Dispensationalism: Essential Beliefs and Common Myths: Revised and Updated

by Michael J. Vlach

Are there typological connections between Jesus and Israel? Dispensationalists believe there are typological connections between Jesus and national Israel. In Matthew 2 we see that events in Israel’s history correspond to events in Jesus’ life to reveal that Jesus is the ultimate Israelite who can restore national Israel (see Matt. 2:15/Hos. 11:1). Isaiah 49:1–6 predicted that Jesus’ role as the true Servant of Israel allows Him to restore Israel and bring blessings to the Gentiles (Isa. 49:5–6). In regard to Jesus and Israel, typology exists to show corporate representation in which the Head (Jesus) restores the many (Israel) so the many can fulfill their mission of service to the nations and succeed where they once failed (see Isa. 2:2–4). So typological correspondences between Jesus and Israel affirm the restoration of national Israel, they do not make Israel non-significant nor do they redefine Israel.