Passion of Jesus Christ

Passion of Jesus Christ

4.11 of 5 stars 4.11  ·  rating details  ·  2,116 ratings  ·  96 reviews
The most important questions anyone can ask are: Why was Jesus Christ crucified? Why did he suffer so much? What has this to do with me? Finally, who sent him to his death? The answer to the last question is that God did. Jesus was God’ s Son. The suffering was unsurpassed, but the whole message of the Bible leads to this answer.Why did Christ suffer and die? The central i...more
Paperback, 127 pages
Published January 9th 2004 by Crossway Books (first published January 1st 2004)
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Eileen Parsons
This isn't a "sit-down-to-read-it" kind of book. I tried to read it as a Bible Study and that didn't work either. It's rather a reference style book. It lists and explains the fifty reason Jesus came to die, backing it up with scripture. It's an excellent book for the unsaved who may be wondering exactly what God's purpose was in sending Christ to His death on the cross. It's also perfect for the follower who wants chapter and verse information for sharing the love of Jesus Christ with others.
Patricia
Expounding on the glorious truths of the gospel, John Piper explores fifty reasons why Jesus came to die. Defining in detail familiar terms, such as justification and atonement, he makes these truths come alive in a powerful way! He also explains how the purpose of salvation is God's glory, and that his love for us in saving us does not contradict that goal but rather manifests it. This book clearly portrays the beauty of the gospel and its transforming power in our lives. Clothed in the righteo...more
Amanda
I'm sorry to admit this, but I really wasn't impressed with this book at all. First and foremost, it is extremely dry and boring to read. I didn't find any part of it interesting on either an intellectual or spiritual level. Secondly, the author lists 50 reasons why Christ sacrificed himself for our sins, but that's all it really is -- a list. Each chapter is about a page and a half long, or at best two pages. The author doesn't go into any great detail, just cites some related Bible verses and...more
David York
Far from a simple overview of the death of Christ and the Christian faith. This book was the end of a long search to find something for my father that would be challenging and to-the-point, but not overly theological in words or loaded with the same 'ol americanized christian jargon. Perfect for those who seem to be stagnant or complacent in their walk and understanding in Christ.
Heath Marion
This very small book packs a very hard punch! Do not be overwhelmed by the thought of 50 chapters. They are small. Most are just two pages in length, which allows the reader to be able to read the book as a devotional thought each morning or evening.

The book helps its reader by grasping some of the most foundational truths of the Bible. Dr. Piper answers the questions such as: Who killed Jesus? Who is Jesus? Why did Jesus have to die? What impact does Jesus death have for a person living today?

E...more
Rebekah
To be honest, I didn't really learn anything from this book. Although it was a good refresher for me! Nothing in this book was new for me, BUT Piper did manage to word some concepts/ideas, that I already knew, in an interesting kind of way. He made a few points that caused me to do a-- "Huh, never thought of it that way. Well said, chap." --number in some areas. I didn't feel very fed after reading this book, but I didn't find anything wrong with it either. I just found myself trying to read as...more
KC McCauley
I cannot recommend this book highly enough, for it is one of the most influential books that I have read because it has given me a deeper and broader understanding of the cross. Since we have a tendency to think that Christ only came to die for our sins, we lose sight of all the different reasons why He came to die. Therefore, Piper expounds upon fifty reasons which produces a better knowledge of Christ's death and a greater appreciation for the cross. Each "reason" is about two pages, making th...more
Adam Parker
This was a quick, almost daily devotional style read with 50 individual chapters, each dedicated to a concept or meaning explaining why Jesus died. I found it to be quite helpful and well written, especially since our house church is doing a study on the often confusing book of Romans and many of the chapters in this book explain or expound on concepts introduced by Paul. At first I was thrown off by the very small devo style chapters, but as I read the more I understood why he did it. I believe...more
Mark Uncommon Valor
Jesus called Satan a murder. " He was a murder from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth. . . he is a liar and the father of lies " ( John 8:44 ). But his main interest is not killing. It is damning. In fact, he much prefers his followers have long and happy lives - to mock suffering saints and hide the horrors of hell.

