“He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, yet the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own people did not receive Him.”
—John 1:10–11
There is perhaps no greater heartbreak in Scripture than this piercing truth: the Creator entered His own creation, stepped into the world He lovingly fashioned, and yet He was not recognized. More grievously, when He came to His own covenant people—those chosen, set apart, and long-prepared for His coming—they did not receive Him.
This spiritual blindness of Israel is a deeply tragic and recurring theme in Scripture. In Luke 19:41–44, Jesus weeps over Jerusalem. The Savior mourns that His people did not recognize “the time of their visitation”—the moment when God came near in mercy and truth. Their failure to see this led to devastating consequences. Later, in Romans 11, Paul describes a partial hardening that has come upon Israel—an obscuring of spiritual sight—until the fullness of the Gentiles comes in.
Every time I read John 1:11 or hear Jesus weep over Jerusalem, my own heart breaks. It is not just sadness; it is grief laced with righteous offense. It is the sorrow of a lover rejected, of truth ignored, of destiny missed.
And yet, we must acknowledge why. The Jewish understanding of the Messiah focused on a powerful king who would restore the Temple, bring peace, and crush Israel’s enemies. Jesus did not meet these expectations. He came not with armies, but as a humble servant. Isaiah’s Suffering Servant was overlooked, despite the prophecy being written plainly. Jesus came to fulfill that very vision—one who would suffer for the sins of many before returning one day in glory as reigning King.
In their desperation to survive in a hostile world, Israel still yearns for a leader who will ensure safety and security. But what happens when that yearning blinds the eye? When titles reserved for Christ alone—like “Prince of Peace” from Isaiah 9:6—are tossed like confetti upon flawed, even dubious political figures, it wounds the heart of every true follower of Jesus.
To call any modern politician—be it John, Donald, or Trump—the “Prince of Peace” is nothing short of blasphemous. That title belongs to Jesus alone. He is the child born, the Son given, whose government will rest upon His shoulders. He is Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. To see Israel, in its blindness, hand this sacred title to mortal men is both grievous and outrageous.
Oh, Israel! How could you not see? Oh Israel, were you not given the Law and the Prophets, the covenants and promises—how could you be so blind? But Scripture tells us: a veil remains, until that day when the true Messiah returns and all will see Him—yes, even those who pierced Him (Revelation 1:7).
Yet, in this very rejection, a miracle occurred: salvation came to the Gentiles. Because of Israel’s stumbling, the door was opened wide for the nations to enter into the blessing of Abraham. Amen and praise be to God!
Still, some might ask: Should we now hate the Jews for what they did? For their rejection of Christ? Should we condemn Israel for her current political actions and the pain inflicted in Gaza?
God forbid.
Scripture is clear: even in their rebellion, Israel remains beloved for the sake of the patriarchs (Romans 11:28). The atrocities of rogue leaders in Israel’s history—and today—are condemned by God, just as He condemned other wicked rulers of old. But the covenant remains. God’s stubborn, covenantal love will not let Israel go.
What we see now in the Middle East is heartbreaking; Lives lost, suffering of children in Gaza and hatred inflamed. The atrocities—on all sides—must be mourned, not excused. The world groans under the weight of brokenness and human pride. But we hold to hope: Jesus is coming again, and He will set all things right.
In the meantime, how do we feel about Israel? We bless her—not because she is always right, but because God’s hand is still upon her. Zechariah 12:3 foretells that Jerusalem will become a burdensome stone to all nations. We are witnessing that unfold before our eyes. And it is leading to something greater: the return of the King.
God made an eternal covenant with Israel. Deuteronomy 7:6 says, “The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession.” This was not based on merit, but on God’s love and choice. And in the coming millennial reign of Christ, Israel will once again take her place—as a light to the nations, a testimony of grace, and a vessel of His glory (Isaiah 43).
Even in blindness, salvation is of the Jews. They are the root; we Gentiles are but grafted branches. All blessings trace back to that ancient promise: “In you all families of the earth shall be blessed” (Genesis 12:3).
So let us pray—not with bitterness, but with brokenness. Let us weep for Israel as Jesus did, longing for the day her eyes are opened. And until that day, let us cling fiercely to the only true Prince of Peace, whose name is Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God.