1.1 a) the Suffering Servant and the line of David Flashcards
What is a prophecy?
A message inspired by God, a form of revelation. Passed on by a prophet. They can be futurist (about the future) or preterist (about the present).
What are the different forms of prophecy?
Writing (10 commandments)
Through angels (Annunciation)
Visions (Joseph + Gabriel in Matthew)
Mental guidance…“all Scripture is inspired by God” 2 Timothy 3:16
Isaiah 53 - Suffering Servant
v.3 - He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain.
Like one from whom people hide their faces, he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.
v.5 - He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.
v.11 - After he has suffered, he will see the light of life and be satisfied;
by his knowledge, my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities (sins)
What is the preterist pov on Isaiah’s Suffering Servant prophecy?
The birth of a royal baby and its hopeful growth into a wise and successful king.
What is the futurist pov on Isaiah’s Suffering Servant prophecy?
The birth of Jesus (100 years later) and predicting the son of God born humbly in Bethlehem.
Who would prefer each pov of Isaiah’s Suffering Servant?
Believers prefer futurist interpretation.
Critics prefer preterist interpretation…however wisdom and insight can enable future predictions so not strictly supernatural to make a futurist prophecy!
Was Jesus the Suffering Servant? (Traditional view)
Jesus references Isaiah 53 and embodies and fulfils that suffering servant:
Luke 9 - The Son of Man must suffer many things.
Luke 22 - I tell you that this (Isaiah 53!) must be fulfilled in me.
Mark 10 - For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Was Jesus the Suffering Servant? (Morna Hookers view)
The early Church found meaning in Isaiah 53 after Jesus’ death. Jewish interpretation at His time did not include any reference to the atoning nature of the servants death but is referenced in Paul’s teaching.
What is the most important qualification of the Messiah for Jews?
The Messiah but descend from the line of David.
What does the start of Matthew’s Gospel clarify about Jesus?
It traces Jesus’ genealogy back to David!
Why is it expected that the Messiah be a descendant of David?
David left behind a united Israelite kingdom - a Golden Age in Jewish history!
David was promised that one of His offspring would rule forever and establish God’s kingdom - this made sense for those expecting a kingly Messiah.
