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The Incomparable Christ
Now with a new foreword by J.I. Packer.
Author J. Oswald Sanders, a lawyer turned 20th century missionary statesman, follows Jesus from His pre-existence to His earthly life and coming Second Advent. Throughout he upholds Jesus as the powerful and perfect Savior of the world, arguing against any who would diminish His uniqueness.
Author J. Oswald Sanders, a lawyer turned 20th century missionary statesman, follows Jesus from His pre-existence to His earthly life and coming Second Advent. Throughout he upholds Jesus as the powerful and perfect Savior of the world, arguing against any who would diminish His uniqueness.
368 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1952
112 people are currently reading
388 people want to read
About the author
J. Oswald Sanders
128 books95 followersJ. OSWALD SANDERS (1902-1992) was a Christian leader for nearly seventy years and authored more than forty books on the Christian life including The Incomparable Christ, Spiritual Discipleship, Spiritual Leadership, and Spiritual Maturity. He left a promising law practice in his native New Zealand to serve as an instructor and administrator at the Bible College of New Zealand. Dr. Sanders later became general director of the China Inland Mission (now the Overseas Missionary Fellowship), and was instrumental in beginning many new missions projects throughout East Asia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
November 3, 2019
Until reading this book, I have never spent as much time devotionally reading specifically about Jesus (apart from Scripture.) I sometimes lose sight of learning, thinking, and loving Christ Himself by getting distracted by vague ideas and weak assumptions about Him. This book was an OK start for me. It considers every aspect of Jesus the Christ, with brief chapters that are well ordered and organized. I don’t think I have ever read this much poetry in my life, haha. Each chapter starts with a select poem and has a few more sprinkled throughout each chapter. I do think I will move onto studying on a more intermediate level since this was more of an appetizer. One minor complaint is that there are several quotes through the book that are not referenced.
May 23, 2018
Some things that I felt weren’t exactly biblical, but they were few and far between.
Overall, this was a WONDERFUL devotional approach to Christology, and really enriched my personal devotions. Highly recommend!
Overall, this was a WONDERFUL devotional approach to Christology, and really enriched my personal devotions. Highly recommend!
March 15, 2017
Outstanding!
We just finished this book in the men's discipleship group that I lead. One quote sticks in my head - "Jesus drank the cup of wrath without mercy so that we might drink the cup of mercy without wrath."
We just finished this book in the men's discipleship group that I lead. One quote sticks in my head - "Jesus drank the cup of wrath without mercy so that we might drink the cup of mercy without wrath."
May 16, 2023
This is my second Sanders work, and this one excels his more widely known and praised work on spiritual leadership. As a pastor, it is apparent to me this work was the result of a series of messages Sanders preached about Christ. It makes the book no less impressive for all that. He walks us through aspects of Christ's character, strengths, and attributes before finishing with an examination of the seven sayings on the cross. Each chapter is short, and would serve marvelously well as the foundation of a lesson or series of lessons. Along the way Sanders gives us not just pithy comments, which he does in spades, but downright enlightening ones.
I really, really liked it, and on the basis of this book will move Sanders up in my estimation and willingness to read him.
I really, really liked it, and on the basis of this book will move Sanders up in my estimation and willingness to read him.
July 27, 2018
This book is wonderful! I absolutely recommend it to all who want to know Jesus better! I love how it helped me think about Christ in different ways and thoroughly enjoyed the many sections that specifically spoke on the deity of Christ!
May 9, 2011
Thirty-five chapters expounding on the character of Christ. Christians and Non-Christians alike become numb to exactly how unique and exceptional the Christ of the Gospels is. Whether you're a believer or not, I think this book would be useful as it examines Christ from various angles with the major theme being that Christ was so unlike any other person of history that he truly can be thought of as 'incomparable'. Sad that many in the church make faith into a caricature or agenda or selectively read Christ's message (i.e. ignoring the many sermons on social justice that Christ seemed to constantly be preaching).
Really inspiring read. An under-appreciated work.
"It has been said that in Jesus' character no strong points were obvious because there were no weak ones."
"The presence of mystery is the footprint of the divine." (quoting Lecerf, whoever that is)
"Christ had come to conquer not by might of arms but by love and humility."
