Then he discussed the famous “suffering servant” passage in Isaiah 52, which many Christians take to mean that Jesus’ crucifixion was predestined. Traditional evangelical interpretation is being brought into question as people look at the original Hebrew. They should take a look at other passages in Isaiah which talk about the whole Israelite nation as God’s “servant.” Examples include:
Isaiah 41:8-9 Israel is my servant
Isaiah 42:6-7 “I am the Lord; I have called you in righteousness; I will take you by the hand and keep you; I will give you as a covenant for the people, a light for the nations,
Isaiah 43:10-11 you are my witnesses and my servant.
Isaiah 45:4 my servant Jacob (father of the 12 tribes, symbolizing the nation)
All of the Jews were expecting the Messiah to come as a King who would establish world peace. They expected him to be married and have children. Isaiah 53:10 refers to the messiah having offspring and a long life.
Divine Principle speaks about the dual prophecies throughout the Bible. Jesus spoke about the Kingdom in the first 2 years. Only in the third year did he speak about the suffering path.
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