Getting To Know Jesus

by George MacDonald

Twelve sermons by a 19th century Scottish minister discuss the life of Jesus Christ and how to put His teachings into practice in everyday life

Genres: Theology, Christian, Religion, Nonfiction, Faith, Audiobook, Christian Living

149 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published May 12, 1980

About the author

George MacDonald was a Scottish author, poet and Christian Congregational minister. He became a pioneering figure in the field of modern fantasy literature and the mentor of fellow-writer Lewis Carroll. In addition to his fairy tales, MacDonald wrote several works of Christian theology, including several collections of sermons.

Reviews

[James M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are a lot of areas theologically that I find myself at odds with George MacDonald, but there is one thing I deeply appreciate about him when reading his books and sermons: the man truly, emphatically, wholeheartedly loves Jesus. This series of sermons was really rewarding, and it's no wonder that Tolkein, Chesterton, Lewis, and so many other influential men of faith credit him as a foundational part in their way of thinking and writing.

[James Brixey]

George MacDonald is a genius, this much is incontrovertible.
About 70% of this is simply good, helpful scripture interpretation, of a different stripe to that which I am most familiar with. However, it is also 15% genius insight. The only weirdness is that 15% of the time, George drops some slightly surprising viewpoint that I disagree with, phrasing it in such a way I am torn between giving him the benefit of the doubt, and simply agreeing to disagree.
It is not as readable as I would have liked, but that is hardly the fault of the author, who was writing in his day and age, not mine. The central premise, that knowing Jesus is the most central thing, and that knowing him consists of knowing him truly and not merely our own preconceived ideas of him, I not only agree with but am 100% behind.
I have not given a rating because it depends so much on what you come to this book for, that it seems pointless.

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

George MacDonald's influence is quite wide - C.S. Lewis, Tolkien, L'Engle, Auden, Nesbit, Chesterton - heck, even Mark Twain, allegedly; not to mention innumerous other souls. He was mentor to Lewis Carroll and well known to the literary luminaries of his day - Tennyson, Dickens, Thackeray, Trollope, Whitman, Longfellow...

This was my introduction to MacDonald - 12 of his sermons.

Sky Pilot MacDonald really excited me. He was interesting to read. Each of the twelve sermons was a small masterpiece in prose. I only wish that the preachers of today had as wide of vocabularies and as deep of intellects as MacDonald. I turn on AM radio today to hear slavering bulldogs frothing at the mouth, with vain repetitions. MacDonald wasn't a repeater of popular religious phrases, viz., "Amen, a door is opening, praise God, hallelujah, I feel the anointing" — no, MacDonald was anything but this type of soap-boxed emotional asininity.

Again, I must decry the simple pleasure of reading these sermons - the simplicity of the language complex in of itself, witty, with long well thought out sentences which leave you hungry for the next revelation. There is too a rich humor. At one point I actually laughed out loud - which I suspect is a rarity in sermon reading. I can't help but wonder if MacDonald had these sermons memorized or simply read them to his congregation.

I wouldn't want to muck MacDonald's sermons up by critiquing them, or pulling them apart piece by piece. They are each so complete, so succinct, one should digest them selfishly and relish the insights personally. Please do - and spread the Word.

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like learning from Christian leaders from all ages. I am inspired by their faith in Christ and their devoted examples. I liked several of the sermons, but sometimes his tone rubbed me the wrong way. But I definitely think it’s worth learning from people of faith in all shapes, sizes, times, and orthodoxies.

[Bryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

George MacDonald shares a wonderful testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. His understanding of the mind of God and the steps we take in our journey to him is remarkable. Many of his illustrations rang home with me, causing me to say to myself, "I'm guilty of that. Funny, never noticed it before."

If you familiar with the works of C.S. Lewis and want to know about those who influenced him, then I also recommend this book, as well as others by Georg MacDonald. Many of the sermons in this book are source material for C.S. Lewis' later works.

[Matt Sones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wants to know Jesus? Do what he says.

[Yana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't have a Christian background, but somehow the actual preaching I've heard so far is far less preachy than a lot of the content out there these days. The sermons were both challenging and comforting. The audiobook version I listened to was also very well done. It really amazes me how some people are able to speak.

[Collin Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

12 excellent Christ-centered sermons. They will do exactly what the title says— get you to know Jesus better.

