Yes, Israel failed to recognize Jesus as their king primarily due to ignorance from not studying the Old Testament prophecies, expectations of a different kind of king, and a God-given spiritual blindness.
Les Feldick teaches that Israel should have known who Jesus was because the Old Testament prophecies were clear, but they refused to search the Scriptures. They also expected a conquering king on a white steed, not a humble one on a donkey, and thus rejected Him. Ultimately, a spiritual blindness in part happened to Israel, preventing national recognition, though individual Jews could believe.
Romans 11:25 — Paul states that blindness in part is happened to Israel, directly addressing the reason for their failure to recognize Jesus.
In Romans 11:7-8, Paul writes, "What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded. (According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day." This indicates that the majority of Israel were blinded so that they could not see or hear the truth about their Messiah. The Bible also teaches in Micah 5:2 that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem, a prophecy the religious leaders initially did not know when asked by Herod (Matthew 2:4-6).
Les Feldick repeatedly emphasizes that Israel should have known who Jesus was and could have known, because it was plainly in the Old Testament. However, they refused to search the Scriptures and were ignorant of the detailed prophecies. For example, the priests and scribes had to search the Scriptures to find that the King would be born in Bethlehem, even though they should have known immediately. Additionally, Les teaches that Israel was looking for a king who would come with pomp and power, like a conquering hero on a white stallion. Instead, Jesus came humbly on a donkey's colt, which threw them a curve and caused them to reject Him. Furthermore, Les explains that this lack of recognition was part of God's sovereign plan, as a spiritual blindness in part happened to Israel (Romans 11:25). This national blindness remains until the fullness of the Gentiles comes in, although individual Jews can still believe and become part of the elect.
Yes, Les Feldick teaches that Israel's leaders and the nation as a whole did not seriously study the Old Testament prophecies. They knew surface-level facts but did not dig into the 'nitty gritty' of the prophecies. When the wise men asked where the King of Israel was to be born, the priests had to search the Scriptures to find Bethlehem, showing they had not studied as they should have.
Les Feldick explains that Israel expected a king who would arrive with great pomp and outward splendor, perhaps symbolically riding a great white Arabian steed like the emperors of that day. Instead, Jesus came riding on the colt of a donkey, the lowliest of animals, which blew their mind and led them to reject Him. They wanted a ruling king, not a redeeming Savior.
According to Romans 11, God has placed a spiritual blindness in part on Israel as a nation. This blindness means that the majority of the nation did not recognize Jesus as their Messiah, though individual Jews could still have their eyes opened and believe. Les Feldick emphasizes that this blindness is not an accusation but a biblical fact, and it continues until the fullness of the Gentiles is brought in.
Israel's Ignorance Due to Lack of Study
Les teaches that Israel rejected Jesus out of ignorance because they did not bother to study the Old Testament prophecies; the priests had to search the Scriptures to find where the King would be born.
The Priests Did Not Know
Les reinforces that even the religious leaders did not know where the King of Israel was to be born; they had to search the Scriptures and find it in Micah.
Why Israel Was Blinded — Acts 13 & Romans 11 Explained
What did every Jew really want way down deep in their being, even before Christ came in His first advent? What were they longing for? The King, the Messiah, the Redeemer, see? A few of them recognized Him. That's what it meant here, see? A few became the elect. They recognized who He was. But the majority, they rejected Him. All right, now read on. "...
The Donkey vs. White Steed
Les explains that Israel expected a king on a prancing white Arabian steed, but Jesus came on the colt of a donkey, which threw them a curve and contributed to their rejection.
National Rejection and the Elect
Les notes that not all Israel rejected Jesus; the election (believers) obtained what they sought, but the rest were blinded.
The Desire for a Ruling King
Les explains that Israel wanted a king and kingdom but in unbelief would not reckon with the sin problem; they wanted a ruling king, not a redeeming Savior.
Israel Should Have Known
Les reiterates that Israel should have known who Jesus was because the Old Testament prophecies were clear; they blew it and rejected Him.
Why the First Christians Were NOT in Jerusalem (Acts 11)
They were to stay and present this to the nation of Israel, in hopes that Israel would still accept their King, and Christ could have come and set up the Kingdom. And then they understood, yes, once they had the King and the Kingdom, they knew the Old Testament prophecies. I showed it to the class again last night, Zechariah chapter 8, "...
Romans 11:25: For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.
This verse directly states that Israel has experienced a partial blindness, explaining why they did not recognize Jesus.
Micah 5:2: But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.
This prophecy clearly identifies Bethlehem as the birthplace of Israel's ruler, which the priests had to search for.
Romans 11:7: What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded.
This verse contrasts the elect who believed with the rest who were blinded, explaining the national rejection.
According to Les Feldick, Israel did not know because they failed to study the Old Testament prophecies. The religious leaders had to search the Scriptures to find Bethlehem, even though they should have known immediately. Additionally, they expected a king on a white steed, not on a donkey.
Yes, a few Jews recognized Him, and they became the elect who obtained what Israel sought. The majority, however, were blinded and rejected Him, as Romans 11 describes.
No, Les Feldick teaches that the blindness is 'in part' and will last until the fullness of the Gentiles comes in, after which Israel's blindness will be lifted (Romans 11:25).
Watch the Teaching: What Triggers the Rapture? Romans 11:25 Explained Verse by Verse