"He drank a cup of wrath without mercy, that we might drink a cup of mercy without wrath."
Really inspiring read. An under-appreciated work.
"It has been said that in Jesus' character no strong points were obvious because there were no weak ones."
"The presence of mystery is the footprint of the divine." (quoting Lecerf, whoever that is)
"Christ had come to conquer not by might of arms but by love and humility."
"He drank a cup of wrath without mercy, that we might drink a cup of mercy without wrath."
December 29, 2014
Every time I read J. Oswald Sanders, I thoroughly enjoy what I learn. This is a tremendous book on the Person and Work of Christ. The only problem I find with the book is that there is no Scriptural or Topical Index included. For me to refer to this book in the future, I have no way of finding the material I once read without completely reading it again. This is why I gave it only 4 stars.
August 10, 2016
Author Oswald Sanders discusses in depth Jesus, the man and Jesus, the God separately then presents Jesus, the God Man as the Savior of the world. It's an excellent read for anyone who wants to learn more about Jesus according to the Scriptures. This book could bring doubters to a saving faith in Christ.
December 31, 2025
The BEST book about Christ I’ve ever read (not counting the Bible of course). Written for the common person, not the academic (sorry C.S. Lewis, that’s not you). This book deeply probes the earthly life and ministry of Jesus, explaining exactly why “He is altogether lovely.” I understood more about the character of Christ the more I read. Each chapter is on a different area of Christ’s life (birth, childhood, ministry, crucifixion, resurrection). Each chapter contains poetry matching the theme of the chapter, helping the reader think through difficult concepts. Absolutely recommend!
December 16, 2016
This book is a great devotional read for the days leading up to Easter Sunday. You will like it much more if you are especially fond of poetry. I love the way Sander's writes, he has a specialty in vocabulary and choice words. He is able to bring mind-bending Theological concepts and explain it simply in a devotional language, simple yet precise.
One of the things I took away from this book is getting to know Jesus the MAN. I know Jesus the Christ, I know Jesus the Divine, I know Jesus the Teacher, Jesus the Healer, Jesus the Majestic but this book helped me hone in on the life of Jesus as a Carpenter. As Sanders writes:
"What is the significance of the fact that, out of all possible occupations, God chose for his Son in his incarnation the lot of a working man? Why did the only one who could have chose His earthly vocation without any restriction choose to become a carpenter? It is not difficult to conceive the wonder and consternation of the angelic host to see the great Jehova, Creator of the rolling spheres, humble Himself to toil with saw and hammer at a carpenter's bench for eighteen years; to see Him who made the heavens and "meted them out with a span" stoop to shape with His own hands a yoke for oxen."
Sanders continues to explain that it was most obviously to identify himself with the common man, the working man. Here we see the Teacher joyously partaking in the life of a worker, a skilled laborer, his hands dirty, his body dusty, his head sweaty. This image impacted me personally as I went through a phase of an occupational change; from dressing neat and clean in an office environment to putting on safety gear and carrying tools for construction. I felt my hands turn harder and harder, my body change it's form. At times, working from sun-up to sun-down along with my fellow workers. I often wondered why God willed it that I go through this change, not that I am ashamed of it.
Our Lord Jesus exemplified the nobility of Labor. "Jesus is the working man's friend".
Our Lord in His divine wisdom and complete trust in God recognized these years of physical work to be his preparation, his training, for a coming day where He would stagger under the weight of His own cross. This is a great lesson for the children of God for in whatever occupation you fill your time with, there is a lesson that our Lord is teaching us, sometimes, we just don't see it at the moment.
In the same chapter about Jesus as a carpenter, we read a beautiful poem. Each chapter contains several poems and lines of poetry. This one was my favorite:
"In the shop of Nazareth
Pungent cedar haunts the breath.
'Tis a low eastern room,
Windowless, touched with gloom.
Workman's bench and simple tools
Line the walls — chests and stools,Yoke of ox, and shaft of plough, Finished by the Carpenter, Lie about the pavement now."
In the room the Craftsman stands, Stands and reaches out His hands."
Let the shadows veil His face If you must, and dimly trace
His workman's tunic, girt with bands At His waist. But His hands — Let the light play on them;
Marks of toil lay on them
Faint with passion and with care,
Every old scar showing there
Where a tool slipped and hurt;
Show each callous; be alert for each deep line of toil.
