About the book
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I am fascinated by Jesus. Even when I remove religious considerations, I find him to be the most important, interesting, and challenging person who ever lived. I am continually surprised by the way he views and describes God. I am intrigued by his care for people who are overlooked and marginalized—long before it was cool to care. I am impressed by his work with his apostles, whom he gradually develops from bumbling and corrupt to bold men of integrity. His blend of brilliant teaching, confrontation of sin and hypocrisy, and tender compassion is without peer anywhere. He is indescribably unique.
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Matthew reminds us that Isaiah prophesied of a Messiah like this: “Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved with whom my soul is well pleased. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles. He will not quarrel or cry aloud, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets; a bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory; and in his name Gentiles will hope”(Matt 12:18-21, quoting Isa 42:1-3). Long before Jesus lived, God promised a Savior who would have this blend of kindness and justice. He would nurture the weak believer and stand up to injustice, all at once. We will emerge from observing this messiah with one overriding emotion: “in his name Gentiles will hope.” We will be refreshed in hope.
We have four gospels that tell us the details of the life, words, friends, enemies, habits, death, and resurrection of Jesus. The more we immerse ourselves in them, the deeper our fascination grows. Seeing Jesus awakens a hunger to know and understand more—deeper—better. We begin to hope.
This devotional book is a guide to reading through the four gospels in one year. There are five readings for each week—one for each weekday—and devotional thoughts to follow along with the reading. My comments are not meant to stand alone; it is best to read the passage carefully prior to my applications.
After the devotional comments, I have included two short categories to help meditation and prayer. “One thing to think about” is a question (or two) that will require introspection and evaluation. “One thing to pray for” is a direction that the thoughts can take in prayer. These are ways we can take the example, words, and deeds of Jesus and make them a part of a period of serious devotion.
May God bless you as you read and meditate on his word.
We have four gospels that tell us the details of the life, words, friends, enemies, habits, death, and resurrection of Jesus. The more we immerse ourselves in them, the deeper our fascination grows. Seeing Jesus awakens a hunger to know and understand more—deeper—better. We begin to hope.
This devotional book is a guide to reading through the four gospels in one year. There are five readings for each week—one for each weekday—and devotional thoughts to follow along with the reading. My comments are not meant to stand alone; it is best to read the passage carefully prior to my applications.
After the devotional comments, I have included two short categories to help meditation and prayer. “One thing to think about” is a question (or two) that will require introspection and evaluation. “One thing to pray for” is a direction that the thoughts can take in prayer. These are ways we can take the example, words, and deeds of Jesus and make them a part of a period of serious devotion.
May God bless you as you read and meditate on his word.
From the back cover:
"Jesus is fascinating. His teachings challenge us, his actions amaze us, and his sacrifice humbles us.
But how do we learn more and draw closer to him?
A Year with Jesus invites you on a journey through all four gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and
John—in one year. Through daily exposure, you will learn Jesus’ priorities, think more deeply about
his teachings, observe his treatment of people, and understand how he views God. With this
devotional guide, you will begin each day with a thought for meditation and prayer."
"Jesus is fascinating. His teachings challenge us, his actions amaze us, and his sacrifice humbles us.
But how do we learn more and draw closer to him?
A Year with Jesus invites you on a journey through all four gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and
John—in one year. Through daily exposure, you will learn Jesus’ priorities, think more deeply about
his teachings, observe his treatment of people, and understand how he views God. With this
devotional guide, you will begin each day with a thought for meditation and prayer."
