Christ came to Israel to fulfill the Old Testament covenants and be their promised King on David's throne.
In Luke 1, the angel announces that Jesus will be given the throne of His father David and reign over the house of Jacob forever. This is exactly what God promised through the Abrahamic and Davidic covenants, not a first message about the cross.
Luke 1:32-33 — These verses directly answer the question by revealing that Christ came to receive David's throne and rule over Israel forever.
The angel told Mary she had found favor with God and would bear a Son named Jesus. He would be great and be called the Son of the Highest. The Lord God would give Him the throne of His father David, and He would reign over the house of Jacob forever; His kingdom would have no end (Luke 1:30-33). This message presents Christ's coming as the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel, centered on an eternal king and kingdom.
Les Feldick points out that when Christ made His appearance in the New Testament, He came as the promised King of Israel, not first as the Redeemer. Jesus was the last possible Son of David who could be the King. His genealogy in Matthew goes back to Abraham through David. Luke chapter 1 fits the prophetic program given to Israel, showing the King and Kingdom were offered. Les emphasizes that God's purposes for Israel were first; later revelation would show Christ also as Redeemer.
The angel announced that Mary would conceive and bear a Son, Jesus, who would be called the Son of the Highest and receive the throne of His father David. He would reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom would have no end.
Les Feldick explains that Matthew presents Christ as the King by tracing His genealogy to David and Abraham, from the Abrahamic covenant that promised a King. Luke 1 introduces the same promised King. In the prophetic program given to Israel, they could have had their King and Kingdom and evangelized the world.
Les teaches that in the opening part of the New Testament, the King has made His appearance; His role as Redeemer is revealed later. Jesus performed signs and wonders to prove He was the promised Messiah and King. His death and resurrection were in God's foreknown plan, but the first announcement to Mary centered on the promised King and kingdom.
Why Jesus Came to Israel First — Luke 1 Explained
family, and the once or twice I did show somebody, they appreciated it. So I'm just thankful that they're all here and they're a part of it. Oh, well, she's been on so often, I don't have to introduce her. But on the other hand, put her on camera a minute, guys, because we haven't had her on for a long time.
The Promised King According to the Covenants
Les explains from Romans 9 that Christ came to Israel as the promised King according to the covenants, including the adoption, glory, covenants, law, and service of God.
Luke 1 and the Prophetic Program
Les places Luke 1 in the prophetic program that offered Israel their King and Kingdom within 490 years, with the potential to evangelize the world.
Signs Prove the Messiah-King
Jesus' miracles proved He was the promised Messiah and King, ready to give the kingdom, while His crucifixion was still in God's foreknown plan.
The King Before the Redeemer
In the opening New Testament revelation, Christ is presented as the King of Israel; His role as Redeemer is revealed later.
The Promise of a King
The third part of God's promises to Abraham was a government and a King, the Son of God, as prophesied in Isaiah 9.
Messiah, King, and Redeemer Promised
God promised from Abraham that the Son would come as Messiah, King, and Redeemer, and He was the minister to the Jews first.
The King of the Jews
The wise men asked for the promised King of the Jews, confirming that the promised King of Israel was now on the scene.
Luke 1:30: And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.
The angel's greeting to Mary sets the stage for the announcement of Christ's birth and His role.
Luke 1:31: And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.
This names the child and reveals His identity as the promised Savior.
Luke 1:32: He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:
This directly states that Christ came to receive David's throne, fulfilling the covenant to Israel.
Luke 1:33: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.
This confirms the everlasting nature of Christ's kingdom over Israel.
Romans 9:4: Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises;
Paul lists the covenants belonging to Israel, which Les cites as the basis for Christ coming as Israel's King.
According to Les Feldick, the opening New Testament revelation presents Jesus as the King of Israel. His role as Redeemer is revealed later in the Scriptures. In Luke 1, the angel emphasizes His throne and eternal kingdom, not the cross.
Jesus came to Israel first because God had made covenants with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, promising a King from David's line. Les teaches that Christ came to fulfill those covenants and offer Israel the promised Kingdom.
Watch the Teaching: Why Jesus Came to Israel First — Luke 1 Explained