Amazon $7.59 because his love changes lives forever
Why would such a good man who loved so profoundly and helped so many people be killed? Why did he provoke opposition? If God walked among us in the person of his son, why would people want to kill him? Why did so many vehemently oppose him? In The Life of Jesus, author Rev Dr Geoffrey Waugh explores that mystery.
He provides a brief overview of history’s great love story. It gives a summary of the birth and boyhood of Jesus and describes his ministry through three Passover Festivals. It includes a detailed chronology of Jesus’ life and ministry and examines why such a popular, loving, and compassionate young leader would encounter intense hostility and opposition causing his crucifixion.
Offering fresh insights, The Life of Jesus points you to the great good news of who Jesus is and what he did.
The Amazing Life of Jesusprovides a brief overview of history’s great love story. It gives a summary of the birth and boyhood of Jesus and describes his ministry through three Passover Festivals. The book includes a detailed chronology of Jesus’ life and ministry and examines why such a popular, loving, and compassionate young leader would encounter intense hostility and opposition causing his crucifixion. The mystery and wonder deepen because his resurrection transformed his followers and millions of lives. We date our diaries and calendars from the time of his birth. His story is now the world’s best seller annually, translated into over 1400 different languages.
* I must commend the exceptional quality of this work. The depth of insight, clarity of expression, and emotional resonance are truly remarkable. It’s rare to encounter a book that not only informs but also transforms its readers. The overwhelmingly positive feedback is well-deserved, and I join others in recommending this as a valuable and impactful read. Congratulations to the author on such an inspiring and masterfully written contribution. ~ Katty Jay
* The Amazing Life of Jesus made Scripture come alive for me. The timeline and context around the Passover festivals were eye-opening. Highly recommended – order a copy and be inspired by Jesus’ life and ministry. ~ Philip Rettew
* Our team recently came across your book entitled The Life of Jesus: History’s Great Love Story, and we were captivated from start to finish. Your writing style is not only engaging but also remarkably insightful, and the story-line/topic you’ve crafted is nothing short of compelling. Its unique qualities and the emotions it evokes have the power to resonate with readers on a profound level. ~ James Mendez (Skylark)
* This book reignited my faith. Rev. Dr. Waugh writes with deep compassion and wisdom, guiding readers through the story of Jesus not just as history, but as a living reality of love and sacrifice. I loved how he addressed the question why would anyone want to kill someone so good? His reflections are both thought–provoking and comforting. It’s a short but powerful read that reminds us of the beauty of God’s redemptive plan. A treasure for any Christian library! ~ William Lawson
* The Amazing Life of Jesus is an excellent summary for the life and ministry of Christ. I especially appreciated the chronological approach and the author’s ability to make complex biblical events feel simple and relatable. Rev. Waugh’s writing is thoughtful, informative, and sincere. While it’s a concise read, it’s packed with meaningful insights that linger long after you finish. It’s a great resource for both new believers and those who’ve been walking with Christ for years. ~ James Dunkies
* Your book The Life of Jesus: History’s Great Love Story strikes that rare balance between devotional warmth and historical clarity. By framing Jesus’ ministry through Passover Festivals and mapping out a detailed chronology, you’ve created something that’s both deeply spiritual and accessible for modern readers.
It’s clear your decades of mission, teaching, and renewal work flow directly into your writing, it reads like a heartfelt invitation to rediscover Jesus’ story as both history and love in action. This feels like the kind of resource not only for individual readers, but also for Bible study groups who want structured yet personal insights. ~ Cassandra Lattmore
* I recently came across The Life of Jesus: History’s Great Love Story, and I was immediately drawn in by its clarity, reverence, and powerful simplicity. You’ve done something many attempt but few achieve. You’ve told the greatest story ever told in a way that’s accessible, inspiring, and grounded in both historical detail and deep spiritual resonance.
By structuring the narrative around the three Passovers of Christ’s ministry, you’ve not only illuminated Jesus’s life, but also offered readers a profound lens through which to understand the arc of his mission, his sacrifice, and his unshakable love. Your book is more than a biography it’s a guide, a reminder, and a call to reflection. ~ Janice M. Lovell
* I had the pleasure of reading your book last night. It is truly exceptional, providing fresh insights. The Life of Jesus effectively directs readers to the profound and uplifting news about who Jesus is and the significance of his actions. ~ Christiana Michael.
* You’ve created a powerful, accessible biography that offers readers not only a historical journey but a spiritual awakening. The way you connect the Messiah’s earthly journey with the lasting impact of his resurrection resonates deeply. In a world increasingly searching for meaning and truth, your book feels especially vital. It’s a testament to the love story at the heart of history. ~ Susan B. Gravois
* This is a very informative, amazing, and powerful book. Thanks to the author for investing hours of research, expressed with his masterful command of language. ~ Alex Johnson (5-stars)
The Life of Jesusprovides a brief overview of history’s great love story. It gives a summary of the birth and boyhood of Jesus and describes his ministry through three Passover Festivals.
The book includes a detailed chart of a chronology of Jesus’ life and ministry and examines why such a popular, loving, and compassionate young leader would encounter intense hostility and opposition causing his crucifixion.
The mystery and wonder deepen because his resurrection transformed his followers and millions of lives. We date our diaries and calendars from the time of his birth.
Why would such a good man who loved so profoundly and helped so many people be killed? Why did he provoke opposition?
If God walked among us in the person of his Son, why would people want to kill him? Why did so many vehemently oppose him?
That puzzled me as a boy. It still does.
The greatest love story the world has ever seen led to the excruciating death of crucifixion.
Many people have given their lives for other people as soldiers do in war. They die for others, defending home and country. But Jesus’ death was different. God’s Son chose to die for us because of his immense love for us. He took our place. His death gives us life. He is the perfect, sinless, eternal sacrifice for us. His blood cleanses us from all our sin as we trust in him. We are forgiven.
