The Jesus of the Gospels + A Family Devotional to Use With Teens I Hill Country Homestead
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In Jesus of The Gospels, the author Andreas Kostenberger beautifully reveals and dives into the Gospel narratives taking a close look at the Gospel authors and personal writing styles. The richness, variety, and diversity of each apostle is intriguing and captivating—no need to read the four Gospels before diving into this rich textbook. Your children will be reading each gospel- verse for verse as they unpack the information along with plenty of bible commentary and background work to make the Gospels come to life. This book has been a joy to share during evening read-aloud sessions. It has brought about many interesting topics of conversation with the big kids and tough questions to ask ourselves in our walk and understanding of Jesus himself and His life.
Matthew starts out his Gospel with a man: “Jesus the son of David, the son of Abraham. ‘Mark begins with a voice roaring like a lion: “A voice of one shouting in the desert, ‘Prepare the way of the Lord.’ “ Luke features Zechariah the priest, making the bull a fitting sacrificial symbol. John rose up on eagle’s wings, “Hastening toward higher matters,” presenting Jesus as the preexistent Word of God. - Jesus of the Gospels pg 30
Jesus of the Gospels, Getting to Know the Apostles
Within the first 30 pages of Jesus of the Gospels, the author explains in depth the importance of reading the Gospels; Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John as historical truth and to ask ourselves as we read along, ‘Who is Jesus?’. This book is designed to walk believers and non-believers through the accuracy of the four gospels by tying them together with historical relevance and events making up the life of Jesus. The author also points out that even if reading the Gospels solely for historical relevance, they can radically change people’s lives. Throughout the chapters, we suddenly get to know each four individual disciples for who they were as people, with diverse personalities and unique literary styles. It helps to understand the Biblical text when the authors become real and tangible through their eyewitness testimonies. It’s a real treat to inspect the intricate lives of those closest to him during his time on earth, they walked with him, worshipped with Him, enjoyed meals with Him, and breathed the same air as Him. What a pleasure to get to know Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John and appreciate them on a human level!
“Among these were Matthew (also known as Levi), a former tax collector called by Jesus to be one of his twelve apostles (messengers); Mark, a mentee and associate of Simon Peter, a fisherman and Jesus’s most outspoken follower; Luke, a physician and close associate of Saul (also known as Paul, the undisputed leader of the early church; and John, a leading member of the Twelve and the last surviving apostle.” - Jesus of the Gospels pg 13
In-Depth High School Course of the Life of Jesus
Some of the vocabulary is extensive, so I read the textbook aloud in portions with my teenagers. Reading together allows me to help the teenagers work through longer phrases and lengthy paragraphs that, in addition to enhancing their Biblical knowledge, also challenges and enriches their literacy and vocabulary. I think the in-depth study of the evangelists' personalities has been most eye-opening to me so far. Their diversity in writing styles helps to understand each eyewitness testimony with greater understanding. It stirs the imagination as to what it was like to be so closely intimate with Jesus Christ himself. Each of the disciples is presented with different professions and personality traits that contribute to individual writing styles and themes. I had never had the Apostles described to me in such a personal way before; it was wonderful.
‘Matthew presents Jesus as the Jewish Messiah, descendent of Abraham and David; Mark depicts him as authoritative, miracle-working, Son of God; Luke portrays Him as the compassionate healer and Savior for all people; and John, last but not least shows Him to be the God-man and revealed of God the Father.” pg 14
Jesus of the Gospels + Conclusion
Jesus of the Gospels prompted conversations with my teenagers that led us to question, 'Do we know Jesus?'. Working alongside the kids and navigating this text together allowed us to get to know Jesus better and re-inspired the importance of making Him a priority, daily. Reminding ourselves to yield to Him in our lives continually takes effort, and this book prompts thoughts and questions designed to hold the reader accountable in committing time unreservedly to Jesus. As the reader makes their way through this book, the friendship and depth of relationship with Jesus become tangible by getting to know Jesus as an intimate friend. This text deepens the reader's relationship with Christ by Breaking down the Gospels into understandable portions with plenty of commentaries, and by becoming familiar with the ones who knew Him best and gave their eyewitness accounts. This bible course was indeed a blessing to add to our evening family time. I would recommend this excellent educational text to anyone 8th grade and up, especially college-age students. Please use the links to purchase your copy and bless your teenagers with a more in-depth study of the life of Jesus Christ, read the Kregel Academic Blog here, and enter the giveaway below! We are still diligently working through this book as a family. We are all thoroughly enjoying its enlightenment on the literary themes the disciples incorporated into the gospel stories of the beautiful and engaging life of Jesus Christ. Amen!
Giveaway is open. 1 winner gets $75 store credit on any books. Valid only for residents of North America.
