Adam 2.0

We have all heard Jesus called the Son of Man, and perhaps you’ve also heard Him called the Second Adam (1 Cor. 15:22, 45; Rom. 5:12–21). Isaiah 11:1–10 paints that very picture—a portrait of a better Adam, a new representative who not only undoes what the first Adam lost but also accomplishes what the first Adam failed to do, so that our future in God can finally be realized. But to understand the Second Adam, we must look back at the First.

Adam was the first representative of the human race. He was placed in the Garden to cultivate it. He was head over the animals—God Himself presented each creature before Adam, parading them one by one, and Adam named them. He was head over the family—his wife came from his own side, bone of his bone, and the two became one. Adam stood in the center of God’s Garden with access to every tree except one: the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. We are not told the reason for the prohibition—and the reason does not matter. We tell our own children many things they should not do without a full explanation. Adam was tested in trust. God said, “Enjoy the Garden…but do not eat from this tree.”

But then something happened. A serpent entered the Garden. And instead of Adam addressing the animal under his care and authority, Eve was left to engage the serpent alone. Instead of protecting his wife and exercising dominion over the creature, Adam was absent from the moment of temptation. Eve saw the fruit, took it, ate, gave to Adam, and he ate—unraveling trust, unraveling obedience, unraveling the representative role he was created to fulfill. The Lord came and delivered consequences: enmity now existed between mankind and beast; the ground itself became cursed. Adam and Eve were driven from the Garden—the place where man dwelled with God was lost. They were barred from returning. The joys of Eden were gone, and the seed of disobedience, distrust, and death began its long descent through Adam’s children. What was meant to be fruitful and multiply became fruitless and destined to die.

Yet in the midst of the tragedy came one glimmer of hope—a promise. One of Adam’s own seed would rise and restore what was lost. One would come who would not only undo the ruin but also lead in the very way Adam should have led. This coming one would reclaim the Garden, restore the place where God and man dwell together, and equip humanity once again for fruitfulness, multiplication, and cultivation. This is the picture Isaiah paints in 11:1–10. Listen to the passage again through the lens of the First Adam, and you will begin to see the work of the Second Adam.

Isaiah begins with new growth—a shoot, a sprout from Jesse’s stump. The first signs of a restored Garden. Fruit-bearing life breaking into the world again (v.1). But what kind of man will this Second Adam be? Will He surpass the first—who failed to lead, failed to trust, failed to obey, failed to protect?

Verse 2 assures us He will not fail. The Spirit of the Lord will rest on Him. Adam received the breath of life, but the Last Adam carries the Spirit continually. With the Spirit comes wisdom, understanding, counsel, and strength (v.2). This Adam will not be passive—He will actively rule. The serpent will never draw Him away, for His delight is in the fear of the Lord. His joy is obedience. His satisfaction is trust. His pleasure is doing the Father’s will. While Adam and Eve judged by sight and desire, this Adam will judge only by what is right. If obedience requires not eating from a tree, then so shall His judgment be (v.3).

He will protect those who need protection. He will stand up for the poor and weak. No serpent or fox will trample His Garden. By the rod of His mouth—the command of His Word—He will strike the serpent that seeks to destroy the bride (v.4). He will not be covered in fig leaves or animal skins, but righteousness and faithfulness will be his garments (v.5). He is the representative humanity always needed. He cannot fail, and what He accomplishes cannot be overturned.

So what will the outcome be? Isaiah shows us:

• The Second Adam will restore peace between man and beast—undoing the enmity the first Adam unleashed (vv.6–8).

• He will restore the dwelling place of God with humanity—the Garden regained (v.9a).

• He will fill the world with the knowledge of the Lord—so that unlike Eve, humanity will truly know what is good (v.9b).

• All who belong to Him, the chosen seed of the Second Adam, will no longer wander the wilderness but will dwell in places of rest (v.10).

The Second Adam—the Last Adam—is better than the first, and what He accomplishes is everlasting. What the first Adam broke has lasted until now, but what the Last Adam restores will last forever. Jesus is that better Adam. This is why He wears the title “Son of Man” with delight. He knows what He represents. He knows what His obedience accomplishes. He knows the eternal effect of His work.

God the Father has raised up from humanity a better representative—a Second Adam—who gives us a second chance at life as God intended. Through Jesus, the Son of Adam and the Son of God, the Garden is opened again. Rest is granted. Fruitfulness is restored. Fellowship is renewed. Knowledge and understanding overflow. We gain everything because He succeeded.

And there is no forbidden tree in the center of this garden. There is only one tree now—the tree on which the Second Adam hung. The Lord says, “From this tree you shall eat, and no other.” Will you trust the One who hung on that tree? Will you take hold of the second chance He provides? Will you be filled with His knowledge, His Spirit, His peace? Will you become fruitful as God intended? Will you trust, obey, and follow the Last Adam?

Many long for a second chance. In Jesus, our prayer is answered.

In Jesus, the Second Adam, our do-over is realized.

Peace be with you,

Pastor Bruce