But why did so many good people, good religious people, hate him? That puzzled and fascinated me, so I explore that mystery in this book. I wanted to write a summary overview that people of all ages could read.
I always believed in Jesus. Even as a small boy I loved to hear and then read stories about him. He was so unique, so different. I believed his story as a boy and trusted in him. I still do and I hope you do too.
Jesus did what was good. He healed the sick, fed the hungry, set people free from addictions and evil, performed miracles, and even raised dead people. Huge crowds followed him and wanted him to be their king.
Now billions follow him, captivated by his love, the greatest love story of all. You can do that also. I invite you to simply pray something like this: Thank you Lord for all you’ve done. Forgive me for any wrong in my life. I trust in you and give my life to you.
Permission: you can freely reproduce and share these resources and books, including printing (just include the source). You can print, distribute, and market your edition of any of my books – “by all means save some” (1 Cor 9:22)
Share good news – Share this and any page freely. Over 100,000 blog views annually. Share this link on your media, eg Facebook, Instagram, and Emails: The Life of Jesus: History’s Great Love Story
Permission: you can freely reproduce and share these resources and books, including printing (just include the source). You can print, distribute, and market your edition of any of my books – “by all means save some” (1 Cor 9:22)
Then he said to them, ‘Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! 26 Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?’ 27 Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures. …
‘These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the Psalms must be fulfilled.’ Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures,46 and he said to them, ‘Thus it is written, that the Messiahis to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day,47 and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.
The Story of Jesus is an expanded version of The Life of Jesus with extra Bible passages included.
The same Contents and Chapters with more detail added.
Page 4 of the PDF lists the additional passages.
Share good news – Share this and any page freely. Over 100,000 blog views annually. Share this link on your media, eg Facebook, Instagram, and Emails: The Story of Jesus: History’s Great Love Story
* Our team recently came across your book entitled “The Life of Jesus: History’s Great Love Story”, and we were captivated from start to finish. Your writing style is not only engaging but also remarkably insightful, and the storyline/topic you’ve crafted is nothing short of compelling. Its unique qualities and the emotions it evokes have the power to resonate with readers on a profound level. ~ James Mendez (Skylark)
* Impressive! This book is truly outstanding! Congratulations on this remarkable accomplishment. Keep up the exceptional work! ~ Rachael Diaz * This is a very informative, amazing, and powerful book. Thanks to the author for investing hours of research, expressed with his masterful command of language. ~ Alex Johnson (5-stars)
* Be enriched. A most helpful telling of the life of Jesus using the biblical text and adding some background and charts. Anyone using this book will be enriched. ~ Rev Dr John Olley (Amazon 5-stars)
* This is a wonderful book and can be read over and over. Thank you. ~ Kerry Rawson
* Geoff Waugh has written a very helpful devotional book about the Saviour of the world who is also the loving presence in believers. Having known Geoff for over sixty years I can testify that every word written proceeds from his own heart of love for Jesus and for all God’s children. Geoff has avoided trying to manufacture some theory or new twist to make the book more colourful. He has used Scripture as his main source and has been faithful to both the divinity and humanity of Jesus as expressed in the Gospels. His use of chronology for headings and the many sub-headings makes the book simpler to absorb, even for an enquirer or new believer. It reminds me a little of Leon Morris’s beautiful book The Lord from Heaven. I warmly commend this book. ~ Rev Dr Tony Cupit, Former Director of the Baptist World Alliance.
* I keep this book with my Bible. It is especially helpful when reading through the Gospels. ~ Cathy Hartwig
* The book is beautifully written and I have learned and understood a lot. I am recommending this book. ~ Kattie Mayson (Amazon 5-stars)
* I read your book last night. This is a great book. Thanks for writing this for all of us. ~ Nabeel Sharoon from Pakistan who translated it into Urdu, Hindi, and more..
The Life of Jesusprovides a brief overview of history’s great love story. It gives a summary of the birth and boyhood of Jesus and describes his ministry through three Passover Festivals.
The book includes a detailed chart of a chronology of Jesus’ life and ministry and examines why such a popular, loving, and compassionate young leader would encounter intense hostility and opposition causing his crucifixion.
The mystery and wonder deepen because his resurrection transformed his followers and millions of lives. We date our diaries and calendars from the time of his birth.
Share good news – Share this page freely Copy and share this link on your media, eg Facebook, Instagram, Emails: The Story of Jesus: History’s Great Love Story The Life of Jesus: History’s Great Love Story expanded RenewalJournal – a chronicle of renewal and revival: www.renewaljournal.com
* I must commend the exceptional quality of this work. The depth of insight, clarity of expression, and emotional resonance are truly remarkable. It’s rare to encounter a book that not only informs but also transforms its readers. The overwhelmingly positive feedback is well-deserved, and I join others in recommending this as a valuable and impactful read. Congratulations to the author on such an inspiring and masterfully written contribution. – Katty Jay
* Our team recently came across your book entitled The Life of Jesus: History’s Great Love Story, and we were captivated from start to finish. Your writing style is not only engaging but also remarkably insightful, and the story-line/topic you’ve crafted is nothing short of compelling. Its unique qualities and the emotions it evokes have the power to resonate with readers on a profound level. ~ James Mendez (Skylark)
* This is a very informative, amazing, and powerful book. Thanks to the author for investing hours of research, expressed with his masterful command of language. ~ Alex Johnson
* I recently spent time with The Life of Jesus: History’s Great Love Story and was deeply moved by its clarity, structure, and spiritual resonance. By framing Jesus’ life and ministry around three Passover Festivals, you offer readers not only a historical overview but a fresh, accessible way to engage with the heart of the Gospel story.
Your ability to trace Jesus’ legacy his profound influence, his suffering, and his resurrection invites readers to reflect not just on a distant past, but on the living power of a story that continues to transform lives. Given that this is the world’s most translated and best-selling narrative, your work stands as a relevant and much-needed companion for both seasoned believers and curious seekers. ~ Carol Daniel
* Your book The Life of Jesus: History’s Great Love Story strikes that rare balance between devotional warmth and historical clarity. By framing Jesus’ ministry through Passover Festivals and mapping out a detailed chronology, you’ve created something that’s both deeply spiritual and accessible for modern readers.