His power to damn human beings lies not in himself, but in the sins that he inspires and the lies that he tells. The only thing that damns anybody is unforgiven si...more
Kyle
When I sat down with this book, I really wondered how Piper would fit 50 reasons into one book that really wasn't that big. Piper does a great job of hitting so many of the nuances and details of why Christ died that it really helps all those familiar with His death and salvation see things that are often missed.

When God died, it was a very complex thing. Trying to explain that can get really complicated. And simplifying it often misses so much. Piper does a great job of hitting so much of it wi...more
Katie (It's Time to Read) Leversuch
This book does exactly what it says in the title: it gives fifty reasons why Jesus came to die. Using the New Testament John Piper explores the many reasons why Jesus not only came to Earth, but chose to die too. Many books have been written surrounding Jesus Christ, and most of the well known ones argue that Jesus and the Bible are nonsense. This book is authored by a man who is a well-known author and pastor, and who believes completely in the Bible (and yes as an aside, I have to say I agree...more
Jessica
Piper does a pretty good job cataloging the various reasons why Jesus died on the cross. After reading the book, I got a much better sense of the enormity of all that was accomplished at Calvary. I've been wrestling lately with the meaning of the cross, and I think now that this is just a necessary state of confusion. Was it ransom? Was it punishment? Was it deliverance from God? Deliverance from sin? Deliverance from Satan? Was it mercy? Was it justice? Um, yes. It was all of those things. It's...more
Andrew
Even though this booklet was written to answer 50 questions, it did nothing to solve those questions for me. While it succeeded in articulately the complementarian view of manhood and womanhood (and thus the impcations for marriage, ministry, and son) it didn't so in a convincing manner.

Sorely lacking was an overview of the complementarian's hermeneutical method (how do they read / understand / apply the entirety of the Bible). Further, it appeared at times the authors were emphasizing points i...more
Jennifer
I actually listened to it as an audiobook, which I as ChristianAudio.com's free download of the month. The audio is great, and the reader's voice is clear and easy to understand. The only thing that might be better is to listen to John Piper read his own work.

Though I'm not sure I learned anything new, it was good to break down Christ's Passion into such basic elements for consideration, especially at this time of year. I may listen to these again over the coming days.
Lydia
I loved how this book was organized - you could have a short read or use each reason as a devotional. I read this book in a week or so but I think it would be very beneficial to use it as a devotional. Piper uses a lot of scriptures to back up everything he says. Many scriptures were repeated throughout the book. This would be a great way to do a devotion with scripture memorization and/or just familiarizing yourself with the scriptures. A wonderful little book full of big treasures and reminder...more
Mark A Powell
Released around the time of The Passion of the Christ movie, this book by Piper explores fifty reasons (per the Bible) that Jesus came to die. Each is explained in about two pages, making this book ideal for daily readings. Piper’s words are saturated with Scripture and his thoughts challenge casual readers to go beyond previous assumptions. We could all use more books about Christ on our shelves—this would be a solid one to add.
Jasmine
It's not typical for me to read a book for more than a month. But in this case, it took me almost 3 months! *whew*

The book is not thick, that one can actually finish reading it in one sitting. But it's JOHN PIPER. His words are straight to the point and deep at the same time. Every page is loaded with meaningful insights that it took me a while to grasp every detail of it.

From the very start till the end, the LOVE of God is the one that abounds. His love is incomparable to any human love one ca...more
Fernando
Very thoughtful devotional centered on the One who is of utmost important, Jesus. Each reason is pulled straight from the Word of God, and expounded to reveal God's glory. This book helped to radically shift the way I understood Jesus' finished work on the cross, and left me forever grateful for the sacrifice He made.
Josue Manriquez
The fifty reasons why Jesus came to die are not fifty causes, but rather fifty purposes for Jesus' death. Each of these purposes can be read in a few minutes, as they are summarized in 2 pages at most. Within these pages Piper is concise and passionate as he explains what biblical reasons why Jesus came to die.

