The Jesus We Missed by Patrick Henry Reardon, Book Review

Synopsis:

Who was Jesus and what was His mission? The Gospels present us with an obvious but profound and compelling thought, that the eternal Word of God became a real man of particular weight and height, with a specific temperament and particular traits of character. He was a Jew, part of a small village community. He became hungry and tired. He felt anger and was moved to compassion. He had a mother and friends. His name was Jesus.

How are we to understand this mystery of Jesus being fully God and also fully man? How do we correctly speak of the real Jesus without falling prey to the skepticism that marks the so-called "quest for a historical Jesus"? In The Jesus We Missed, pastor and scholar Patrick Henry Reardon travels through the Gospel narratives to discover the real Jesus, to see him through the eyes of those who knew him best-the apostles, his community, believers who vividly portrayed him in stories filtered through their own faith. Through these living, breathing accounts, we contemplate who God's Son really was and is-and we understand how he came to redeem and sanctify every aspect of every human life.  

My personal thoughts:

'The Jesus We Missed: The Surprising Truth About The Humanity Of Christ' brings readers an amazing amount of insights into the life of the man we call Jesus. Richly detailed and perfectly flowing, it gives anyone who wishes to know more about Jesus' life, an entirely different perspective on this charismatic persona we think we know. 

Patrick Henry Reardon argues that most Christians know little about Christ's childhood since the Apostles mentions little prior to his baptism at the age of 30. The author also reminds us the Gospels of Mark and John the Evangelist begins Jesus' history at the ministry of John the Baptist whilst clearly both Matthew and Luke Gospels reveal much more information on a younger Jesus. Most of these facts are well known to believers and non believers but have we perhaps overlooked something?

For those of us who yearn to learn just a little more, this is a wonderful compilation of biblical facts we need to rediscover! Chapter after chapter the author showcases the 'real' Jesus growing up, his wisdom at a very tender age, his baptism and warm relationship with John the Baptist to give just a few examples.

Let me share my favourite: Chapter 7, Jesus at prayer... 

A remarkable insight on Jesus' human side from a truly gifted scholar! 

Note: Be sure to check the extensive notes, a treasure in itself!

A compelling recount of the Jewish carpenter we call Jesus and the life he gave for us!

Brilliant! 5 stars!!

About the author:

 

A gifted scholar who provides his readers with careful attention to historical and literary details Father Patrick Henry Reardon is also Touchstone Senior Editor. If I had to describe the author I would do so in two adjectives: Conservative and Eclectic! Read more (here).

I received this book free from BOOKSNEEZE/THOMAS NELSON as part of their blogger review program. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising.