Jesus says that his mission is only for the Israelites

Lastly, in Matt. 15:24 Jesus said, "I am not sent but unto the lost
sheep of the house of Israel," but later told his followers to "Go ye
therefore, and teach all nations" (Matt 28:19). To whom, then, are they
to go--only to the Jews, or everyone?

Biblical Errancy Pamphlets by Dennis McKinsey Pamphlet 2 Q22.

The problem:

The problem: There are a number of verses in which Jesus say that his mission was only to Israel, yet there are many other verses that indicate that his mission was for the whole world (Gentiles and Samaria), which is it?

Gospel preached to Israel only

Mat 10:5 These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: "Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. Mat 10:6 Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel.

(Mat 15:24 NIV) He answered, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel."

Gospel preached to the World

(Mat 28:19 NIV) Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

(Mark 16:15 NIV) He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.

Also Acts 8:25, 15:3, 22:21, 28:28

Solution:

I am frankly surprised to see this one listed as a contradiction, however we can learn something in studying it.

His public ministry was to the Israelites, he was a Jew and he came to minister to his own people first. He trained twelve disciples, and he restricted their ministry to the Jews, until after his resurrection. He was the messiah that they were looking for, the Jewish scriptures spoke about him, but the leaders failed to recognise him.

(John 1:11-12 NIV) He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. {12} Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God--

Jesus is aware that his ultimate mission is to save the world.

(John 3:14-17 NIV) Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, {15} that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life. {16} "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. {17} For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

(John 10:16 NIV) I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.

(John 17:20 NIV) "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message,

However his death was for all mankind, thus after his resurrection he instructed his disciples to preach the gospel in all the world.

(Mat 28:18-20 NIV) Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. {19} Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, {20} and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Mark 16:15 He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.

(Luke 24:46-49 NIV) He told them, "This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, {47} and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. {48} You are witnesses of these things. {49} I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high."

(John 20:21 NIV) Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you."

(Acts 1:8 NIV) But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

The first disciples after Pentecost were actually Jews, and the church was centered in Jerusalem Acts 2:14 ff., 6:1, 8:1. The book of Acts is full of accounts of Gentiles receiving the gospel, for example, Cornelius (Acts 10), Antioch (Acts 13:14 ff), there was a council in Jerusalem to decide whether the Gentile converts needed to be circumcised (Acts 15:4). Indeed one of keys to understanding the dynamics in the NT is that what was previously a Jewish religion was now spreading to the ends of the known world (Col 1:6). The first four chapters of Galatians are about whether Gentiles should follow Jewish customs. In Ephesians Paul reminds the Gentiles that they were once excluded from citizenship in Israel, but now have been brought near through the blood of Christ, ...they are now fellow citizens with God's people. All this was accomplished through the cross.

(Eph 2:11-13 NIV) Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called "uncircumcised" by those who call themselves "the circumcision" (that done in the body by the hands of men)-- {12} remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. {13} But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ. ...(Eph 2:19 NIV) Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household,

It must be understood that God's blessing on the Gentiles was also a part of the OT.

(Gen 12:3 NIV) I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you."

(Acts 13:47 NIV) For this is what the Lord has commanded us: "'I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.'"

(Acts 15:13-18 NIV) When they finished, James spoke up: "Brothers, listen to me. {14} Simon has described to us how God at first showed his concern by taking from the Gentiles a people for himself. {15} The words of the prophets are in agreement with this, as it is written: {16} "'After this I will return and rebuild David's fallen tent. Its ruins I will rebuild, and I will restore it, {17} that the remnant of men may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles who bear my name, says the Lord, who does these things' {18} that have been known for ages.

(Rom 15:8-12 NIV) For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews on behalf of God's truth, to confirm the promises made to the patriarchs {9} so that the Gentiles may glorify God for his mercy, as it is written: "Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles; I will sing hymns to your name." {10} Again, it says, "Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people." {11} And again, "Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and sing praises to him, all you peoples." {12} And again, Isaiah says, "The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; the Gentiles will hope in him."

What about the Canaanite woman? For a deep and perceptive study on this episode see Glenn Miller's article on... why was Jesus so mean and insulting to the Canaanite woman?

(Mat 15:22-28 NIV) A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is suffering terribly from demon-possession." {23} Jesus did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, "Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us." {24} He answered, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel." {25} The woman came and knelt before him. "Lord, help me!" she said. {26} He replied, "It is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to their dogs." {27} "Yes, Lord," she said, "but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table." {28} Then Jesus answered, "Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted." And her daughter was healed from that very hour.