Show the soil of the pitch; and the strength grips of helve give at length."
When night comes, and I turn from my shop where I earn Daily bread, let me see
Those hard hands; know that He Shared my lot, every bit;
Was a man, every whit." Could I fear such a hand
Stretched toward me ? Misunderstand Or mistrust? Doubt that He Meets me full in sympathy?Carpenter! hard like Thine
Is this hand — this of mine: I reach out, gripping Thee,
Son of man, close to me,
Close and fast, fearlessly."
-Arthur P. Vaughan
One of the things I took away from this book is getting to know Jesus the MAN. I know Jesus the Christ, I know Jesus the Divine, I know Jesus the Teacher, Jesus the Healer, Jesus the Majestic but this book helped me hone in on the life of Jesus as a Carpenter. As Sanders writes:
"What is the significance of the fact that, out of all possible occupations, God chose for his Son in his incarnation the lot of a working man? Why did the only one who could have chose His earthly vocation without any restriction choose to become a carpenter? It is not difficult to conceive the wonder and consternation of the angelic host to see the great Jehova, Creator of the rolling spheres, humble Himself to toil with saw and hammer at a carpenter's bench for eighteen years; to see Him who made the heavens and "meted them out with a span" stoop to shape with His own hands a yoke for oxen."
Sanders continues to explain that it was most obviously to identify himself with the common man, the working man. Here we see the Teacher joyously partaking in the life of a worker, a skilled laborer, his hands dirty, his body dusty, his head sweaty. This image impacted me personally as I went through a phase of an occupational change; from dressing neat and clean in an office environment to putting on safety gear and carrying tools for construction. I felt my hands turn harder and harder, my body change it's form. At times, working from sun-up to sun-down along with my fellow workers. I often wondered why God willed it that I go through this change, not that I am ashamed of it.
Our Lord Jesus exemplified the nobility of Labor. "Jesus is the working man's friend".
Our Lord in His divine wisdom and complete trust in God recognized these years of physical work to be his preparation, his training, for a coming day where He would stagger under the weight of His own cross. This is a great lesson for the children of God for in whatever occupation you fill your time with, there is a lesson that our Lord is teaching us, sometimes, we just don't see it at the moment.
In the same chapter about Jesus as a carpenter, we read a beautiful poem. Each chapter contains several poems and lines of poetry. This one was my favorite:
"In the shop of Nazareth
Pungent cedar haunts the breath.
'Tis a low eastern room,
Windowless, touched with gloom.
Workman's bench and simple tools
Line the walls — chests and stools,Yoke of ox, and shaft of plough, Finished by the Carpenter, Lie about the pavement now."
In the room the Craftsman stands, Stands and reaches out His hands."
Let the shadows veil His face If you must, and dimly trace
His workman's tunic, girt with bands At His waist. But His hands — Let the light play on them;
Marks of toil lay on them
Faint with passion and with care,
Every old scar showing there
Where a tool slipped and hurt;
Show each callous; be alert for each deep line of toil.
Show the soil of the pitch; and the strength grips of helve give at length."
When night comes, and I turn from my shop where I earn Daily bread, let me see
Those hard hands; know that He Shared my lot, every bit;
Was a man, every whit." Could I fear such a hand
Stretched toward me ? Misunderstand Or mistrust? Doubt that He Meets me full in sympathy?Carpenter! hard like Thine
Is this hand — this of mine: I reach out, gripping Thee,
Son of man, close to me,
Close and fast, fearlessly."
-Arthur P. Vaughan
June 20, 2011
I read this book right before the Easter season. It is definitely a book that will draw you closer to Jesus.
February 29, 2012
Focus and emphasis was on Christ and Christ alone. Reminded of his many attributes. Good read.
August 9, 2011
Intimate look at who Jesus is. Powerful and intense book that led me to see Jesus more fully.
March 23, 2012
There are 36 chapters in this book. I am reading it for lent. What an amazing Savior we have!
March 11, 2023
What an meaningful addition to my Lent/Easter celebration!
June 24, 2015
Reading this for Lent
April 10, 2015
a great devotional with a slightly different view of Christ. Learned some things as well are realizing some stuff I didn't put together before.