It’s clear your decades of mission, teaching, and renewal work flow directly into your writing, it reads like a heartfelt invitation to rediscover Jesus’ story as both history and love in action. This feels like the kind of resource not only for individual readers, but also for Bible study groups who want structured yet personal insights. ~ Cassandra Lattmore
* The Life of Jesus by Rev. Dr. Geoffrey Waugh is a beautifully written, deeply reflective, and spiritually enriching work that invites readers to encounter Jesus not merely as a historical figure, but as the living embodiment of divine love, courage, and truth. With clarity, scholarship, and heartfelt reverence, Dr. Waugh guides readers through the mystery of why a man who loved so completely and served so selflessly would face such intense opposition and ultimately be crucified. What makes this book especially compelling is its balance between historical insight and spiritual depth. Dr. Waugh presents a concise yet meaningful overview of Jesus’ birth, boyhood, and public ministry, structured around the three Passover festivals that frame His mission. This approach helps readers see the unfolding of Jesus’ life with greater coherence and purpose, illuminating how His message challenged not only individuals but entire systems of power, tradition, and fear. ~ Patricia R. (GoodReads)
* The Life of Jesus: History’s Great Love Story by Rev. Dr. Geoffrey Waugh is a thoughtful and inspiring exploration of Jesus’ life, ministry, and the mystery of why a man defined by love and compassion faced such intense opposition. With clear historical context, a well-structured chronology, and fresh insights, Waugh presents the Gospel story in a way that is both accessible and deeply meaningful. This book invites reflection, strengthens faith, and reminds readers why the life of Jesus continues to transform hearts across generations. Highly recommended. ~ Debbie Bosch (GoodReads)
* The Life of Jesus: History’s Great Love Story by Rev. Dr. Geoffrey Waugh is a beautifully written, insightful, and spiritually enriching book that invites readers to see Jesus not only as a historical figure, but as the embodiment of radical love, courage, and truth. From the very first pages, this book draws you into a story that is as compelling as it is timeless. Rev. Dr. Waugh approaches the life of Jesus with clarity, reverence, and intellectual depth, asking questions many readers have wondered about but rarely see addressed so thoughtfully: Why would a man who loved so deeply and helped so many be met with such hostility? Why would goodness provoke such opposition? These questions are explored with care, historical context, and spiritual insight, making the book both accessible and profound. ~ Mary Haynes (GoodReads)
* Be enriched. A most helpful telling of the life of Jesus using the biblical text and adding some background and charts. Anyone using this book will be enriched. ~ Rev Dr John Olley
* Geoffrey Waugh has written a very helpful devotional book about the Saviour of the world who is also the loving presence in believers. His use of chronology for headings and the many sub-headings makes the book simpler to absorb, even for an enquirer or new believer. I warmly commend this book. ~ Rev Dr Tony Cupit
* Impressive! This book is truly outstanding! Congratulations on this remarkable accomplishment. Keep up the exceptional work! ~ Rachael Diaz
* I had the pleasure of reading your book last night. It is truly exceptional, providing fresh insights. The Life of Jesus effectively directs readers to the profound and uplifting news about who Jesus is and the significance of his actions. Thank you so much for this blog site about Jesus’ Life. ~ Christiana Michael. * A great read that gives a fresh and interesting perspective. Mel. * This is a wonderful book and can be read over and over. Thank you. ~ Kerry Rawson * I keep this book with my Bible. It is especially helpful when reading through the Gospels. ~ Cathy Hartwig
* This is a great read. Simple and easy language that even my children can read as a guide, and have a better understanding of the Life Journey of Christ, as they read it in the Gospels. Thank You. ~ Florence * The book is beautifully written and I have learned and understood a lot. I am recommending this book. ~ Kattie Mayson
* I experienced enrichment through this profound portrayal of Jesus’s life. A compelling read with straightforward and accessible language. This remarkable book is a true gem, deserving to be revisited time and again. ~ Henry * I was going through a tough time. This book saved my life! ~ Danielle Davis * I have found this book to be extremely powerful and effective in my life. Highly recommended. ~ Eileen Marks
* A big life saver. I am very grateful to the author for writing this book. ~ Regina Cruz
* I really enjoyed reading this. It was quite inspirational and remarkable. What an epic journey! I look forward to reading more from this author in the future. ~ Alan Harlow
* A BIG thumbs up to the author for writing it. ~ Constance Morgan
* Your book cover looks fantastic! Your writing style is exceptional, and I loved how the story unfolded, keeping me captivated. ~ Solomon Emordi
* What a captivating cover! There’s such an art to capturing a story visually, and this one does it so well. Wishing you all the best with the release! ~ Habeeb Ayomide
* Beautiful cover art and a captivating title! Already hooked. Your book is fantastic! Sending you best wishes for its success. ~ Enny Precious * I’m blown away by your book cover – it’s stunning! And the title is pure genius, it’s got me intrigued from the very start! ~ Jennifer Mary
* The concept sounds absolutely fascinating, and the cover art is stunning—it really draws you in! ~ Chamberlain Payne
* Your book looks amazing! Its potential to captivate readers is truly inspiring. ~ Shavon Thompson
* This is amazing. Your books are educational and captivating. It brings true memories and happiness. You’re such a brilliant book author, you truly have extensive knowledge of how to catch attention and engage the audience. ~ Patricia Donald
* The passion and dedication you’ve invested in every page are truly inspiring! Now that this exceptional book has come to fruition, what’s your vision for its next great milestone? ~ Ayo J. Olaniyi
* Offering fresh insights, The Life of Jesus points you to the great good news of who Jesus is and what he did. ~ Back cover
* I read your book last night. This is a great book. Thanks for writing this for all of us. ~ Nabeel Sharoon in Pakistan, translated it into five languages: Hindi, Indian Punjabi, Urdu, Sindhi, & Pakistani Punjabi. Indian & Pakistani Translations – Blog Urdu, Hindi & more translations You can freely reproduce and print these PDF eBooks
because his love changes lives eternally
The Amazing Life of Jesusprovides a brief overview of history’s great love story. It gives a summary of the birth and boyhood of Jesus and describes his ministry through three Passover Festivals.
