Continued from Part 25
ISAIAH 53:11
53:11: “From the labor of his soul he shall see; he shall be satisfied.”
Christian commentators claim that the life’s work of Jesus is reflected in verse 11. Certainly, the Gospels’ Jesus was not “satisfied” with what he accomplished during his lifetime; this is indicated by what he said on the cross.
There, it is said, he cried out: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46, Mark 15:34). The argument that verse 11 refers to the supposedly heavenly Jesus subsequent to his death, becoming increasingly satisfied as his following grew, is of little help since this verse deals with an earthly being. If Jesus was an equal partner in the triune deity, he would not have had to ask his “Father” to “forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). He himself would have been able to bear iniquities and forgive sins without invoking the assistance of God the Father. But, then again, the Gospels’ Jesus never forgave anyone who he felt wronged him. He only advised others to forgive. Verse 11 is a continuation of the thoughts expressed in the preceding verse. Thus, the pericope suggests that from the servant’s toil and travail on behalf of the purposes of the Lord, “he shall be satisfied” at the outcome of his long struggle. The servant will be pleased with the abundant material and spiritual fulfilments that he will “see” occur.
53:11: “With his knowledge the righteous one, my servant, shall cause many to be just. And their iniquities he shall bear.”
God’s servant will spread the knowledge of His law. God’s recognition and acceptance of the faithful servant’s many sacrifices made over the centuries of exile become apparent when he is vindicated as righteous and innocent before the nations of the world. Moreover, the servant’s actions on behalf of the nations will eventually cause righteousness to spread among them as well.
Did the teachings of Jesus uplift the nations? Did they become more just or righteous when they converted or forced others to convert, many time accompanied by much bloodshed.
One can certainly point to righteous deeds done in the name of Jesus. Nevertheless, at the same time horrific harm has been done to large segments of humanity in the name of Jesus. The death toll in bringing the supposed “salvation of Christ” to the world has been staggering. Countless atrocities have been committed in the name of Jesus by those professing to be his followers. Does Jesus only get credit for the good but is not responsible for the bad? Is there tangible proof to support the claim that Jesus at any time bears the iniquities of anyone?
Continued...