A long walk with Jesus

About the Book

Following Jesus from the banks of the Jordan River to the Sea of Galilee, hearing His words from the villages and simple synagogues of rural Palestine to the grand Temple of Jerusalem, A Long Walk With Jesus illuminates the core of God’s message to the world, that the exclusionary, ritual purity system of the Pharisees and Sadducees does not lead to the kingdom of God. The road to peace and harmony is the inclusionary path of compassion and justice that Jesus taught. Written as a single story line, A Long Walk With Jesus is a reader-friendly recounting of Jesus’ earthly ministry from His baptism to His ascension.

Along the way, readers come to appreciate more fully the meaning of the parables, examined in the historical context in which Jesus taught–the subsistence economy of Roman Palestine, the corruption of the priesthood, the oppression of the Roman occupation. A Long Walk With Jesus addresses many of the controversial questions of the Gospels–Jesus’ ministry to the Gentiles, the End of the Age, the distinction of the Gospel of John from the Synoptic Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke, Jesus’ death as a substitutionary sacrifice.

Customer reviews

Most of the Christian books I read are about specific books of the Bible, devotionals, or on the subject of Christian living, so this book was a welcome addition for me. The author has a very straightforward goal: “I want Jesus’ story to unfold in linear fashion so that the reader may come to know Jesus as both man and God, to be drawn to Him in both fellowship and reverence without being distracted by differences in recollection, point of view or emphasis.” (p xiv) When he can, Dr. Christian reconciles the gospel versions; when he can’t, he explains why. What I really love about this book is that it is both scholarly and easy to read. The life and teachings of Jesus are brought to life with the sights, sounds, smells, and cultural nuances of the time. Special attention is given to the parables with a great deal of context adding to the reader’s understanding of what point Jesus was trying to make.

BookLady

Wonderful New Addition to Understanding Jesus

I have just finished the very best book I have found regarding the life of Jesus Christ. This book, “A Long Walk With Jesus” written by Dr. James Christian, significantly enhances and clarifies the events of the life of Jesus by putting the events in chronological order. He has personally taken this “long” walk. While standing in Jesus’ footsteps, communicating with Jesus and absorbing a whole new dimension about the life of Jesus, brings a relevance beyond other books. Unlike many religious writers whose goals seem to be to impress the reader with their immense vocabulary, Dr. Christians, who has a commanding knowledge of the King’s English, writes in a flowing understandable manner. It is a fun interesting read that keeps the book in your hands instead of on the shelf.

Don Smith

A Long Walk With Jesus

Bravo! Dr. James Christian’s thorough research coupled with his refreshing literary style makes this book a delightful experience to read and ponder. I chose to read it a small section or a short chapter at a time integrated into my daily devotion time – so indeed, for me it was a “long walk”, and a very meaningful one, through the book. I was fascinated how I was called upon by the author to experience just what it would have really been like to be one of Jesus’ followers. And how I might have been confused by some of His teachings. Indeed, this is a thinking person’s book for it challenges the reader to understand the context of each scene and various possible interpretations – exercise for my God-given mind! I highly recommend this book to all who want to strengthen their knowledge of and relationship with the Master.

Charles

Definitely worth reading!

If you love the Gospels but struggle with trying to reconcile them, this book is for you. Dr. Christian allows the reader to saunter through the Gospels enjoying Jesus rather than go head to head with the many theologians who can sometimes confuse us. I particularly enjoyed the footnotes that are on each page so I did not have to keep flipping to the back of the book when I wanted to know more. A book like this has been a long time coming and I congratulate this author for putting us back in touch with the real Jesus who loves us and wants us to know Him.

Linda Kane

A Readable Harmony of the Gospels

Just about the best book about the New Testament I’ve ever read. Jim knows how to explain the life of Jesus, most specifically His parables, so comfortably that I was enthralled and invigorated – so many answers to my questions (plus many I didn’t know to ask!) and so well explained. I am forever thankful to Jim for writing this book and I will miss him. Jim died while I was taking his class on this book.

Cindi Rodriguez

I highly recommend this book; have bought it for all of my family even!

I am sure I am not alone as a Christian who has been troubled with many inconsistencies or gaps in the story of Jesus as presented by the four Gospels. At last there is available a time line, event by event story of the ministry of the Christ. Anyone whose faith journey has stalled will find new enthusiasm and energy for faith. Whether new to the faith or a long time believer, there are new insights available now thanks to this scholarly and inspired work. Thank you, Dr. Christian!

James H. Cousins

Jump-start your faith journey!

A study of the Gospels can sometimes leave you with more questions after your study than when you started. Some have rejected the story of Jesus because the Gospels don’t always agree on all of the details nor even present the same events in their narratives of Jesus’ ministry. Jim has brought, in his excellent book, a clear precise commentary that answered many of my questions about Jesus and His mission here on earth and presented it in a great reading experience.

Joe Blatchford

A Great Read! Well Worth the Time!

I liked the chronology-taking the Gospels and putting them in order to show how Jesus spent the last few yrs. of his life, his ministry. The book was easy to read and reference. I have recommended this book to others. The one thing I wish were in the book are maps. It is a well-developed and easily read book. Even though the material is familiar this author has presented it in a new and refreshing way.

Jermaine C. Prescott

A New Look at the Ministry of Jesus

I miss my friend, whom is now with Jesus. I am happy he was able to finish his book before leaving this earth and is very well written.

Jalen

I am happy he was able to finish his book before leaving