Why did Peter use the Deuteronomy rebellious-son picture when speaking to Israel?
Peter used the Deuteronomy rebellious-son picture to show Israel that they had treated their Christ like a rebellious, drunkard, wicked son, killing Him and hanging Him on a tree. This illustrated their rejection and the curse He bore, becoming sin for us.
Les teaches that Peter was bringing the Deuteronomy rebellious-son picture to the nation of Israel to show what they had really done with their Christ. In Deuteronomy, a rebellious, drunkard, wicked son was turned over to the authorities, stoned, and then hung on a pole as a public spectacle. Peter applies this to Israel: they considered Jesus like a rebellious, wicked son, killed Him, and hung Him on a tree. Les notes that in actuality He became that on our behalf—He who knew no sin became sin for us. The crucifixion was awful, not beautiful; it was a curse because God laid on Him the sins of the whole human race. Les also references Hebrews chapter 13 in this connection.