The Jesus I Never Knew

In The Jesus I Never Knew, Philip Yancey reveals the real Jesus beyond the stereotypes, offering a new and different perspective on the life of Christ and his work---his teaching, his miracles, his death and resurrection---and ultimately, who he was and why he came. Relating the gospel events to the world we live in today, The Jesus I Never Knew gives a moving and refreshing portrait of the central figure of history.

With a willingness to tackle difficult questions, Yancey looks at the radical words of this itinerant Jewish carpenter and asks whether we are taking him seriously enough in our own day and age. From the manger in Bethlehem to the cross in Jerusalem, Yancey presents a complex character who generates questions as well as answers; a disturbing and exhilarating Jesus who wants to radically transform your life and stretch your faith; and a Jesus who is brilliant, creative, challenging, fearless, compassionate, unpredictable, and ultimately satisfying.

Philip Yancey reveals the real Jesus beyond the stereotypes, revolutionizing the reader’s passion for Christ.

"Excellent for Homeschool Use"

Average Rating:

6 of 6 Reviews Showing:

Reviewed by Kim O'connor (Hope Hull, AL), August 05, 2008

The Jesus I Never Knew is a very interesting book. I'll never think of Jesus the same again. Mr. Yancey brings to light characteristics of Jesus I have often thought of, but never realized. He poses questions about Jesus and then explains the answers. Our church is doing a Wednesday night study of the book, which is why i bought it. I am grateful I read it. Jesus is more real and personal to me now.

Reviewed by Dr. Robert W. Kellemen (Taneytown, MD), June 06, 2005

Philip Yancey is one of the most creative, insightful Evangelical writers of our time. He fearlessly probes issues and ponders perspectives that many Evangelicals shy away from and that many post-Evangelicals deconstruct. In "The Jesus I Never Knew," Yancey steps back from the flannel-graph Jesus of his childhood and moves toward the magisterial and mysterious Jesus probed with the keen eye of an investigative journalist. Yancey divides his search into three parts: who Jesus was, why Jesus came, and what Jesus left behind. In his section on who Jesus was, Yancey skillfully brings his readers into the cultural milieu of the first century. This is not your father's Jesus! In his section on why Jesus came, Yancey explores the meaning behind the message, miracles, and Messianic suffering of Christ. This is not the Jesus of the Jesus Seminar! In his section on what Jesus left behind, Yancey relates Christ to today's post-modern culture. This is not the Jesus of children's Sunday School! The Jesus that Yancey comes to know is complex and creative, fearless and compassionate, unpredictable and fascinating. The true Jesus of eternity and history raises questions that we all long to have answered. But His answers are not nearly as tamed and boxed in as we sometimes desire. In Yancey's able hands, the resurrected Jesus comes alive again. Reviewer: Dr. Robert W. Kellemen is the author of "Soul Physicians," "Spiritual Friends," and the forthcoming "Sacred Companions."

Reviewed by Esmer (Houston, TX), September 19, 2002

This book presents to you a Jesus unlike any other. Philip presents a real Jesus, flesh and blood. It brings you a closer intimacy with our Father, and a true understanding for how He knows everything you go through because He has seen it too. Awesome book!

Reviewed by David R. Bess (Charleston, West Virginia), June 08, 2002

Yancey has a fine reputation as a Christian author, and this work adds to his credentials. The theme of this book is not simply Jesus Christ, but how the true Jesus of the Scriptures contrasts the traditional Jesus of history. Yancey weaves his own thoughts and experiences throughout this volume, a feature that makes his presentation even more appealing. The author begins by describing the traditional Jesus, the Jesus he thought he knew. He then turns to the Bible and begins to unfold the authentic account of this historical God-Man. He describes in detail who Jesus was, why He came, and what He left behind Him. Yancey's words strike home to Christians, speaking prophetically to them and challenging them to follow anew the radical call of their Lord. I have read several of Yancey's books, and have yet to be disappointed. This volume is well worth the money and the time required for reading. For a refreshing, Biblical presentation of the life of Jesus Christ and its centrality to the Christian faith, buy this book!

Reviewed by Paul Drake (Evanston, IL), October 19, 2000

This being the second book by Phillip Yancey I've read, I had high expectations - they were EXCEEDED. Through his honesty and insights Yancey forced me to stop and really think in awe on Jesus, the Jesus I Never Knew.

Reviewed by Jack Turner (Columbia), September 21, 2000

Fabulous!!!! The best book on Jesus I have ever read and probably will read. No apologetics here, this is strictly for getting to know our Master as he is presented to us in the Bible. You won't find any proof for the life of Jesus here, but you will find proof that there's more to the man than "felt board cutouts and sugar cookies." A must read for every Christian, especially older believers. You will see Jesus in a way you never thought possible.

Write a review of The Jesus I Never Knew

• Books >> Christian Living >> Discipleship >> Knowing Christ
• Books >> Christian Living >> Spirituality >> Spiritual Growth >> Lessons from Scripture
• Christian Living >> Discipleship >> Knowing Christ
• Christian Living >> Spirituality >> Spiritual Growth >> Lessons from Scripture
• Start A New Christianbook.com Search

Check out our specialty shop for Christian Living products!

I'm the author/artist and I want to review The Jesus I Never Knew.