The book includes a detailed chronology of Jesus’ life and ministry and examines why such a popular, loving, and compassionate young leader would encounter intense hostility and opposition causing his crucifixion.
The mystery and wonder deepen because his resurrection transformed his followers and millions of lives. We date our diaries and calendars from the time of his birth. His story is now the world’s best seller annually, translated into over 1400 different languages.
This PDF is an expanded version of The Life of Jesus with extra Bible passages included.
The same Contents and Chapters with more detail added.
Page 4 of the PDF lists some of the additional passages
An expanded version of The Life of Jesus with extra biographical Bible passages added
Permission: you can freely reproduce and share these resources and books, including printing (just include the source). You can print, distribute, and market your edition of any of my books – “by all means save some” (1 Cor 9:22)
Share good news – Share this and any page freely. Over 150,000 blog views annually. Share this link on your media, eg Facebook, Instagram, and Emails:
Why would such a good man who loved so profoundly and helped so many people be killed? Why did he provoke opposition?
If God walked among us in the person of his Son, why would people want to kill him? Why did so many vehemently oppose him?
That puzzled me as a boy. It still does.
The greatest love story the world has ever seen led to the excruciating death of crucifixion.
Many people have given their lives for other people as soldiers do in war. They die for others, defending home and country. But Jesus’ death was different. God’s Son chose to die for us because of his immense love for us. He took our place. His death gives us life. He is the perfect, sinless, eternal sacrifice for us. His blood cleanses us from all our sin as we trust in him. We are forgiven.
But why did so many good people, good religious people, hate him? That puzzled and fascinated me, so I explore that mystery in this book. I wanted to write a summary overview that people of all ages could read.
I always believed in Jesus. Even as a small boy I loved to hear and then read stories about him. He was so unique, so different. I believed his story as a boy and trusted in him. I still do and I hope you do too.
Jesus did what was good. He healed the sick, fed the hungry, set people free from addictions and evil, performed miracles, and even raised dead people. Huge crowds followed him and wanted him to be their king.
Now billions follow him, captivated by his love, the greatest love story of all. You can do that also. I invite you to simply pray something like this: Thank you Lord for all you’ve done. Forgive me for any wrong in my life. I trust in you and give my life to you.
Introduction
The year on our calendar or diary reminds us of when Jesus was born, approximately. We count the years from his arrival. So when you look at your diary or calendar you can be reminded again of Jesus.
They called him Yeshua (Joshua/Jesus) of Nazareth, the same name as Moses’ famous general who led God’s people into their Promised Land. Yeshua means God saves, or God is salvation.
That name comes to us in English through many translations from Yeshua or Y’shua in Hebrew and Aramaic, then translated into Iesous in Greek, then to IESVS in Latin and later as IESUS as printed in the first edition of the King James Bible in 1611. Later that century ‘J’ replaced the ‘I’ so the English name became Jesu (vocative) and Jesus (nominative) but eventually just Jesus in English. Other languages have translations such as Jesu, Yesu, and Isa.
English translations of the Bible used the name Jesus for Joshua/Jesus of Nazareth, and the name Joshua for others with that same name.[1] So in English, the name Jesus became unique and sacred for Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of God, the Saviour of the world. The angel Gabriel announced his name before his birth to both Mary his mother and to Joseph who married Mary.[2] Gabriel explained that Yeshua (Joshua/Jesus) had that name because he would save his people from their sins.
The great love story had begun. Jesus came to save us and give us eternal life.
His followers recorded that story of his life and his love in the good news of the four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The rest of the New Testament explores the mystery and wonder of that amazing life and love.
Scholars have a bewildering array of theories about the Bible and about who wrote what, and when, and where, and why. I’m content to run with traditional explanations that have been used throughout most of history.
Jesus’ unique and wonderful life, his brutal death for us, and his powerful resurrection, all reveal his and God’s eternal love for us all. You could pause and thank him right now even as you read this.
John’s Gospel emphasizes God’s eternal love revealed in Jesus. It includes the most famous passage in the Bible:
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begottenSon, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. (John 3:16-17, NKJV).
That love, powerfully shown on the cross, has transformed billions of lives, restoring believers to an intimate and eternal relationship with God and with others.
Three physical metaphors help me to be constantly aware of, and grateful for, God’s presence with us always:
(1) Light surrounds you. By it you can read this. The sun always shines, even when it’s hidden from us. Light shines around us though we may be unaware of it. God is light and in him there is no darkness at all. We can live in his light.
(2) Blood pumps through your body right now, cleansing and healing. We may be unaware of it until reactions like alarm alert us to our beating heart. Jesus’ blood cleanses from all sin, always. We can trust him for he is with us.
(3) We may breathe without being aware of it, or we can be aware and take deep breaths, as you may have done just now! Breath purifies our lungs and body. God is Spirit and like breath or fresh breeze, he can purify us.
May the light of God’s love breathe life in you right now.
We’ve been made in God’s image to have an eternal, loving relationship with him that even transcends death. We can know and experience God’s unconditional love no matter how far we stray from him. Those who stray most are often the most grateful for his forgiveness and love. We all stray in many ways and we all need forgiveness and we can and should be truly grateful.
God knows and loves us as we are. That makes praying or talking to him easy because he already knows our failures and struggles and welcomes us just as we are. The more honestly we come to him the more he can transform us.
If we have trouble believing we can at least say, “God, if you’re there, help me.”
Some thoughts may get in the way when we pray or want to talk to God. Just give him those thoughts. He already knows all about it and loves us as we are.
