God Did WHAT To His Son?!: Atonement Revisited

Today, we're diving into an important topic that impacts many of our understandings of faith—atonement. This doctrine is central to Christianity, yet interpretations often vary widely. One intriguing perspective comes from Dr. Eitan Bar, a Jewish Christian biblical scholar, who offers a fresh reading of Isaiah 53:10 that challenges some common views about the suffering of Christ. Fasten your seatbelts as we explore this thought-provoking discussion together!

Christ is being murdered by the people He came to save.

Rethinking Isaiah 53:10

Let’s kick things off by addressing a claim made by some theologians, including C.J. Mahaney: “Who killed Jesus? The Father! The Father killed the Son!” This interpretation takes a rather bleak view of God's character, suggesting that God expressed His love through suffering and punishment. But is this truly what the text suggests?

Isaiah 53 is complex, and it’s often connected to Genesis 3:15, which talks about a future wherein the serpent is defeated by a promised one. Here, we find a critical distinction: while some readings imply that God deliberately orchestrated the suffering of Christ, Genesis indicates that it was the serpent who struck the blow. This invites us to reconsider who was behind the events leading to Jesus’ crucifixion.

The Voices of Clarity

As we dig deeper, we turn to the New Testament for clarity. Peter and the apostles consistently affirm that evildoers—not God—were responsible for Jesus’ suffering. In Acts 3:15, we read, “You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead.” This idea recurs throughout their messages, emphasizing that wicked human actions led to Christ’s death, while God’s role was solely one of resurrection.

Peter even states, “When THEY hurled THEIR insults at him, he did not retaliate” (1 Peter 2:23), making it clear that the oppressors were human, not divine. The Book of Acts chronicles over twenty calls to action from the apostles, consistently highlighting human culpability in the death of Jesus while celebrating God's power to raise Him from the dead. This distinction is not just a detail; it’s essential for understanding God’s loving nature.

The Meaning Behind "Crushed"

A word in Isaiah 53:10 that often stirs up debate is “DAKA,” typically translated as “crushed.” But what if we viewed this word through a broader lens? In other scriptural instances, “DAKA” describes situations of humility and brokenness rather than vengeance. For example, Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Isn’t it beautiful to see God as one who seeks humility and obedience amidst struggles, rather than as an angry deity seeking retribution?

This understanding invites us to frame God’s will as one desiring our humble submission, weaving together a narrative of love and self-sacrifice rather than one of violence. Isaiah 53 illustrates how the Messiah demonstrates unwavering love, even when faced with unspeakable suffering.

Now, let’s dive into the rich imagery of the Passover lamb. Just as the Israelites were saved from death through the blood of a lamb, Yeshua—the ultimate Passover Lamb—marks our hearts for redemption. This foreshadowing signals profound truths for us today: through Jesus' birth, life, death, resurrection, and return, we see a holistic story of salvation, not just a single moment of suffering.

Our spiritual journey resembles that of ancient Israel, where loyalty and obedience lead us toward redemption. Unlike the scenario painted by some interpretations that suggest a divine act of violence, we discover instead a God who lovingly guides us to salvation—a God whose heart is for us.\

Why Does It Matter?

So, what does this mean for us today? It’s essential to recognize how the doctrine of Penal Substitutionary Atonement often reflects a Eurocentric perspective developed in later theological discussions. This interpretation can easily portray God as an angry, self-serving figure eager to enact punishment. But isn’t it time we step back and reevaluate that perspective?

The reality is clear: humans killed Christ, influenced by sinister spiritual forces, but it was God who raised Him from the dead. And that promise extends to all who believe. Our salvation is firmly rooted in the faith that just as Christ was raised, so too shall we be—even in the face of hardship or death.

In essence, we do not worship a Father who kills His Son. The Scriptures and our beliefs do not hinge on such an idea. Our faith encompasses the beautiful narrative of Jesus: His birth, life, sacrificial death, glorious resurrection, and promised return.

As we embrace these truths, we’re invited into a richer understanding of God’s love—a love that seeks our redemption and invites us into a future filled with hope. Together, let’s spread the message of a loving and redemptive God who reveals Himself in incredible ways throughout history.

Thank you for journeying with me through these Scriptures today! I hope this has sparked some thought and inspired further exploration into the profound truth of our "de-colonized" faith.