Introduction

The misunderstanding of the relationship between Jesus, God, and Satan forms the crux of many debates in religious circles. The question often arises, why did God send His only son to save humanity, rather than directly destroying the evil force of Satan? This piece aims to clarify this misunderstanding by exploring the Biblical narrative and textual evidence.

Understanding the Challenge

It is a common misinterpretation to believe that there is a 'real literal evil fiend' that Jesus needed to deal with, primarily due to a lack of understanding of the language and symbolism in the scriptures. Many have turned to secondary sources like literature or traditional stories to fill in the gaps. However, these narratives can be misleading and divert individuals from the true message of the Bible.

The True Narrative

The first step towards understanding this narrative involves delving into the Old Testament, particularly the concept of sacrifice. Sacrifice in the Old Testament was not merely a physical act, but a symbol pointing towards the future messianic sacrifice that would occur with the coming of Jesus.

Sacrifice and Types and Analogies

From the concept of sacrifices, we can learn about the types and analogies that point towards the future redeemer of humankind. These sacrifices were not merely for appeasing the gods, but they represented the ultimate sacrifice that would be made to save humanity. This is fundamentally different from combating a ‘literal evil fiend’. Instead, it is a profound act of love and redemption.

Messianic Prophecy and the Work of Jesus

The Old Testament also contains numerous messianic prophecies that point to the coming of a future redeemer. When combined with these prophecies, one can understand the work of Jesus more accurately without relying on fictional narratives or fairy tales.

For instance, Hebrews 2:14 provides insight into why Jesus was necessary. It states, Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself also shared in the same nature, so that through His death He might destroy the one who has the power of death, which is the devil, and to free those who through the fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives. (Hebrews 2:14-15) This verse focuses on the human nature of Jesus and His mission to destroy the power of death, symbolically represented by Satan.

Intercession and Understanding

Furthermore, the context of Jesus' work as a merciful and faithful high priest (Hebrews 2:17) highlights His role as a mediator. He was made similar to humanity (Hebrews 2:14) to understanding their struggles and to offer help (Hebrews 2:16-18). Unlike angels, He offers help to the descendants of Abraham, symbolizing His mission to save humanity, not to fight a literal enemy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the traditional narrative of a 'real literal evil fiend' that Jesus had to go to war with is a misunderstanding. The Bible speaks of sacrifice and redemption, and Jesus serves as a mediator, offering salvation through His human nature and ultimate sacrifice. By understanding these concepts, we can better grasp the true Biblical narrative and the mission of Christ.

Further Reading and Research

To further explore this topic, the reader is encouraged to read additional texts from the Old Testament and the New Testament, as well as scholarly works that provide a deeper understanding of the symbolism and prophecy in these books.