Flesh-and-Blood Jesus: Learning to Be Fully Human from the Son of Man [Paperback]

Dan Russ (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 2008

Christians usually do not find it difficult to see Jesus as God. But many are lacking in their understanding of Jesus as human, resulting in a stunted view of what it means for us to be human. But a well-developed understanding of Jesus's humanity can show us the essential differences between being human and being sinners. In Flesh-and-Blood Jesus, Dan Russ helps readers get to know Jesus Christ more fully through reflecting on his humanity. He reminds readers that God created them to be human and that, through his sacrifice, Christ redeems them back into his design for them as fully human. Russ also explores the inevitable tensions of being human in a fallen world and being sinful, showing readers that making mistakes and having limits are not sins. Chapter-end questions make this book ideal for personal and small group study.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Embracing the Christ who walked our path before us It's easy for most Christians to accept the Jesus who walked on water and rose from the dead. But what about the Jesus who got angry, doubted, struggled with fears, and faced tension with his mother? Flesh-and-Blood Jesus carefully examines the humanity of Jesus throughout his childhood, adulthood, death, and resurrection, exploring themes such as •frailty •the need for companionship •feasting •dying •living with wounds •responding to authority By delving into areas of Jesus's life that are often overlooked, you will emerge with a deeper understanding of how Jesus embraced his humanity. And you will learn how to embrace your own humanity with all its messiness and joy. "This book is a little gem--rich with quiet wisdom and deep insights, and beautifully written. This is a book to read slowly and savor long."--Os Guinness, author, The Call "A book of uncommon power and insight. By providing incisive commentary on the gospel's story of Jesus's humanity, Russ opens wide a window into our own."--Dr. Robert Walter Wall, chair, Department of Christian Scripture, Seattle Pacific University "I don't know when I have been more pleased with a book on the Christian life than I am with this stunningly helpful examination of the humanity of Christ, with rich implications for my life. This is the kind of book that not only deserves, but needs, a wide readership."--Luder G. Whitlock Jr., executive director, The Trinity Forum; former president, Reformed Theological Seminary

About the Author

Dan Russ (PhD, University of Dallas) is the director of the Center for Christian Studies at Gordon College. He has been a Young Life leader and a high school teacher, and he has taught business professionals, city planners, and attorneys in seminars on moral values and vision. Russ lives in Danvers, Massachusetts.

Product Details

• Paperback: 188 pages
• Publisher: Baker Books (July 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0801068304
• ISBN-13: 978-0801068300
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,344,087 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars highly accessible look at Jesus' humanity, November 1, 2008

By 

Deborah Shore - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Flesh-and-Blood Jesus: Learning to Be Fully Human from the Son of Man (Paperback)

I am grateful to have read this book and will be sending my brother a copy. It does not delve into historical aspects of Jesus much, focusing more on such basic human conditions as his vulnerability as an infant and the complexity of a sinless (but not always other-pleasing) relationship to a parent or to authorities.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very interesting read - well worth your time and effort, November 7, 2008

By 

Dan Panetti "Worldview Director" (Plano, TX USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Flesh-and-Blood Jesus: Learning to Be Fully Human from the Son of Man (Paperback)

A very interesting look at the Son of Man and what we can learn from the humanity of Jesus - fully God and fully man. Russ gives a great balance between biblical exposition and personal narrative to help the reader understand at a greater depth the truths which he is discussing. Beginning with the miraculous birth of baby Jesus, Russ pulls back the blanket and examines this young miracle - the great Comforter needing and receiving comfort, the great Caregiver needing and receiving care. How incredible to see the Bread of Life nourished by his mother the same what that every newborn child is. Herein lies the great examination by Russ - why do we think that Jesus wouldn't be just like every other boy growing up - why do we have a problem with His humanity? Addressing these questions, Russ moves on to life lessons we can learn and incorporate into our own lives from the manner in which Jesus dealt with such issues as fear, guilt, authority, failure, friends, family, sexuality, anger, and even death. If some of these categories startle you, then you really need to pick up this book and read what Russ says about them - very insightful and practically useful as well.