Surprised by Jesus: His Agenda for Changing Everything in A.D. 30 and Today

Every now and then I feel the urge to read a book on Jesus, just to remember again why I love him, the Gospels, and the Church. Last month, I picked up Tim Stafford's Surprised by Jesus: His Agenda for Changing Everything in A.D. 30 and Today. Surprised by Jesus follows the story of Jesus from the outset of his public ministry to his resurrection, offering along the way practical insights for the Christian life. The book's subject matter resembles Philip Yancey's The Jesus I Never Knew and even Brian McLaren's The Secret Message of Jesus - a message that goes something like this. We have missed the audacity and shocking nature of Jesus' ministry because we have become too familiar with a look-alike Jesus that everyone seems to know. Stafford stands out through delving deeply into historical research. Building on the work of N.T. Wright and other New Testament scholars, Stafford introduces us to the historical Jesus by giving us fresh applications of old Gospel truths. Take for example the two chapters devoted to Jesus' baptism, an event that today receives little evangelical attention. Stafford shows how in this event, Jesus identifies himself with sinful Israel by entering baptismal waters that represented "repentance" and the need for forgiveness. Even though Jesus was innocent, he willfully identified with the sinfulness of his people. Stafford then shows how Christian baptism today is not merely an individual affirmation of faith, but a declaration of corporate identity. In baptism, we give ourselves to the people of God. Surprised by Jesus emphasizes Christ as the ultimate example for Christian living. For me, one who typically reads books from a Reformed perspective that focuses on Jesus' work for us, Stafford's emphasis on Peter's command to follow Christ's example is a refreshing change of pace. I heartily recommend Surprised by Jesus.

Stafford has done a great job of putting the historical Jesus in his Jewish context. The surprise is that what you find is antithetical to the Jesus of the western world. I liken it to the time, as a child, you first see your teacher in the grocery store. You can't believe they ever leave the school, and yet, there they are. You then redefine your view of your teacher, and it allows you to know them more deeply. For Stafford, Christ is not the predominantly health and wealth character of our materialistic society, but one who redefines community, and therefore redefines who we are in that community - historically, presently, and in the future. This is a great read, and one all should read to better understand what it is Christ is calling us to today.

This book presents a clear, more nuanced portrait of Jesus and of his mission of proclaiming the Kingdom of God. Mr. Stafford interacts well with Bishop N.T. Wright's theology and presents some of his very helpful ideas very clearly and succinctly. I especially appreciate the excellent explanation of corporate personality that is easily understandable even to us hyper-individualistic Americans. This book is deep and true.

As a new Christian this book brought home who Jesus is. I wanted to know more about him as a man and this book provided great insight to that. The writing is awsome as well. Funny and serious at the same time. Knowledgeable and thought provoking. Also remember that to know Jesus better the Bible is a wealth of information that can never be replaced by books explaining the bible. Beware to check yourself and do some more praying and research. Never believe what only one person has to say. Know your stuff before you pass it on! Great book -- recommend it to all. Enjoy!