[Tammi Stuhldreher · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first exposure to George MacDonald but will not be my last! One of the most excellent books (sermons) I've ever read. Challenging. Encouraging. Convicting. HIGHLY recommend.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened to this on audio, and while some of MacDonald's sermons feel dated for sure, a number of them feel bracingly current.

[Ksorb · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have long loved the works of George Mac Donald, but I can barely give this two stars.

These are sermons given, not essays or portions of his books, and they are largely appalling, crossing awfully close to heresy. E.g.- at one point he scornfully dismisses the whole saying, "love your neighbor as yourself," stating, "Jesus didn't say that; Moses did."

He seems to hold more highly of logic (his own) than of the plain reading of Scripture, and flat-out denies many understandings of key passages long-held by Bible-believing, Jesus-loving people. At the same time, he speaks very judgmentally of the hearts and souls of others, as if he were able to know the motives and intentions of their hearts, and could judge their eternal condition. I was rather shocked and dismayed. Hand-in-hand with this condemnatory tone, he also seems to promote Perfectionism, and boldly proclaims the fallen and lost state of anyone who struggles against sin.

I do not recommend this book.

[Glen · Rating 5 out of 5]

MacDonald was an exceptional wordsmith whose love for Jesus is on full display in this collection of sermons by the Scottish writer. The printed book is not easy to find so I listen to an audio version. The narration was excellent and I found myself pondering several key insights that MacDonald had once proclaimed from British pulpits. I am a lover of good preaching and this is an offering of depth. It pushed me to think, to write and reflect. Anyone who causes me to reflect on Jesus more is someone to whom I am indebted.

[Josiah Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Immensely practical and superbly written. This book is a collection of MacDonald's sermons on the person and life of Jesus. This was my first exposure to George MacDonald and it certainly won't be my last. Many theology books can be a drag, not because they are poor in content (though some certainly are), but rather because it is difficult to write on theology and philosophy in a manner that is gripping. MacDonald accomplishes both here, and every page was as savory as the last.

[C.A. Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've tried reading George MacDonald before, but I think this might be the first time I've ever finished anything he's written. I really enjoyed this one, even if I didn't agree 100% with his views -- overall I think he succeeded in painting a picture of Jesus and awakening desire to draw close to Him as a person.

[Ellen Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a Christian this book was incredibly powerful to me- in the way it frankly, and clearly recontextualized for me how to better approach my own personal relationship with Jesus. George MacDonald is the Christian writer who inspired CS Lewis, so I’ve been wanting to read his works for many years, and then earlier this year I saw that one of the leaders in my own church was reading this book- So I felt it was time for me to give it a try. I’ve been listening to a chapter a day for the past few weeks and planned to end today- Christmas Eve.

For the last year, as I’ve struggled with personal issues and I realized my focus in life was in the wrong place. I had a clear impression I needed to focus most on building my relationship with my Savior, Jesus Christ- the one man who has and always will love me. So I’ve tried to do that and had some success focusing on his own words. But this book really helped me to start to understand better what it means to have a relationship with Jesus. Highly highly highly recommend this book for anyone who believes in Jesus and wants to understand him a little better. Audiobook is on audible- and I loved it so much I tracked down a used print copy because the book is out of print. I’ll definitely have this book in my regular spiritual reading rotation in future.

[Lyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is good, convicting, and to the point. It is a series of sermons from MacDonald's preaching career that bring light to our relationship with Christ. Today we would think of it as 'real truth', but he often comes back to the point: "why do you call Him Lord, but not do what He says?" or "how do you call Him King and not treat Him like one". It's pretty convicting.


Also, I'm amazed at how applicable the words of the philosophers and thinkers of the later 1800s are to their day in age and ours as well. It's like the world has not changed one bit. We are a 'copy and paste' people who think all of our thoughts, problems, and solutions are just so original.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this series of sermons over the course of several walks by the river. I have learned that George Macdonald had some desire to be a preacher but instead became a writer. For the many literary works he has given to us, I am thankful, but feel confident he would’ve touched many hearts as a pastor as well. His teachings on humility, repentance and the way the spirit ministers to us were especially profound to me during a time my bones were feeling quite dry. He conveys the humility, mercy, grace, and pursuit of God so beautifully- 5 out of 5 for believers and those who are curious alike.

