Les Feldick Bible Study

How did Israel treat Christ according to Peter's picture of the rebellious son?

According to Peter's picture, Israel treated Christ as a rebellious, drunkard, wicked son: they killed Him and hung Him on a tree. The Deuteronomy rebellious-son image shows their rejection and public shame of Him. Yet in actuality He became sin on our behalf, He who knew no sin.

Les teaches that Peter is bringing the Deuteronomy chapter 5 rebellious-son picture to the nation of Israel. In that law, a rebellious son who was a drunkard and whom the parents could not control was turned over to the authorities, stoned, and then his dead corpse was hung on a pole as a public spectacle. Les explains that Peter applies this picture to Israel: this is what they had really done with their Christ. They had considered Him like a rebellious, drunkard, wicked son, and they killed Him and hung Him on a tree. Les also notes that in actuality He became that on our behalf, for He who knew no sin became sin for us. The crucifixion was awful, not beautiful, and was a curse because God laid on Him the sins of the whole human race.