The Unexpected Teachings of Jesus: Encountering the Gospels All Over Again

By John Coleman

Book Overview

The Unexpected Teachings of Jesus presents the Gospels not as simplistic solutions to everyday problems but as a collection of sacred stories that are challenging and can teach us all how to live in today's world. Filled with wise, wonderful, and sometimes quirky stories from John Coleman's own life and experiences as a father, teacher, and minister, the book delves into the Gospels to uncover the essence of what it means to believe in and follow the radical, compassionate, generous love of Jesus. Reading this collection of reflections is like putting on a new pair of glasses. It offers all Christians a new way of knowing Jesus' words and shows us teachings are sometimes the opposite of what we thought we understood.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0787959839
• ISBN13: 9780787959838
• Release Date: January 2002
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass
• Length: 239 Pages
• Weight: 0.81 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.4" x 8.1"

Customer Reviews

Great inspirational book with challenging questions

This book not only selects excellent inspirational scriptures but provides a great practical analysis in easy to understand language.The analysis often takes a different slant to the usually preached message from the gospels. At the end of each analysis John Coleman left me with important soul searching questions which gave insight and helped with the application of Jesus' message to my own life.

Gentle insight

This book guides the reader in taking a fresh look at many biblical passages. The reader is given different perspectives from which to examine the teachings, in order to gain a more complete understanding of Jesus and the Bible. Thoughtful questions complete each chapter, making this an excellent book for use in individual or group study. This book doesn't seem intended for in-depth, tough theological study, but more for people with a basic familiarity with biblical teachings.

Insightful, Inspirational, Faithful

John Coleman makes a bold claim in the title "The Unexpected Teachings of Jesus: Encountering the Gospels All Over Again." Wonderfully, his claim is true. Coleman graciously invites the reader to walk with him as he honestly struggles with Gospel texts in an attempt to live faithfully, and more importantly, be comforted and challenged by Jesus of Nazareth. For Coleman Biblical scholarship is not just an academic enterprise, rather it is key to understanding Jesus in the 21st century. Coleman wrestles with Biblical insight and draws from his experiences as a pastor, friend, father, and spouse as he applies Jesus' teachings to his life and invites us to do the same. Practically speaking the book's format is outstanding for devotional reading, teaching, and reference. Each teaching includes the Biblical passage, Coleman's encounter with the Gospel, and several insightful questions for personal reflection or group discussion. I look forward to leading group discussions at my church using Coleman's work. I am also thankful for the index, which not only names the teachings, but references the scripture as well. "The Unexpected Teachings of Jesus" will not find a place perched on my bookshelf, but will be beside my bed and on my desk, well used and recommended.

Finding Jesus in the 21st Century

John Coleman playfully teases out helpful meanings from many complex biblical texts that have in the past been understood to narrowly by modern scholarship. Coleman's book will be a helpful vessel for studying the bible for laity drowning in the pond of recycled biblical drivel. Pastor John's book is provocative, insightful, personal, and funny. I highly recommend this book for those wanting to find Jesus in the 21st century. John Coleman has done all the spade work and presents authentic, earthy, and useful questions for the Christian wanting to grow in Christ Jesus.