This is a very encouraging and sweet little book. Each of the fifty reasons should cause one to praise, worship, and adore God for sending His Son to die for sinners.
Erin
I love this book, because its thick, rich and deep in meaning. Few in words. Like a weighty meal, or a well written poem. The short chapters leave time for digestion. I thoroughly suggest looking up the references and reading them in their context because it only adds to the richness of the flavor.
James Criswell
Great little book. Good for the believer and unbeliever (but looking) alike, as it takes an in depth look at Christ's sacrifice and what it means. I read it as an audiobook, and it really went by too fast. I'll have to reread it. I wouldn't mind having this one around to give to non-Christians who are sincerely looking at what the cross truly means.
Scott Ray
Great book. Very interesting to look at the death of Christ from so many different angles. We often oversimplify it. But this book takes (obviously from the title) 50 different reasons, all from Scripture, that Christ came to this earth with the intention of dying. 50 different things that His death accomplished. Reminds you how great God is and how incredibly perfect His plan was.



One recommendation: I did not read this I think in the best possible way. The 50 reasons are about 2 pages each. It...more
Tracey
A very good book! Explains what the Passion of Christ - 50 Reasons why Christ Suffered.

Easy to read, thought-provoking. It is a book that makes you think after you read; you can't read straight through without pause from time to time.
Benjamin
This was good, I got it free off the website. Real concise, you could read each of these reasons almost while microwaving a lunch meal. Read it on my iPhone so didn't think to give an in-depth review... :-\
Jason
It is what it claims to be, 50 purposes why Christ came to die. Piper does well at explaining each of them in detail. I listened to this as audio book while commuting. It would have been better to go through each of the 50 purposes one day at a time and spend more time reflecting on them. Maybe in the future.
Joyce
This was mine, has been recycled.
The book can be used as a devotional, as each page has a different topic.
Didn't understand him very well. May differ in theology. Disagree lots.
Jake
A great little book of various truths about Gods incomparable love for His children.

Easy to read and an enjoyable daily devotion style book.
Alyse
Gives a very clear and vivid explanation of why Christ died for us. This book helped me have a better appreciation for Christ's sacrifice.
Christosopher Hughes
It is basic. I liked it, but as other reviews said I didn't learn anything, except maybe how to explain things a bit better.
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Chapter Eight 8 28 Nov 23, 2012 06:19pm  
Reformed Readers: 2009 - March: Piper, The Passion of Jesus Christ 7 23 May 04, 2009 09:53pm  
Chapter Thirteen 2 13 Apr 25, 2009 06:59am  
Chapter Three 2 8 Apr 25, 2009 06:44am  
Chapter Twenty-Two 4 16 Apr 24, 2009 06:01am  
Reason #9: For the Forgiveness of Our Sins 2 10 Mar 24, 2009 06:38am  
Reason #1: To Absorb the Wrath of God 2 8 Mar 24, 2009 06:28am  
Fifty Reasons Why Jesus Came to Die (Paperback)
The Passion Of Jesus Christ: Fifty Reasons Why He Came To Die
Fifty Reasons Why Jesus Came to Die (ebook)
Fifty Reasons Why Jesus Came to Die (Audio)
Pour quoi Jésus doit mourir : 50 raisons derrière la Passion

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John Stephen Piper is a Baptist theologian, preacher, and author, currently serving as Pastor for Preaching and Vision of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He is the author of numerous books, including ECPA Christian Book Award winners What Jesus Demands from the World, Pierced by the Word, and God's Passion for His Glory, and bestsellers Don't Waste Your Life and The Passion of...more
More about John Piper...
Desiring God: Meditations of a Christian Hedonist Don't Waste Your Life Let the Nations Be Glad!: The Supremacy of God in Missions The Pleasures of God: Meditations on God's Delight in Being God When I Don't Desire God: How to Fight for Joy

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“Christ did not die to make good works merely possible or to produce a half-hearted pursuit. He died to produce in us a passion for good deeds. Christian purity is not the mere avoidance of evil, but the pursuit of good.” 35 people liked it
“Don't follow a defeated foe. Follow Christ. It is costly. You will be an exile in this age. But you will be free.” 30 people liked it
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