Customer Reviews

The Cross & the Prodigal: Luke 15 Through the Eyes of Middle Eastern Peasants

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I'm just a regular gal - I'm not a biblical scholar, pastor, or friend of the author (although I wouldn't mind meeting him!). This is the 2nd Baily book that I've read (the other being 'Jesus through Middle Eastern Eyes'). I throughly enjoy his works becuase they are insightful, colorful, scholarly (I don't often see academia and faith beautifully melding with one another) and plainly written. From this book I got a better sense of the pouring-out redemption of God toward mankind. I could write a million words and not do it justice. If you are interested in having a more complete understanding of this parable, I highly recommend that you read this book.

One of Jesus' most astonishing stories, a story that has resonated down through the ages, is commonly known in English as The Prodigal Son. In this book, Kenneth Bailey retells this familiar story through the eyes of Middle Eastern peasants.

Bailey is a longtime missionary, a man who has spent his life among the peasants of the Middle East. Bailey really knows village life. And that makes all the difference in understanding Jesus' story.

But this book is much more than another commentary. Bailey (along with IVP) has made a beautiful book. There are several plates decorated with Arab calligraphy, and half the book is a four-scene drama - a retelling of the story in a small village, complete with the score to one of the characters' songs. This is an exemplary work, engaging heart and mind at once.

Ken Bailey is the best New Testament scholar around today because he brings deep insight and experience from the Middle Eastern culture combined with attention to form criticism. The result is an eye opening and inspiring work on the Prodigal. You will not be disappointed in this book or any of his work.

Dr. Bailey has a wealth of experience and education that informs his writing. He adds a rich layer of understanding to the New Testament by putting it in cultural context. I'm definitely a big fan of his writing.

Since Kenneth Bailey reveals the culture behind the text, serious students of the Word need to read his works. I find his books most enlightening and recommend them without reservation.