brown wooden rolling pin on white textile

Scripture Guide

Isaiah 52:13-53:12

Author

Eunice McGarrahan

Keywords (11)

Scripture (9)

Updated

Feb 3, 2025

Preaching Commentary

Ancient Lens

What can we learn from the historical context?

Israel’s State of Mind

The Book of Isaiah is a remarkable accounting of the history of the relationship people of Israel with God. By the time the people of God were hearing the Word of the Lord from the Book of Isaiah, the Kingdom of David was gone and there were doubts as to whether God would fulfill the promise of a glorious kingdom that would last forever. How can anyone believe a promise of glory when one is in exile, suffering humiliation and dishonor? Who is to blame for this downfall? Where is hope, if any, to be found? Isaiah is quite clear about this.

The Fault Lines of Captivity

As the people of God…

Subscriber Content

Get Full Access Today

Interested in viewing our resources? Try our 7-day free trial.

Try Now Sign In

Related Guides

Detail of Christ Leaves the Court by Gustav Doré, btw. 1867 and 1872. Oil on canvas.

Strasbourg Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art.

Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

Author

Eunice McGarrahan

Eunice (“Junior”) McGarrahan serves as the Teaching Pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Colorado Springs, bringing a wealth of experience and theological insight to her ministry. Over the years, Junior has held various roles, including Associate for Theology in the Office of Theology and Worship (PCUSA) and associate pastor at The National Presbyterian Church in Washington, DC. She has also served in pastoral roles in Virginia and Kentucky, further deepening her ministry experience.

Junior’s journey to pastoral ministry was shaped by over thirty years in youth ministry, where she honed her passion for teaching and mentoring young people in their spiritual growth. She later pursued advanced theological education, earning both a Master of Divinity and a Master of Theology degree from Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. Her academic pursuits continued with a Doctor of Ministry from the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary, where she focused her dissertation on the Eucharistic theology of the Heidelberg Catechism, reflecting her commitment to exploring the Reformed tradition.

Junior is married and has a son who lives and works in the Washington, DC area. She is deeply rooted in family life, and her home life is central to her pastoral identity.

Known for her thoughtful and engaging teaching, Junior is passionate about exploring the depths of faith and guiding others through their spiritual journeys. She is particularly interested in the intersections of theology, discipleship, and service, and is dedicated to equipping others to live out their faith with depth and conviction. Whether she is teaching, preaching, or mentoring, Junior embodies a life of faithful service and commitment to the church's theological heritage.