
The Conquest Narratives and Sibling Rivalry
The conquest narratives in the Bible, such as in the book of Joshua, can be seen as a continuation of the theme of sibling rivalry. Just as in the story of Cain and Abel, the conquest narratives depict a conflict between different groups of people. In these narratives, the Israelites are given specific instructions to conquer and eliminate certain peoples in the land of Canaan. However, it is important to note that this is not about replacing one group with another, but rather, it is about God's judgment on specific nations that had reached a point of extreme violence and corruption. God chooses to work through the Israelites as a remnant within the larger family of Abraham to bring about a renewed people who will produce the fruits of the kingdom of God.
Jesus and the Transfer of the Kingdom
In Matthew 21:43, Jesus speaks to the Jewish leadership and tells them that the kingdom of God will be taken away from them and given to a people who will produce its fruits. This statement is not about the replacement of Israel, but rather about the Israelite leadership's failure to fulfill their role as stewards of the kingdom. Jesus is criticizing their corruption and lack of faithfulness, and he is implying that a new messianic renewal of Israel is at hand. Jesus himself represents this new Israel, and through his death and resurrection, he opens up the way for non-Israelites to join the renewed people of God.
Interpreting Jesus' Words Today
The statement made by Jesus about the transfer of the kingdom and the renewal of Israel has significance both in its historical context and for our understanding today. While it is important to approach these narratives with sensitivity, recognizing the challenges they present, it is also crucial to view them within the larger story of God's work in the world. As followers of Jesus, we understand that through his life, death, and resurrection, a new covenant has been established, and God's kingdom is now open to all who put their faith in Jesus. Thus, we interpret Jesus' words as pointing to the inclusive and transformative nature of the new covenant, where people from all nations are welcomed into the family of God.
The Messianic Renewal of Israel
The concept of a messianic renewal of Israel is central to understanding the transfer of the kingdom and the role of Jesus. Rather than replacing Israel, Jesus comes as the fulfillment of Israel's hopes and promises. He is the true Israelite who embodies the faithful remnant within a larger family. Through Jesus, the renewal of God's covenant with Israel takes place, and this renewal is inclusive, bringing together people from all nations. The focus shifts from ethnic identity to faith and allegiance to Jesus as the Messiah, who opens the way to a restored relationship with God for all humanity.
The Continued Relevance of the Conquest Narratives
While grappling with the ethical and theological challenges posed by the conquest narratives is essential, it is also important to acknowledge their continued relevance in understanding God's redemptive purposes. These narratives remind us of the consequences of human violence and corruption, and they point to the need for divine intervention and judgment. At the same time, they invite us to contemplate the inclusive and transformative power of God's covenantal relationship with His people, which extends beyond ethnic boundaries. By embracing the story of Jesus and participating in the renewed covenant, we become part of the ongoing narrative of God's kingdom and contribute to the flourishing of His purposes in the world.
Thank you to our audience for your incredible questions. In this week’s episode, we tackle questions like, did Adam represent a male human? Where did Cain’s wife come from? And what is the relationship of the Church to Israel? Listen in to hear the team answer your questions.