If we reject God’s love and mercy by ignoring him and going our own way, we condemn ourselves to eternal darkness away from his light and love.
If we accept his love and forgiveness by believing in him, by trusting him, he gives us life, his eternal life. That makes us new. We are transformed.
Vast numbers of people worldwide of all faiths, and of none, have prayed the prayer in the popular hymn by Charlotte Elliot, ‘Just as I am’ which includes these adapted verses:
Just as I am, without one plea
But that Your blood was shed for me
And that You bid me come to Thee,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, though tossed about
With many a conflict, many a doubt,
Fighting and fears within, without,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
God welcomes us and we can all pray that prayer. A title for Jesus, as in that song, is the sacrificial Lamb of God who takes away our sin.
The Life of Jesus is a vast topic with millions of books written about it. I hope my small contribution gives you a helpful overview. I quote from the New Revised Standard Version unless indicated otherwise, and include many footnotes that you can explore to discover more.
Best of all, of course, are the inspired Gospels now in over 700 different languages in Bible translations and a further 3,500 languages have Bible portions, especially the Gospels. Read and respond to those Gospels.
[1]Iesous (Yeshua) is translated as Joshua in these verses: Luke 3:29; Acts 7:45; Hebrews 4:8.
It began at the beginning, this great love story, for “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”[1]
Why did he do that? For us.
He did it for you. He loved you so much he created you to know and enjoy him now as you read this, and forever. He offers you intimate, infinite love. He created you through the wondrous union of your parents’ ecstasy.
He made the earth for us to inhabit and care for and rule. He made the heavens (plural) for us to inherit, the physical firmament and also the realms of vast, eternal glory prepared especially for us.[2]
He created us free to accept or reject his astounding love. Sadly we went our own way. We all, like sheep, went astray. We all turned to our own way. So God laid on his Servant, his Son, all our iniquity.[3] God saves us through his Son in their great love for us all. You could pause and thank him now as you read this.
In the beginning, Adam and Eve enjoyed intimate, unashamed relationship with God and each other. Then, like us, they believed lies and went their own way, losing Paradise. But God still blessed and sustained them and their descendants who chose to love him and live for him. Sadly only a few did.
Noah and his family loved and obeyed God and he rescued them from the great flood. People ridiculed him for obeying God and building a huge boat on dry ground – not even in a dry dock. The rainbow became the sign of God’s covenant to Noah and his descendants including us.
Abram, a wealthy sheik from the wide fertile Tigris and Euphrates valleys in western Asia, north-west of the Arabian Peninsula (now Iraq), loved and obeyed God. Renamed Abraham (God’s friend) he journeyed to the Promised Land, now called Israel, from the name given to his grandson who wrestled with an angel or with the Lord.[4] Circumcision became the covenant sign for them and for their descendants through whom God would provide his salvation for us all.
Abraham and his descendants walked that verdant Promised Land, as did Jesus and his followers. So did our family for a month in December-January, 1981-82.[5]
King David reigned there for 40 years from around 1000 BC, described as a man after God’s own heart who would do what God wanted.[6] That’s an amazing picture of God’s love and grace for flawed people like David. His descendants ruled from his capital, Jerusalem, till the fall of their kingdom to Babylon. The human Jesus was descended from David through Mary, as was Mary’s husband Joseph, also a descendant of the royal line of David.
God blessed his people through history when they remained faithful to him but sadly, like us, they often went their own way, not God’s way. The northern kingdom of Israel fell captive to Assyria by 722 BC, as did the southern kingdom of Judah to Babylon from 597 BC. Then Cyrus of Persia allowed the exiles in captivity to return from 538 BC. Babylonian armies took captives in waves of exiles, and the exiles returned in various groups, then speaking Aramaic, a Semitic language similar to their Hebrew Scriptures. Their temple in Jerusalem lay in ruins for 70 years, from 586 BC to 516 BC. The returning exiles became known as Jews, a term derived from the former kingdom of Judah.
Alexander the Great’s conquests established Greek culture and language in Israel from around 333 BC, eventually sparking the Maccabean revolt from 165 BC with the Jews gaining independence from 134 BC.
Their independence lasted less than a century till 63 BC when warring brothers appealed to Rome, and Roman armies then invaded and killed 12,000 people, including temple priests, in the siege of Jerusalem. Rome then ruled its province of Judea, also named from the previous kingdom of Judah.
Those searing memories simmered strong in the Israel of Jesus’ day when Jews longed for their Messiah to deliver them. Radicals often attacked the Roman occupying armies. Rome retaliated swiftly and brutally. Their armies slaughtered thousands, with hundreds nailed to crosses as in a rebellion led by Judas the Galilean in AD 6 when Jesus was a boy.[7]
Jesus’ elderly relatives the old priest Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth lived near Jerusalem, and Zechariah had been literally dumfounded while offering incense in the temple during his roster when the angel Gabriel told him they would have a son to be named John. Zechariah spoke again nine months later at his son’s birth when he announced that the boy’s name was John.[8]
Six months after that temple encounter, Gabriel appeared again, this time to Mary in the northern hills of Nazareth. He announced that Mary would conceive by the Holy Spirit and her son would be called Yeshua (Joshua/Jesus), meaning ‘God saves’ or ‘God is salvation.’
Mary’s pregnancy created a problem for her espoused husband-to-be Joseph. Being a good man he decided to separate or divorce quietly and not make a fuss now Mary was pregnant. An angel intervened in a dream and explained about the miraculous pregnancy and that Mary’s son would be named Yeshua (Joshua/Jesus) because he would save his people from their sins. Matthew wrote that it fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy:
‘Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall name him Emmanuel’
which means, ‘God is with us.’ (Matthew 1:23; Isaiah 9:6)
The great love story burst into history through that holy, miraculous conception. Excited at her news, Mary journeyed about 100km (64 miles) south to visit her relatives Elizabeth and Zechariah near Jerusalem. Old Elizabeth declared that her baby John leaped in her womb when she heard Mary’s news.[9] Mary stayed with Elizabeth and her dumb husband for three months till John was born (when Zechariah spoke again). They believed Gabriel’s word that John would, in the spirit of Elijah, announce the coming of the Lord. Those two women, supernaturally blessed, carried the wonder of God’s loving purposes in their wombs.
