The day after Jesus fed the 5,000 – more people came looking for additional food and wonders. Jesus used food to teach His people something deeper, that He is the bread of life that they need.

In that passage Jesus said, “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him… It is written in the Prophets, ‘And they will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who has listened to and learned from the Father comes to me” (John 6:44-45).

Jesus says that if the Father is doing the teaching, those who are taught will come. But how can teaching lead to the bread they need?

After this Jesus beautifully reaffirms God’s declaration for the future glory for Israel by quoting Isaiah 54. This passage speaks of the future sons of Israel, “Then all your children will be taught by the Lord…” (Isa 54:13).

This is the mystery of the new covenant that was being revealed. The mystery was that God is after the hearts of His people. This path was being revealed in Jesus.

In Jeremiah we see it prophesied this way “… this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days … I will put my teaching within them and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.” (Jer. 31:33)

The word “teaching” here, is torah, meaning God’s law, or instruction. While essential for covenant, it also served to condemn unrighteousness. This was previously written in stone so, without the redemptive work of Jesus, this it would be a mystery how the human heart could serve as the seat of torah.

Jesus himself is the answer to this mystery, but Israel’s place in God’s Eschatological program did not end there.

Already, but not yet!

Israel is in a place of “Already, but not yet”.

While the path has been laid for Israel’s redemption, God’s plan is not yet complete. There are many prophecies that will be fulfilled. Jesus himself said the disciples would rule over the 12 tribes (Mat 19:28). Jesus also confirmed His future reign and the restoration of the Kingdom of Israel (Act 1:6-7).

While that time is not yet revealed, God would use this time to bless all nations through Israel. Here we became the beneficiaries. The church was brought in to God’s redemptive story by way of His special relationship with this people and this place.

Yet we know from Paul that the Lord’s pursuit of Israel’s heart is not yet fulfilled. He tells the church not to get a big head while a partial hardening of their hearts had come upon Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in (Rom 11:25).

Therefore, we can have confidence that God’s work is not yet done with the sons of Israel. We may ask if now is the time for softening of Israeli hearts? We can pray in this way.

We must ask the question, how can we as beneficiaries of Israel can also bless Israel? Jesus still uses food to teach His people something deeper. God’s heart is for the heart of His children, and in great measure He is using ITM to touch many Israelis, both young and old, with Messiah’s love and a nourishing meal.

Israel Today Ministries feeds children and Holocaust survivors in Israel.  Thank you for your prayers and partnership!

May God, bless you,

Scott Johnson

• Scott Johnson is a Senior Middle East Analyst, who lived and worked in the Middle East, and has degrees from Moody Bible Institute and the University of London.