Jesus Asked. [Paperback]

Conrad Gempf (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2003

A look at the questions Jesus asks us---which enrich our understanding and faith. In the Gospels, when people asked Jesus a question, he often replied with one of his own: 'Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?' 'Why do you call me good?' British author Conrad Gempf invites readers to look at these questions and discover Jesus' motivation. What could the second person of the Trinity want to know that he doesn't already? Gempf concludes that Jesus wants to know where we stand. He doesn't need to know more facts; he wants to know us.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

A look at the questions Jesus asks us—which enrich our understanding and faith

In the Gospels, when people asked Jesus a question, he often replied with one of his own: "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" "Why do you call me good?" British author Conrad Gempf invites readers to look at these questions and discover Jesus’ motivation. What could the second person of the Trinity want to know that he doesn’t already? Gempf concludes that Jesus wants to know where we stand. He doesn’t need to know more facts; he wants to know us.

About the Author

Conrad Gempf (PhD, University of Aberdeen in Scotland) is lecturer in New Testament at London School of Theology in the United Kingdom. He is the author of Jesus Asked, and has edited or contributed to many journals, books, and reference works, including The Dictionary of Paul and His Letters.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
  
• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan (May 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 031024773X
• ISBN-13: 978-0310247739
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,041,546 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Conrad Gempf (PhD, University of Aberdeen in Scotland) is lecturer in New Testament at London School of Theology in the United Kingdom. He is the author of Jesus Asked, and has edited or contributed to many journals, books, and reference works, including The Dictionary of Paul and His Letters.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars He keeps ya guessing, August 18, 2003

By 

Dwight Friesen "living connectively" (Bellevue, WA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Jesus Asked. (Paperback)

If you are looking for straight forward answers don't read this book - but then, don't read Christ's teaching either. Gempf suggests the aim of Jesus' teaching was - more or less - to encourage mystery, to foster tension and cause hearers to deconstruct everything they thought they "knew" about God, while offering himself instead of content.

For all who say they value Scripture but have grown weary of the "sola-scriptura-question-and-answer" approach to reading it; or for those who are exhausted from searching for the "main point," the "big idea," or the "preachable proposition" hiding in the often obscure words of Christ, Gempf squirts a dap of Windex on their Scripture lens. In wiping away some of the modernity dust from lens of Scripture, Gempf helps readers see a fresh image of Christ leap from the pages of their dusty Bibles. We see a Jesus who refuses to take sides, who chooses to cloak and confuse his hears so no belief system can be systematically contrived from his words.

The size and approachability of this book my fool some into not taking it seriously. Gempf breathes fresh life into the reading of the gospels. Suggesting Jesus is less interested in setting people straight, getting his "point" across or summing it all up and more interested in engaging in authentic interaction.

Gempf suggests that behind every question Jesus asked; behind every parable, behind every seemingly weird statement recorded in the gospels is Jesus' invitation not to Christianity, not to theology, but to a person - to a relationship.

For those who see leading, teaching, or preaching as part of their gig; seeing Christ give little clear teaching while choosing instead to give himself, may have far some reaching implications.

One more thing, many an Apple user will echo Gempf's "ethical and aesthetical environmental impact statement" at the end of his acknowledgments.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Refreshing and enlightening, July 14, 2007

By 

The Actor (Chicago) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Jesus Asked. (Paperback)

I'll be completely honest in that I didn't expect to learn much from this book, having been a Christian for quite a few years and having studied the Gospels pretty closely. He proved me wrong though; this book was very enlightening. This is also a topic that you don't see discussed much; I honestly don't recall reading about this topic before or hearing a sermon on the topic.

We always think of Jesus as having all the answers (how often have you heard the cliche "Jesus is the answer"?), but rarely do we think of Jesus asking questions. Whether you've been a Christian for decades or are a recent convert, this book will help you think about Jesus' questions, and in the process you'll come to a deeper understanding of a Jesus that is more challenging and less conventional than you previously thought. Definitely recommended.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Need a fresh insight into Jesus' teachings?, January 29, 2004

By 

Tracy P (Louisville, KY USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Jesus Asked. (Paperback)

I teach a Sunday School class for adults and enjoy reading things that might make me a better Bible teacher. This book was amazing! I read it in one sitting. I simply could not put it down. Dr. Gempf's writing style was not only informative, it was fun! It was like the "light went on" when I read his interpretation of Jesus' questions and answers. I can hardly wait to share some of his insights with my class. This week's lesson is on the Good Samaritan. I had never really grasped that the "expert in the law" would have had the smug satisfaction he discussed when listening to the response of the priest and the Levite. What an interesting insight. I also was moved by his discussion of the story of the "rich young ruler" and Jesus' question about why he called him "good." Awesome. I loved the way he tied all of Jesus' teachings together to make the central point that Jesus wants us to choose for ourselves where we will stand on issues, particularly the issue of who he is. This book was excellent and should be required reading for anyone who wants a fresh insight on what Jesus' teachings were all about."