Book of the Month - April 2026
Messiah Yeshua, Divine Redeemer: Christology from a Messianic Jewish Perspective
Arnold G. Fruchtenbaum - ISBN: 978-1935174578 - 2015
Author:
Arnold G. Fruchtenbaum
Dr. Arnold G. Fruchtenbaum, founder of Ariel Ministries, is a Jewish believer in Jesus the Messiah whose life journey reflects both deep personal cost and extraordinary theological influence. Born in 1943 in Siberia to Polish Jewish parents who survived war, persecution, and displacement, he was raised in Orthodox Judaism before coming to faith in Yeshua at age 13. Despite strong family opposition, he pursued rigorous biblical and theological education, earning degrees in Hebrew, Greek, theology, and ultimately a Ph.D. from New York University for his landmark work, Israelology: The Missing Link in Systematic Theology. After ministry service in Israel, the United States, and Jewish missions, he founded Ariel Ministries in 1977 to provide discipleship, theological training, and Messianic Jewish outreach. Through decades of teaching, writing, and global ministry, Dr. Fruchtenbaum has become one of the leading voices in Messianic Jewish scholarship, equipping both Jewish and Gentile believers with a deeper understanding of Scripture, Israel, and the Messiah.
Brief Synopsis:
C&S Volume 3: The Come and See series is a multi-volume collection of Messianic Bible Studies transcribed from Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum’s original radio broadcasts. Each study is a solid foundation upon which you can stand or from which you can teach. The texts will edify you in your personal devotion or small group Bible study, regardless of which topic you choose.
Volume 3 of Come and See is a comprehensive study of the Son of God. Dr. Fruchtenbaum’s unique focus on Yeshua (Jesus) from a Messianic Jewish perspective adds a dimension to this field of systematic theology that is often missing in the church today. The author works his way through the Hebrew Scriptures and shows how the revelation of the Messiah gradually unfolded into a magnificent picture of the Deliverer to come. The study of the life of the Messiah and theologically relevant topics, such as the Incarnation and the Crucifixion, also profits from this Jewish frame of reference. The questions and study suggestions at the end of the chapters will challenge anyone who desires to dig deeper into the Word of God.
Insights:
“The question might arise as to why it is important to examine the Person of Yeshua. The answer lies in His claims. I am the way, and the truth, and the life: no one comes unto the Father, but by me, He said in John 14:6, and thus claimed that the eternal destiny of every human being would depend upon how they viewed Him. If His claims are true, the decision one makes about Him will determine whether he spends eternity in heaven or in hell.” - pg. 3
“Who can truly fathom how Yeshua can be both one hundred percent God and one hundred percent man? This mystery is called the hypostatic union.” - pg. 4
“The teaching of the preexistence of the Messiah is foundational to the biblical faith. Other doctrines depend on it. If the Messiah had come into existence at the time of His birth, then His incarnation, His atoning work on the cross, His resurrection, and therefore our hope of eternal life would be in question.” - pg. 77
“When the Son became incarnate, some kind of “emptying” took place.Certain theologians have taught that what Yeshua emptied Himself of, what He gave up when He became a man, was being God. If it were possible for someone to give up being God, then that person was not God to begin with. Nevertheless, kenosis means that somehow, in some way, deity adjusted to humanity. This adjustment took place without the Son of God giving up any of His deity and, at the same time, without reducing any of His humanity.” - pg 121
Should I read it or skip it?
I picked this book because of Easter. This is definitely a read. This book is a great choice for personal study and small groups. Each chapter ends with clear questions that help readers think, discuss, and apply what they learn. The structure makes it easy for a leader to guide a group without extra material. Dr. Fruchtenbaum’s teaching helps break down huge, systematic topics into smaller, bite-sized ones. He organizes in a way that builds step by step. You should read it, especially if you want a resource that works well for group study and real conversation. Don't read it alone.