This came in the fullness of time.[10] Previous history pointed to Jesus’ coming as the Messiah, the Christ, God’s Son. We now date history from that birth.
The life of Jesus is history’s great love story. The overview in this brief book points you to the great good news of who Jesus is and what he did. That story is told best in the Bible, God’s inspired word.
I hope this brief commentary points you again to that God-breathed living word. It gave me fresh insights as I researched the harmonized story of these gospels.
Many writers discuss the popular five love languages: affirmation, service, gifts, time, and touch. Jesus demonstrated all these in various ways.
He affirmed and admired faith, especially faith in him for healing and help.
He served daily and showed it dramatically by washing his disciples’ feet.
He gave his life for us and ultimately he gives eternal life to all who believe.
His three years of quality time with his followers prepared them to serve.
His touch brought physical and spiritual healing and freedom to multitudes.
I love the way John summed up the reason for writing his Gospel: “Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.” (John 20:31)
That is my prayer for you, my reader. Here is my echoing sonnet, penned over fifty years ago.
Sin stalks the soul, and permeates the whole Of life lived here where we, while bound by fear, Hunt far and near for freedom to appear From pole to pole with our minds in control. That worthy goal seems mockery. Sin stole Our freedom dear, left pain and woe to sear Each life, a mere heartache, or sob, or tear, Like a lost mole, blind, dirty in its hole. God’s love stepped in to fight and conquer sin Through Christ who bled and died and rose as Head Supreme of all who claim Him Lord. Our fall, Clamour and din may end in Him. We win Release from dread, freedom, life from the dead, Unbound from gall, in answer to His call.
(7) The Lion of Judah – Blog The Lion of Judah – PDF 6 books in one volume * Looking for a great book to help you meditate on the wonder of Jesus in all his richness and grandeur and love? Geoff Waugh has helpfully and thoughtfully brought together wide-ranging biblical passages… Read this book prayerfully and you will not be the same! ~ John Olley.
* This book is full of information, biblical information. I have learned so much from it … If you want to learn more from the Bible, this is the book to read. ~ A. Aldridge
The Amazing Life of Jesusprovides a brief overview of history’s great love story. It gives a summary of the birth and boyhood of Jesus and describes his ministry through three Passover Festivals.
The book includes a detailed chronology of Jesus’ life and ministry and examines why such a popular, loving, and compassionate young leader would encounter intense hostility and opposition causing his crucifixion.
The mystery and wonder deepen because his resurrection transformed his followers and millions of lives. We date our diaries and calendars from the time of his birth. His story is now the world’s best seller annually, translated into over 1400 different languages.
This PDF is an expanded version of The Life of Jesus with extra Bible passages included.
The same Contents and Chapters with more detail added.
Page 4 of the PDF lists some of the additional passages
An expanded version of The Life of Jesus with extra biographical Bible passages added
Permission: you can freely reproduce and share these resources and books, including printing (just include the source). You can print, distribute, and market your edition of any of my books – “by all means save some” (1 Cor 9:22)
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* I must commend the exceptional quality of this work. The depth of insight, clarity of expression, and emotional resonance are truly remarkable. It’s rare to encounter a book that not only informs but also transforms its readers. The overwhelmingly positive feedback is well-deserved, and I join others in recommending this as a valuable and impactful read. Congratulations to the author on such an inspiring and masterfully written contribution. ~ Katty Jay
* The Amazing Life of Jesus made Scripture come alive for me. The timeline and context around the Passover festivals were eye-opening. Highly recommended – order a copy and be inspired by Jesus’ life and ministry. ~ Philip Rettew
* I just discovered The Amazing Life of Jesus: History’s Great Love Story, and I’m deeply moved by your approach. A scholarly yet accessible exploration of why a profoundly loving, compassionate leader would face such intense hostility and opposition—examining the mystery of why people would want to kill God walking among us—this is exactly the kind of thoughtful, fresh perspective on Jesus’ life that seekers and believers are searching for right now.
As Rev Dr Geoffrey Waugh, you bring scholarly credibility and pastoral heart to history’s most important story. Your detailed chronology, examination of Jesus’ ministry through three Passover Festivals, and exploration of the paradox at Christianity’s center—why would the embodiment of love be crucified?—offers readers both information and inspiration. This isn’t just another Jesus biography; it’s an invitation to understand the good news afresh. ~ Mark Dawson
* The Amazing Life of Jesus is a beautifully composed and spiritually resonant narrative, a heartfelt exploration of history’s greatest love story. Your work brings new clarity and devotion to the life and ministry of Jesus, blending scriptural insight with compassionate storytelling that reminds readers why His message continues to transform hearts across generations. The Amazing Life of Jesus stands out not only as a retelling of divine history but as a journey into the mystery of love, sacrifice, and redemption, the cornerstone of Christian faith. ~ Avery Lane
* The Amazing Life of Jesus is an excellent summary for the life and ministry of Christ. I especially appreciated the chronological approach and the author’s ability to make complex biblical events feel simple and relatable. Rev. Waugh’s writing is thoughtful, informative, and sincere. While it’s a concise read, it’s packed with meaningful insights that linger long after you finish. It’s a great resource for both new believers and those who’ve been walking with Christ for years. ~ James Dunkies
* Our team recently came across your book entitled The Life of Jesus: History’s Great Love Story, and we were captivated from start to finish. Your writing style is not only engaging but also remarkably insightful, and the story-line/topic you’ve crafted is nothing short of compelling. Its unique qualities and the emotions it evokes have the power to resonate with readers on a profound level. ~ James Mendez (Skylark)
* This book reignited my faith. Rev. Dr. Waugh writes with deep compassion and wisdom, guiding readers through the story of Jesus not just as history, but as a living reality of love and sacrifice. I loved how he addressed the question why would anyone want to kill someone so good? His reflections are both thought–provoking and comforting. It’s a short but powerful read that reminds us of the beauty of God’s redemptive plan. A treasure for any Christian library! ~ William Lawson
* What stood out to me most was the thoughtful way you explore one of history’s most profound questions why a man who loved so deeply and served so selflessly would provoke such intense opposition. Framing Jesus’ story as history’s great love story while carefully examining the resistance he faced gives the narrative both emotional depth and theological clarity.
