Original Jesus

Rico Tice

Laferton simply and attractively walks through Luke's Gospel and in a simple, interesting and relevant way speaks into our culture, which increasingly thinks it's OK for the individual to invent their own view of Jesus. This is a book worth anyone’s time. I loved reading it, and I'd love my friends to read it.

Kathleen B. Nielson

Like a friend, this book helps sort through the question of who Jesus is.  It points to the original Jesus in a lively and conversational way, so that we interact with voices all around but hear finally the words of Jesus himself. This book is like the best kind of friend, bringing us to meet Jesus.

“Great.”

Great - straight to the point (like this review!).

“An Ideal Gift”

This short and inexpensive book from the Good Book Company of approximately 60 pages is ideal to give as a present to those with no Christian commitment. I gave away a number of copies to work colleagues, neighbours and relatives this last Christmas. (Bulk discounts available.) The book may also be enjoyed by and useful for Christians. It makes no assumptions about a person’s prior knowledge of Jesus, if any. It asks the all important question ‘just who was Jesus ?’ The author acknowledges that we tend to have a view already and a view that has been adapted for our convenience. He looks at a series of brief episodes of Jesus’ life seen in the New Testament gospels. (Bible references are given.)

Each selected episode brings a challenge to any preconceptions and interacts with the type of response people might make. He begins with Jesus’ power over nature : evidence of his deity, then the healing of the Gadarene demoniac :to show his power over evil, next the raising of Jairus’ daughter :to show his power over death. In the parable of the tenants he shows God’s intolerance of rebellion. With the Pharisee and the tax collector he demonstrates the need for honesty about our unworthiness. When looking at the cross he shows the wonder of God’s promise to welcome such into his kingdom and the price he paid as a substitute to provide forgiveness - and with the resurrection validating his promise. Lastly through the way Jesus had time for children he shows how we need to be child-like in dependence upon Jesus.

There are appropriate follow-up suggestions for reading a gospel or joining Christianity Explored among others. The author also has brief sections responding to common objections such as on the trustworthiness of the Bible, miracles and the resurrection.

“Excellent book”

In a very disarming way, this book looks at common understandings of who Jesus was and moves on to discuss who Jesus really is in relation to each misunderstanding. While I've been a christian for decades, I think the style of this book would be very helpful for those who aren't christians and for those who have recently become christians. I have one incredibly small criticism - I don't like the gothic type face on the front page and at the beginning of each chapter. Other than that, can't fault it.