“A suffering Messiah was hard to find in the ancient texts. But it was there for anyone with eyes to see. The God above and beyond human pain entered our world and embraced the harsh realities of the human condition. . . . While we avoid pain, Jesus embraced it.”- Kyle Idleman and Mark E. Moore
As Kyle Idleman and Mark E. Moore move on in Chapter 8 of The Missing Messiah, they conclude their discussion of the third surprise.
Surprise #3 (cont.): Messiah Jesus suffers for the nation. After telling the Parable of the Tenants (Matthew 21:33-42), Jesus quoted a prophecy from Psalm 118: 22-23. But this prophecy contains a fascinating twist. Because the Hebrew word for “stone” (eben) and the word for
“son” (ben) are almost identical. Thus, only the slightest breath separates them.
As a result, the rabbis understood the word eben to be a metaphor for ben. Hence, Jesus’ interpretation of Psalm 118: 22-23 paralleled what the rabbis already taught.
Surprise #4: Messiah Jesus welcomes enemies. In the Old Testament, the usual description of the Messiah focused on hopes for divine revenge. As well as visions of enemies getting what they deserved. Written in violent language, the authors quip, that seems fitting for an R-rated action movie.
However, Jesus shattered those expectations of divine retribution. Therefore, rather than attacking His opponents, Jesus taught “offensive” things such as:
“Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”- Matthew 5:44 (NIV)
So, while Jesus’ fellow Jews read the same predictions as Jesus did, they strayed far from His messianic vision. Because Jesus’ contemporaries interpreted them through the lens of their own cultural expectations. A practice we find ourselves guilty of as well.
Today’s question: What does it mean to you that while we avoid pain, Jesus embraced it? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Truly the Lord of our lives?”