Introducing Jesus: A Short Guide to the Gospels' History and Message

by Mark L. Strauss

To Christians worldwide, the man Jesus of Nazareth is the centerpiece of history, the object of faith, hope, and worship. Even those who do not follow him admit the vast influence of his life. For anyone interested in knowing more about Jesus, study of the four biblical Gospels is essential. An abridged edition of the bestselling textbook Four Portraits, One Jesus by Mark Strauss, this simple, easy-to-understand guide introduces the four biblical Gospels and their subject, the life and person of Jesus. Like different artists rendering the same subject using different styles and points of view, the Gospels paint four distinctive portraits of the same remarkable Jesus. With clarity and insight, Mark Strauss addresses questions that surround the study of Jesus and the Gospels. What are the Gospels - are they history, theology, biography? Where did they come from? What do we know about their context? What does each Gospel uniquely teach us about Jesus? Finally, he pulls it all together illuminating what the Gospels together teach about Jesus' ministry, message, death, and resurrection, and how do we know we can trust their witness. Including questions at the end of each chapter for group discussion or personal reflection, Introducing Jesus makes the words, history, and context of the Gospels come alive for readers.

Genres: Biblical Studies

192 pages, Paperback

Published April 24, 2018

About the author

Mark Lehman Strauss is an American biblical scholar and professor of the New Testament at Bethel Seminary San Diego, which is part of Bethel University, Minnesota. His areas of expertise include New Testament Gospels and Bible translation.

Reviews

[Jacques · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good!

It does what it says. It describes the differences between the gospels, what they teach, ignore, point out, etc. The book also gives a wonderful summary of the Jewish context at the time, as well as the basic doctrines about Christ.

It doesn't feel like an apologetics book, which should make it more attractive to unbeleiving laymen. It does have a Christian view and would point out Christian responses to sceptical questions, but at least it gives those questions their due weight.

If I meet someone who just became a Christian or an unbeluever wants to know the basics of Christian belief and its basis in historical fact, then I would definitely give him this one.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is exactly “A Short Guide to the Gospels’ History and Message,” written at about an advanced high school level with short, clear chapters. The author appears to be an earnest academic believer, so the text doesn’t shy away from biblical criticism nor retreat to the idea of “inerrancy” when faced with contradictions or paradoxes. It is well-organized and complete. It reminded and encouraged me to understand each gospel as more than a series of verses to be memorized, but as a message to me with themes and a perspective that are intended to change my life.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting, but somewhat repetitive book. Strauss gives overviews for all four Gospel accounts and also outlines the life of Jesus and its significance. My favorite chapters were probably the first three—chapters which dealt with the historical and religious setting of the Gospels. The two appendixes were interesting as well.

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

The information in the book is great! My rating is not about that at all, and I would recommend it to anyone wanting to learn more about the Gospel message and the person of Christ.
I just had to read it for a class, and much of it was discussed in class/already familiar to me before I read it, so it wasn't super interesting for me to read through.