By Maralene and Miles Wesner
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During the writing of this book, co-author Maralene Wesner “lived” for six months in the red-lettered words of Jesus as recorded in the Gospels, she said.
This 2021 book “presents Jesus as a friend or neighbor,” she said, and is the couple’s most popular book.
The Jesus-centric writing is obvious in that each chapter begins with his name. These include “Jesus expressed real feelings,” “Jesus possessed common sense” and “Jesus revealed the nature of God.”
The Wesners report that the book has been used for youth or other group studies on knowing Jesus better.
“Jesus said he came to bear witness to the truth, one of which included the possibility of redemption,” they write. “Sins can be forgiven; lives can be changed; people can start over with a clean slate.”
The book expresses clearly, however, that knowledge of Jesus is not enough for fully transformational living. Jesus’ call is to follow him.
“Jesus was a living, breathing representative of God,” they write. “He came to us a true picture of our Creator. He made us responsible for bringing in the kingdom.”
“Knowing Jesus’ life purposes will enable us to find and fill our own role in God’s kingdom,” they continue. “It will also help us to know Jesus better and to become more like him.”
Review by John D. Pierce, Director of the Jesus Worldview Initiative