Your structured journey through his birth, boyhood, and ministry across the Passover festivals along with the detailed chronology offers readers both accessibility and scholarly grounding. It is the kind of Christian nonfiction that clearly deserves readers who are genuinely seeking insight, reflection, and a deeper understanding of who Jesus is and what he accomplished not just casual browsing, but meaningful engagement. ~ Valeria Axel
* When I came across The Life of Jesus: History’s Great Love Story, I found myself reading not just a retelling of history, but a rekindling of the greatest love story ever told. From the very first pages, your words awaken something tender and timeless, the awe of realizing that divinity once walked among us, and that perfect love chose to bear rejection, suffering, and death so that humanity could find life. What moved me most about your work is how reverently you approach the mystery of Christ’s life. You do not merely recount His story, you invite us to behold it. You help us see the humanity of Jesus with new eyes: His laughter among friends, His compassion for the broken, His courage in confronting injustice, and His willingness to carry the world’s weight on His shoulders. Your book reminds us that the Gospels are not only sacred text but living testimony — that love in its purest form is not abstract but embodied. You ask the questions that echo across centuries: Why would such a good man, who healed and helped, be killed? And in answering, you uncover a deeper truth, that divine love, when lived fully, exposes the darkness of human fear. That Jesus was opposed not because He failed to love, but because He loved too deeply, too honestly, too freely. Through your careful chronology and heartfelt insight, readers are guided beyond doctrine and into the living pulse of faith — into the wonder of a God who chose the road of suffering to redeem the world. The Life of Jesus reads like both scholarship and worship — thoughtful yet filled with devotion, rooted in history yet ablaze with revelation. It is a book that can reawaken hearts dulled by familiarity, reminding us that the story of Jesus is not distant or finished, it is ongoing, alive in every life touched by His grace. Your book holds the power to speak to multiple audiences: believers seeking renewal in their faith, seekers yearning to understand Christ through a fresh, compassionate lens, and even those who have grown weary of religion but still ache for meaning. ~ Lisa Gonzalez
* After spending time engaging with The Life of Jesus, I wanted to express my appreciation for the clarity, insight, and thoughtful exploration you bring to one of the most profound questions in Christian faith: Why would such a loving, compassionate, and powerful man provoke such intense opposition that it led to His death. Your work approaches this mystery with depth, historical awareness, and reverence for the gospel narrative. What stands out immediately is your framing of Jesus’ life as the great love story of history. By tracing His birth, boyhood, and public ministry through the rhythm of three Passover festivals, you help readers see His life not as a series of disconnected events but as a purposeful and unfolding revelation of God’s heart. John chapter one verse fourteen tells us that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and your book invites readers to dwell thoughtfully within that reality. I was especially encouraged by your examination of opposition. Rather than treating hostility toward Jesus as a tragic misunderstanding, you carefully explore why truth, holiness, and divine authority often provoke resistance. Your analysis helps readers understand that Jesus was not rejected despite His love but often because of it. John chapter three verse nineteen reminds us that light exposes darkness, and your work explains this dynamic with clarity and balance. The detailed chronology you provide is another valuable strength. It grounds the reader historically while deepening theological understanding. By anchoring Jesus’ ministry in real time, real places, and real conflict, you help readers engage the gospel accounts with renewed seriousness and awe. This approach strengthens faith by showing that the story of Jesus is not myth but history infused with divine purpose. What makes The Life of Jesus particularly impactful is the way you continually point readers back to the good news. Beyond explaining what happened, you illuminate who Jesus is and why His life, death, and ministry matter eternally. Luke chapter nineteen verse ten tells us that the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost, and your book consistently draws attention to that redemptive mission. Your writing offers fresh insight without sacrificing faithfulness to Scripture. It invites readers to think deeply, ask honest questions, and encounter Jesus not only as a historical figure but as the living Son of God. This balance makes the book accessible to thoughtful believers, students of Scripture, and those seeking a deeper understanding of the gospel story. The Life of Jesus is well suited for personal study, group discussion, academic reflection, and church based teaching. It equips readers to understand both the love that drew crowds to Jesus and the truth that stirred opposition, leading ultimately to the cross. On a personal note, your work reinforces the importance of helping believers wrestle honestly with the cost of truth and the nature of Christ’s mission. Understanding why Jesus was opposed deepens our appreciation of His sacrifice and strengthens our commitment to follow Him faithfully. ~ Dorothy Greenfield
* Your book The Life of Jesus: History’s Great Love Story strikes that rare balance between devotional warmth and historical clarity. By framing Jesus’ ministry through Passover Festivals and mapping out a detailed chronology, you’ve created something that’s both deeply spiritual and accessible for modern readers.
It’s clear your decades of mission, teaching, and renewal work flow directly into your writing, it reads like a heartfelt invitation to rediscover Jesus’ story as both history and love in action. This feels like the kind of resource not only for individual readers, but also for Bible study groups who want structured yet personal insights. ~ Cassandra Lattmore
* I recently came across The Life of Jesus: History’s Great Love Story, and I was immediately drawn in by its clarity, reverence, and powerful simplicity. You’ve done something many attempt but few achieve. You’ve told the greatest story ever told in a way that’s accessible, inspiring, and grounded in both historical detail and deep spiritual resonance.