June 20, 2015
Amazing book. Very understandable, captures your interest, and inspires you to believe in this stupendous Savior we have.
March 30, 2016
Thought provoking, encouraging; wonderful read for Lent
May 8, 2024
This book has something for the one who knows least about Jesus and one who knows most.
June 23, 2018
This book is difficult to nail down because it is both wonderfully instructive and oddly speculative. Sanders gives power teaching on the importance of Christ's sinless nature (I didn't see His sinlessness as miraculous as the Virgin birth, but it is). His teaching on the hypostatic union is clear and understandable. I think the best chapters are those on the humanity and deity of Christ. There is a quote by Chrysostom on Christ's twofold nature that is worth its weight in gold. Yet he warns against speculation regarding Christ and fails to heed his own warning. Sanders speaks of Christ's appearance that is pure guesswork. His teaching on Jesus' childhood is not Biblical. He may be right but it's not based on Scripture. He also uses an illustration on a rejected cornerstone of Solomon's temple that is a fairytale. This book has amazing highs that outweigh the low points. Like any book on Christ, read with discernment.
September 22, 2017
In order to paint a fuller picture of who Jesus was, Sanders often invents facts about Jesus that we don't know. He writes about how every piece of furniture that came out of Jesus' carpenter's shop was a masterpiece of perfection. And how the children would gather around Jesus' shop to hear stories while he worked. Surely this was possible, but examples such as these distract from the essential and amazing facts that we really do know about Him.
I made it a third of the way through before giving up.
I made it a third of the way through before giving up.
September 27, 2017
Sanders writes with a spiritual fervor that leads the reader to undervalue his excellent exegesis. The result is a wonderful blend of scholarly insight with strong applications for the believer.
The outline of the book highlights the attributes of Christ as revealed in his character and work. It culminates with the final sayings of Christ from the cross and the implications of his second coming. It reads like a Christological work that you would select as a devotional.
A fine classic to enrich your contemplation of our wonderful savior.
The outline of the book highlights the attributes of Christ as revealed in his character and work. It culminates with the final sayings of Christ from the cross and the implications of his second coming. It reads like a Christological work that you would select as a devotional.
A fine classic to enrich your contemplation of our wonderful savior.
July 6, 2023
An outstanding devotional specifically written to focus on Christ. Starting with the birth of Christ and working through to His impending return, this is a deep study of Jesus Christ as man, as God, and as God man, the only one capable of performing His task at Calvary.
It was enriching and wonderful to study Jesus through different lenses and understanding how he was so unlike any other person in history. The book was well-written, and readable in small bites, so I enjoyed as I learned. As an added bonus each chapter contained snippets of poetry that added enjoyment to the study.
It was enriching and wonderful to study Jesus through different lenses and understanding how he was so unlike any other person in history. The book was well-written, and readable in small bites, so I enjoyed as I learned. As an added bonus each chapter contained snippets of poetry that added enjoyment to the study.
May 17, 2023
A solid, biblical work that focuses on the person and life of Jesus. Many thought-provoking reflections in this work. He does not share many extra stories, but he does use much poetry which, to me, detracts, from his effort, though the poetry gives a sense of devotional history concerning Jesus. Reading this book is a wonderful way to help us understand more about our Lord.
May 17, 2024
Best Chistology in a devotion.
The devotional is so very Christ exalting. It is so concise and so true to the scripture. Even I prickly controversies are handled fairly and simply. Mainly though you will call more in love with Jesus and be more awed by His person.
The devotional is so very Christ exalting. It is so concise and so true to the scripture. Even I prickly controversies are handled fairly and simply. Mainly though you will call more in love with Jesus and be more awed by His person.
July 24, 2017
Just wow. A must read...
August 28, 2018
I can't believe this book has been around so long and I've not read it. What an excellent read!
October 13, 2018
Great to read in preparation for Passover and Resurrection Day.
April 12, 2020
Highly Recommended
Will give you confidence & greater understanding in the Word of GOD💯🔥I really appreciate the hymns and poetry at the end of each chapter.
Will give you confidence & greater understanding in the Word of GOD💯🔥I really appreciate the hymns and poetry at the end of each chapter.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews