Jesus of Nazareth soft cover

Pope Benedict XVI delves deep into the life of Christ in his book Jesus of Nazareth: From the Baptism in the Jordan to the Transfiguration. The 400-page tome is part one of a two-volume series looking at the person of Jesus; the second volume, which is still in the works, will cover the life of Jesus after the transfiguration. 

This first book is a scholarly work, not at all an easy read. (A study guide is available and probably a good idea.) Each sentence, even each word, is packed with substance. There are discussions of the methodology behind Benedict’s exegesis, including the merits and limitations of the historical-critical method that only partly directs his interpretations. For every conclusion Benedict draws, he provides ample arguments, citing history, nuances in language, and previous commentaries on Jesus. When it helps him make his case, he thoughtfully dissects points made by fellow exegetes about the character of Jesus. 

All in all, the book is an intense look into the person of Jesus through an examination of the Gospels, always remembering that Jesus is defined by his relationship to the Father. The book begins with the baptism of the Lord; from there Pope Benedict takes us through the temptations of Jesus, the Gospel of the Kingdom of God, the Sermon on the Mount (including a study of the Beatitudes), the Lord’s Prayer, the disciples, the parables, the images of John’s gospel, and the transfiguration. The book closes with a look at the identity of Jesus as reflected in the titles ascribed to him, such as “Messiah” and “Son of God,” and in Jesus’ descriptions of Himself in the Gospels.

 Jesus of Nazareth has been translated from German and is publishes by Ignatius Press.

You can purchase this book here.