A Sleeping Giant – Part 1

THE MODERN SUFFERING SERVANT

Why has the Suffering Servant prophecy shaped the beliefs within Christianity and Judaism so differently? Jews see themselves and their history as fulfilling the Servant’s traits, while Christians understand Jesus (Yeshua) to fulfill Isaiah’s Suffering Servant prophecy as the Messiah. Most academic and theological studies remain divided along these lines. Can both Judaism and Christianity be correct at the same time? Do both Jews and Jesus simultaneously fulfill Isaiah’s prophecy? Or does the text exclude one of these entities?

Consigned to different corners of the ring, brothers who should be standing together, have retreated to opposing corners. Modern Christianity tries to shed its shared history with his Jewish brothers. Judaism, accustomed to being attacked by brothers and foreigners on all sides, has often resorted to isolation to protect his own, rejecting any Christian theological dialog.

This stalemate is far from the unity that Isaiah describes for the Suffering Servant at the latter-day restoration: “They will see eye to eye when the then LORD shall bring Zion again” (Isa 52:8).

Modern Judeo-Christians have come to terms and accepted this uncomfortable stalemate as normal. Both sects are sure their interpretation is correct, yet logically speaking, can both be true at the same time? Is Jesus, as the Suffering Servant, simply a specific person who suffered within the broader category of Judah? Since Jesus was a Jew, this question is not as outlandish as it may seem.

While Christianity is united in its belief that Jesus fulfilled the Suffering Servant’s role, other once commonly held beliefs have begun to disintegrate. The common bond of Christian unity over the past 2–3 generations is shattering as beliefs within the Church wander further and further away from God’s original message. Judaism also adheres to many modern ideas that were created late in the nation’s history but are attributed to God. These divisions of belief create chaos. We daily witness this chaos increasing. We’ve become accustomed to a stalemated status quo that ignores injustice, oppression, wickedness,
and is resigned to just “go with the flow” in our religious beliefs.

Because these promises have not been fulfilled, people have lost faith, turning against Jesus and against the Jews. Can a fresh investigation reveal a lost path? Can an unbiased investigation awaken the earth to eternal peace and healing? Before we begin to understand the factors that will cause nations to no longer pursue war, we need to identify the issues that have created the chaos we now call reality. These factors are the same reasons why unity evades our understanding of the Suffering Servant. I have done my best to capture the current state of religion in America and around the world. Does the following state of affairs in my next blog post resonate with you?