Jesus: An Intimate Portrait of the Man, His Land, and His People [Hardcover]

Leith Anderson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1, 2005

An expanded retelling of the life of Jesus, including all the details from the Gospels in chronological order, the geopolitical scene, the historical and cultural setting, and the likely emotions and motives of those who interacted with Him. Here is a great introduction to the greatest man who ever lived for those who don't know much about Him, and a fascinating read for those who have grown up in the church and are very familiar with the Gospel accounts. Leith Anderson's conversational storytelling style makes the book appealing to a wide range of audiences and ages.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A gift of creative insight into the life of Jesus Christ... I can't wait to share this with my church." -- Ted Haggard, President, National Association of Evangelicals

"A useful tool for anyone wanting a basic historical understanding of the life of Jesus." -- Minneapolis Star Tribune

"A wondrous effort and a lasting experience for anyone who reads it. Bravo, for your insight, research, and courage." -- Christian Book Previews

"Anderson has done impressive research into Jewish history and has a firm grasp of the sociopolitical climate of Jesus’ time." -- CBA Marketplace, Mar. 2005 © CBA MARKETPLACE Official Publication of CBA. Reprinted by permission

"His knowledge of the era in question blends with his very obvious commitment to the man and his story." -- Rambles: A Cultural Arts Magazine

"Readers will appreciate the simplicity and the depth of this rich perspective on Jesus' life." -- Christian Retailing

"Whether you are a new Christian, a longtime believer, or are simply interested...this...will enrich and enlighten." -- Bookloons

About the Author

Leith Anderson is a graduate of Denver Seminary (M.Div.) and Fuller Theological Seminary (D. Min.). He has written six books including Leadership That Works and is known internationally as an author, speaker, and educator, consulting with leaders in denominations across the spectrum of Christendom. He is senior pastor of Wooddale Church in Eden Prairie, Minnesota.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 368 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House (February 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764224794
• ISBN-13: 978-0764224799
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.2 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,409,792 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book!, April 13, 2005

By 

Randall - See all my reviews

This review is from: Jesus: An Intimate Portrait of the Man, His Land, and His People (Hardcover)

I picked this book up as part of a gift card for my birthday and I have trouble putting it down. Anderson really puts you in the time and place and the setting of Christ's last days on earth. You can almost hear the crowds in the Temple as well as feel the heat and dry dust of the desert.

I wound up going back and re-reading several passages of the Gospels that parallel the book and it really adds some great context and historical perspective which leads this reader to a better understanding. And isn't that what any good book should do?

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Meticulously Researched Book, January 28, 2008

By 

Rebecca Johnson "The Rebecca Review" (Washington State) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Jesus: An Intimate Portrait of the Man, His Land, and His People (Paperback)

In "Jesus," Leith Anderson captures the profound beauty of Jesus' life. This biography is based on the four Gospels from the Bible. However, this is much more than a retelling of the parables and teachings of Christ. Throughout the book there is also an emphasis on history, politics and culture. While the parables seem to be a main focus there are also stories of Jesus having conversations with his family and friends. Leith Anderson also provides insight into what the parables mean.

While most of the book focuses on Jesus' life and teaching there are also interesting stories of how Jesus handles accusations. It is amazing to think of how many people hated Jesus (mostly those in power) when everywhere he went he showed love and compassion to the multitudes. For the most part he seemed well loved by the people but throughout the book there is an undercurrent of hate and dissatisfaction that festers until he is finally crucified for the sins of the world.

"What good is it if someone gains the whole world yet loses his soul?"

This question stands out as one of the most important ones in this book. If you have ever wondered why Jesus is called the Savior or the Son of God, then you can read Jesus' thoughts on the subject as well as the thoughts of his followers. As someone who has believed in Jesus since I was seven I can say that this book made me even more of a believer. I can highly recommend this book to anyone interested in Jesus' life even if you have heard his teachings for your entire life.

~The Rebecca Review

12 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Greatest Story Ever Told, November 5, 2005

By 

S. Peek (Rocky Mountains, USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Jesus: An Intimate Portrait of the Man, His Land, and His People (Hardcover)

This is a quality biography of the Savior of the Universe, Jesus Christ.

The author draws on accounts from all four Gospels. He combines miracles, parables, and the entire life of Jesus from birth to death to resurrection.

The contents will be very familiar to those who have done lots of reading in the Bible. Even to those readers though, this book is valuable. There are lots of teachings and events that are put into the context of the times in which the Lord lived on Earth. Mr. Anderson also gives explanations of several of the parables, which may be helpful to many readers.

This is a very readable, enjoyable, and informative work on the most important and influential man who ever lived. I recommend it.