Understanding Isaiah – with Ken Cherney Jr.

In this episode of the Witnessing Christ Podcast, Mike and Molly are joined by Professor Ken Cherney of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary for the first part of a special series on the book of Isaiah. As Latter-day Saints prepare to study Isaiah in their Come, Follow Me readings, this conversation helps Christians better understand Isaiah for themselves and equips them to use this remarkable book to point their LDS friends, family members, and coworkers to Jesus. 

Isaiah can be challenging, but it is also one of the most important books for understanding the message of the New Testament. Professor Cherney walks through Isaiah’s historical setting, explains some of the principles that help us interpret biblical prophecy, and shows why recognizing poetry, metaphor, and context matters when reading the book. 

The conversation also explores how Christians and Latter-day Saints can approach the same passages with very different assumptions. From Isaiah’s picture of the Lord’s temple to his remarkable prophecies about the Servant of the Lord, the episode demonstrates how careful reading continually brings us back to Jesus and His finished work. 

In this episode, you’ll hear: 

•  Why Isaiah is foundational for understanding the New Testament. 
•  How Isaiah’s historical setting helps us understand his message. 
•  What exegesis and hermeneutics are—and why they matter when reading Scripture. 
•  How recognizing poetry and metaphor can prevent us from misreading biblical prophecy. 
•  What Isaiah 2 teaches about the mountain of the Lord and the worldwide spread of God’s Word. 
•  How Isaiah 40 proclaims comfort and complete forgiveness to God’s people. 
•  Why Isaiah’s Servant Songs point so clearly to Jesus Christ. 
•  How Isaiah 53 describes Christ suffering in the place of sinners. 
•  How Isaiah 61 presents the gospel as good news, freedom, release, and comfort. 
•  Practical ways to use Isaiah to begin Christ-centered conversations with Latter-day Saints. 

Throughout the conversation, one truth stands out: Isaiah is filled with Jesus. The suffering Servant is pierced for our transgressions and crushed for our iniquities. The promised Messiah brings good news to the poor, freedom to captives, and comfort to those who mourn. The gospel Isaiah proclaims is not another set of requirements we must fulfill—it is the announcement of what God gives freely through Christ.

As you read Isaiah alongside your LDS friends, you don’t need to turn every passage into a debate. Ask questions, examine the text together, and let God’s Word speak. Again and again, Isaiah directs sinners away from themselves and toward the Savior who suffers in their place and brings them peace.

Music used in this episode under license. License code: BSIPX0EWJ87RCGZL

Links & Resources

• Share this podcast with your Christian friends and subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform!
• Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Subscribe to our YouTube channels!
• Support Truth in Love Ministry here.