Appointment with Destiny: Jesus Our Suffering Savior
Sundays, February 22 - March 29 | 9:45 am | Room 200
Join Chris Knepp and Al Krummenacher for a wonderful Lenten Bible study, diving into the Old Testament origins of Jesus' messianic ministry.
In Week 1 of our Lenten series, "Appointment with Destiny," Al Krummenacher and Chris Knepp examine the historical and literary context of the Book of Isaiah. We explore the role of biblical prophets not as fortune tellers, but as moral authorities speaking God’s truth into their contemporary situations. Join us as we lay the groundwork for our Lenten journey, bridging the gap between the Messianic expectations of the Old Testament and the suffering of the Cross.
In Week 2 of "Appointment with Destiny," Al Krummenacher and Chris Knepp explore the origins of the Messianic hope in the Book of Isaiah. From the "Immanuel Sign" given to King Ahaz to the vision of a "shoot from the stump of Jesse," we trace how ancient prophecies of a righteous king set the stage for the arrival of Jesus. Join us as we bridge the gap between Israel’s history and the birth of our Savior.
In Week 3 of our Lenten series, "Appointment with Destiny”, we explore the first two "Servant Songs" of Isaiah (Chapters 42 & 49), as Al Krummenacher dives into the character of the Servant: a figure chosen by God to bring healing and justice to the world through gentleness and sacrifice. Learn why these ancient prophecies are essential for understanding the mission of Jesus as both a light to the nations and our suffering savior.
Explore the heart of the Lenten mystery in Week 4 of "Appointment with Destiny." Chris Knepp walks us through Isaiah 50 and 53, identifying the "Suffering Servant" who was crushed for our sins. Learn why these specific verses are the most quoted Isaiah passages in the New Testament, and how they provide the essential bridge to understanding the Cross of Christ.
In the penultimate session of our Lenten series, Al Krummenacher examines how Jesus fulfilled the dual roles of Messiah and Servant. Using the Gospel of Matthew, we explore the "Isaiah Paradox" and the radical call for believers to follow Jesus' example of sacrificial love and service for the redemption of the world.
In the final week of "Appointment with Destiny: Jesus Our Suffering Savior," Chris Knepp explores the profound connection between Psalm 22 and the crucifixion of Jesus. Often called the "Psalm of the Cross," this ancient lament provides the primary language used by the New Testament writers—and Jesus himself—to understand the mystery of the "Forsaken" Servant.
Key Topics & Highlights: "Why Have You Forsaken Me?": A deep dive into the "thematic introduction" of Psalm 22. The Innocent Sufferer: Exploring the 24 quotations and allusions to this psalm in the New Testament. From Lament to Victory: How a personal story of trouble transforms into a global message of hope. "He Has Done It": Connecting the final words of the Psalmist to Jesus’ own declaration, "It is finished."
We wrap up this six-week journey by reflecting on the faith modeled by Jesus—a faith that endured the darkest rejection to reveal the true redemptive purpose of God for all generations.
