Jesus: An Intimate Portrait of the Man, His Land, and His People

In "Jesus," Leith Anderson captures the profound beauty of Jesus' life. This biography is based on the four Gospels from the Bible. However, this is much more than a retelling of the parables and teachings of Christ. Throughout the book there is also an emphasis on history, politics and culture. While the parables seem to be a main focus there are also stories of Jesus having conversations with his family and friends. Leith Anderson also provides insight into what the parables mean. While most of the book focuses on Jesus' life and teaching there are also interesting stories of how Jesus handles accusations. It is amazing to think of how many people hated Jesus (mostly those in power) when everywhere he went he showed love and compassion to the multitudes. For the most part he seemed well loved by the people but throughout the book there is an undercurrent of hate and dissatisfaction that festers until he is finally crucified for the sins of the world. "What good is it if someone gains the whole world yet loses his soul?" This question stands out as one of the most important ones in this book. If you have ever wondered why Jesus is called the Savior or the Son of God, then you can read Jesus' thoughts on the subject as well as the thoughts of his followers. As someone who has believed in Jesus since I was seven I can say that this book made me even more of a believer. I can highly recommend this book to anyone interested in Jesus' life even if you have heard his teachings for your entire life. ~The Rebecca Review

As a fairly new believer, I came across this book in the store and thought I might try it. I wanted to know more about the life of Jesus from his birth to his resurrection, without it being an oversimplified account, but also nothing over my head (as a new believer). I was hooked from page 1, and I couldn't put it down. It is written in such a way that you are given a lot of historical, cultural information, but without being bored. Its purpose is academic, but it is written so engagingly that it reads more like a novel. It's like you are a part of the story--there with Jesus on his journey. Still, the author manages to explain the parts that need explaining; his sidebars are not intrusive but answer those questions that many believers, both old and new, might have. As a person with new faith, this book has strengthened my faith, and given me a better insight and more familiarity with who Jesus was and what happened during his life. Even those who have been long-time believers would find great enrichment in reading this book and going on the "journey with Jesus". While I'm not sure what I would have thought of this book as a non-believer, I think that perhaps reading such a vivid and detailed account (rooted in historical, cultural facts) would have tempered my casual (and sometimes adamant) dismissal of everything associated with Jesus. It certainly would have given me up-close, personal insight into what I believed to be a distant myth.

This is a quality biography of the Savior of the Universe, Jesus Christ. The author draws on accounts from all four Gospels. He combines miracles, parables, and the entire life of Jesus from birth to death to resurrection. The contents will be very familiar to those who have done lots of reading in the Bible. Even to those readers though, this book is valuable. There are lots of teachings and events that are put into the context of the times in which the Lord lived on Earth. Mr. Anderson also gives explanations of several of the parables, which may be helpful to many readers. This is a very readable, enjoyable, and informative work on the most important and influential man who ever lived. I recommend it.

This is an extensive work on the life and works of Jesus. The author places the birth of Christ at 6BC and the Ministry leading up to 30 AD or thereabouts. Jacob describes the Son of Man who bridges heaven and earth. The famous Parable of Wheat and the Weed sorts out good and bad people allegorically so that G-d can deal with them at the end of time. The Parable of the Home Owner points toward the need for those who understand Christ's teaching to tell others of its existence and meaning. The book explains that Jesus argued with religious leaders for the following reasons: 1. He believed that they weren't teaching the Scripture or the Law 2. Some religionists supplanted teachings with cultural traditions 3. Some citizens simply did not set a good example for the flock The Parable of the Hidden Treasure points toward the eternal joy in the Kingdom. A strength of this work is that the author discusses some complex theological issues simply. Classic parables are set forth and explained so that the average reader can glean the essential themes without too much technical knowledge of the theologies involved. The book is a good value for a wide constituency of readers both inside and outside formal academe.

I picked this book up as part of a gift card for my birthday and I have trouble putting it down. Anderson really puts you in the time and place and the setting of Christ's last days on earth. You can almost hear the crowds in the Temple as well as feel the heat and dry dust of the desert. I wound up going back and re-reading several passages of the Gospels that parallel the book and it really adds some great context and historical perspective which leads this reader to a better understanding. And isn't that what any good book should do?