Debunking the Isaiah 53 Missionary Narrative
Missionaries think they have an "atomic bomb" proof-text to convince our children to believe in Jesus: Chapter 53 of Isaiah.
I remember back in the 80s, on the UCLA campus, seeing someone wearing a baseball jersey with "Isaiah 53" on the back. Later, when Mel Gibson's movie The Passion of the Christ came out, they were selling jewelry stamped with Isaiah 53.
Today, missionaries post social media videos showing Orthodox Jews and college students being asked who Isaiah is speaking about. Naturally, they only post the clips where the person interviewed is unfamiliar with the true meaning of the chapter.
When read out of context and with common mistranslations, the first impression can certainly be shocking. At first glance, it may sound like someone suffering for our sins. But when studied correctly, this "atomic bomb" quickly fizzles out and we see that the chapter is speaking about the Jewish people suffering "from" the persecution of our enemies.
This week, we are posting the first in a series of short videos debunking this missionary argument, designed to educate and empower the Jewish community with clear answers.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Bentzion Kravitz
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→ Get my new book → Know What to Answer - When Someone Challenges Your Faith. Available on Amazon at: https://a.co/d/crv9E0L. BTW, the appendix contains a detailed expose on Isaiah 53.