Luke 12:32) the little flock. So its either 144,000 or the great crowd--there is no doubt its the 144,000-- The remaining ones on earth will go to heaven during the tribulation. Many lived in Jesus day. These are the ones in the first ressurection. The Israelite religion is cut off-Matthew23:38-39--They refuse to do 39-- The writer of Revelation had no clue what the religion would called in the last days-he called them Israel but actually its spiritual Israel meaning Gods chosen.
Matt 23:37 “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing. 38 Look, your house is left to you desolate. 39 For I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
The insertion of Jehovah for Lord at the end of verse 39 is not inaccurate as to the OT quote (Ps 118:26) but Matt 23 shows a people who will be happy to see Jesus when He returns. The Jews are not forgotten by God. Jesus comes and saved them from defeat and destruction in war. When they see who it is that is another story however. (Zech 12:10-14)
Also, in case you did not notice, Matt 23:39 shows that people will see Jesus when He returns, as opposed to the Watchtower teaching that Jesus is an invisible spirit and people will not see Him when He returns.