[Rick Presley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a collection of sermons that are just as relevant today as when they were preached. It is interesting to note that I fine MacDonald’s fiction more compelling than I do his sermons. This is an admirable book that uses key passages in the Gospels, including the Beatitudes to portray a posture toward Christ that is worthy emulating. However, sermons seem to lack the staying power of stories. I can recall in fairly good detail his two Currie stories and trace out the plot, but only segments of these sermons come easily to mind and I could probably reproduce none of them in summary form. Still, a worthwhile book to read.

[Joshua Biggs · Rating 3 out of 5]

George MacDonald is a bit hit-or-miss as a preacher. Some of the sermons in this book were 5 stars, but every now and then he would say something I found to be problematic, such as calling the imputation of Christ’s righteousness “legal fiction” or several times dipping his toe in universalism. Nonetheless, I found MacDonald to be radically Jesus centered and clearly loved Jesus and hated sin. His exegesis was often, though not always, filled with helpful insights and warm reflections on the character of Christ. I also loved his tone of preaching: thoughtful, lots of conviction, yet very approachable.

[Emily Sanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this series of sermons given to various congregations in the mid-19th century, George MacDonald attempts to teach his congregants the nature of Christ as described in the New Testament. I was inspired by several of his teachings, but will only outline a couple here:

1. A man is never condemned by his sin; no, all the sins of mankind have been suffered for by Jesus Christ on the cross. A man, rather, in condemned by the sin which he cannot give up! Clinging to a sin--any sin--and not turning from it (repentance) condemns us

2. The purpose of this life is to come unto Jesus

I would have been interested to listen in on the missionary discussions Mr McDonald received in the Spirit World since the only holes I found in his sermons were the very ones filled by the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ beginning in 1820.

[Squire Whitney: Hufflepuff Book Reviwer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A man of equal parts brilliance and reverence for Jesus, George MacDonald helped shape the mind of even C.S. Lewis—perhaps the most renowned Christian thinker of the 20th century. And, sure enough, MacDonald’s sermons leave one consistently with a great deal to ruminate on. His views are radical for their time, but ever-so sincere and heartfelt—and I think that most of his views are likely accurate. These sermons, in particular, focus on establishing our understanding of god by looking to Jesus, something that most people should consider much more closely.

[Andy Gainor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I decided to read some George MacDonald because of his obvious influence on Lewis, Tolkien, and Chesterton, and was encouraged. Like foreign missions, when you pick up and read a passed saint, you feel a deeper connection and kinship than you do with people of your own local city.

This book was a collection of sermons he preached in the mid 1800s. I did not finish 100%, and would warn anyone to understand its context. Not for someone unacquainted with core Christian theology and terms.

[Miller Raybon · Rating 5 out of 5]

C.S. Lewis's muse did not disappoint. MacDonald dealt with my heart in the same manner as Tagore describes: "he who can open the bud does it so simply." No attempt was made to tear my faith to shreds or shame me into fearful compliance. Rather, I found this portrait of Jesus compelling, producing an obedience to the Son of God through love.

[Peter Kiss · Rating 1 out of 5]

Awful, just awful. Boo boo exegesis, no unity or coherence, and so many statements that are heterodox or heresy. The denial of the imputation of Christ's righteousness takes the cake, but his exalted view of man's inherent righteousness is a close second. His theology is so man centered I wanted to throw up at times (but substituted an eye roll). This is not good.

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A collection of sermons about specific scripture passages that highlight the character of God and what it means that to have him as a father and be his child.

CS Lewis once said of MacDonald, “I hardly know any other writer who seems to be closer, or more continuously close, to the Spirit of Christ Himself.” After reading this and many other MacDonald works, I have to agree.

[Amber Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfection. Written by a man with insight and who consistently reveals a pure heart- eager to love, rather than please fellow people. Should be placed on the same level as CS Lewis’s Mere Christianity and G.K. Chesterton’s Orthodoxy.

[Jack Heller · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book of twelve sermons, so I listened to the audiobook, recorded by Lloyd James. I would caution that in Sermon 11, MacDonald is harsh on issues of mental illness. He preached these sermons in various locations in the 19th Century. Much to think about.

[Michael Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is more of a 4 1/2 for me. I found these sermons encouraging and edifying. The prevailing theme seems to be obedience, and that can be off-putting to some. However, I found God's love pervades each message, and it is what I needed to hear.

[Sarah Nash · Rating 5 out of 5]

An outstanding book of sermons! The way he stresses "obedience" reminds me of Elisabeth Elliot's books. Some say he has a condescending tone, but I say he was a very deeply convicted man, who was walking closely with his Lord.

[Jewell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read by Lloyd James **