By structuring the narrative around the three Passovers of Christ’s ministry, you’ve not only illuminated Jesus’s life, but also offered readers a profound lens through which to understand the arc of his mission, his sacrifice, and his unshakable love. Your book is more than a biography it’s a guide, a reminder, and a call to reflection. ~ Janice M. Lovell
* I wanted to reach out with sincere appreciation for the warmth, reverence, and lived faith reflected in The Life of Jesus: History’s Great Love Story. What stands out so clearly in your book is the way you present the life of Jesus not only as a theological subject, but as a story of love grounded in real history and real human experience. Rather than distancing the reader with abstraction, you invite them into a narrative that feels relational, compassionate, and deeply personal. Jesus emerges not as a remote figure, but as someone whose life continues to speak through love, sacrifice, and hope. Your long life of teaching, mission, and cross-cultural engagement gives the book a quiet authority. It is evident that this story is not simply studied, but lived. The clarity with which you write reflects decades of reflection, service, and spiritual formation, and that depth makes the book especially accessible to readers who may be encountering the story of Jesus anew, as well as those who have known it for years. I want to say this plainly: that kind of writing matters. In a time when many struggle to reconcile faith with history or devotion with understanding, your approach offers a bridge. By framing the life of Jesus as a love story rooted in history, you help readers engage both heart and mind, without forcing belief or diminishing mystery. The tone is invitational rather than prescriptive, which gives the book its gentle strength. Seen this way, The Life of Jesus feels less like a textbook and more like a companion. It reflects a lifetime shaped by renewal, mission, and community, and it carries the wisdom of someone who has walked alongside many others on their faith journeys. That lived perspective enriches every page. I don’t believe faith stories need to be complicated to be profound. I do believe they should be honest, grounded, and written with care for the reader. Your book embodies those qualities with grace and clarity. ~ Gloria Exley
* I had the pleasure of reading your book last night. It is truly exceptional, providing fresh insights. The Life of Jesus effectively directs readers to the profound and uplifting news about who Jesus is and the significance of his actions. ~ Christiana Michael.
* You’ve created a powerful, accessible biography that offers readers not only a historical journey but a spiritual awakening. The way you connect the Messiah’s earthly journey with the lasting impact of his resurrection resonates deeply. In a world increasingly searching for meaning and truth, your book feels especially vital. It’s a testament to the love story at the heart of history. ~ Susan B. Gravois
* This is a very informative, amazing, and powerful book. Thanks to the author for investing hours of research, expressed with his masterful command of language. ~ Alex Johnson (5-stars)
* The Life of Jesus by Rev. Dr. Geoffrey Waugh is a beautifully written, deeply reflective, and spiritually enriching work that invites readers to encounter Jesus not merely as a historical figure, but as the living embodiment of divine love, courage, and truth. With clarity, scholarship, and heartfelt reverence, Dr. Waugh guides readers through the mystery of why a man who loved so completely and served so selflessly would face such intense opposition and ultimately be crucified. What makes this book especially compelling is its balance between historical insight and spiritual depth. Dr. Waugh presents a concise yet meaningful overview of Jesus’ birth, boyhood, and public ministry, structured around the three Passover festivals that frame His mission. This approach helps readers see the unfolding of Jesus’ life with greater coherence and purpose, illuminating how His message challenged not only individuals but entire systems of power, tradition, and fear. ~ Patricia R. (GoodReads)
* The Life of Jesus: History’s Great Love Story by Rev. Dr. Geoffrey Waugh is a thoughtful and inspiring exploration of Jesus’ life, ministry, and the mystery of why a man defined by love and compassion faced such intense opposition. With clear historical context, a well-structured chronology, and fresh insights, Waugh presents the Gospel story in a way that is both accessible and deeply meaningful. This book invites reflection, strengthens faith, and reminds readers why the life of Jesus continues to transform hearts across generations. Highly recommended. ~ Debbie Bosch (GoodReads)
* The Life of Jesus: History’s Great Love Story by Rev. Dr. Geoffrey Waugh is a beautifully written, insightful, and spiritually enriching book that invites readers to see Jesus not only as a historical figure, but as the embodiment of radical love, courage, and truth. From the very first pages, this book draws you into a story that is as compelling as it is timeless. Rev. Dr. Waugh approaches the life of Jesus with clarity, reverence, and intellectual depth, asking questions many readers have wondered about but rarely see addressed so thoughtfully: Why would a man who loved so deeply and helped so many be met with such hostility? Why would goodness provoke such opposition? These questions are explored with care, historical context, and spiritual insight, making the book both accessible and profound. ~ Mary Haynes (GoodReads)
* Be enriched. A most helpful telling of the life of Jesus using the biblical text and adding some background and charts. Anyone using this book will be enriched. ~ Rev Dr John Olley (Amazon 5-stars)
* This is a wonderful book and can be read over and over. Thank you. ~ Kerry Rawson
* A great read that gives a fresh and interesting perspective. Mel.
* This is a great read. Simple and easy language that even my children can read as a guide, and have a better understanding of the Life Journey of Christ, as they read it in the Gospels. Thank You. ~ Florence
* Good clear language for a seeker to read and understand the life of Jesus. ~ Duncan Gibb
* Geoff Waugh has written a very helpful devotional book about the Saviour of the world who is also the loving presence in believers. Having known Geoff for over sixty years I can testify that every word written proceeds from his own heart of love for Jesus and for all God’s children. Geoff has avoided trying to manufacture some theory or new twist to make the book more colourful. He has used Scripture as his main source and has been faithful to both the divinity and humanity of Jesus as expressed in the Gospels. His use of chronology for headings and the many sub-headings makes the book simpler to absorb, even for an enquirer or new believer. It reminds me a little of Leon Morris’s beautiful book The Lord from Heaven. I warmly commend this book. ~ Rev Dr Tony Cupit, Former Director of the Baptist World Alliance.
* I keep this book with my Bible. It is especially helpful when reading through the Gospels. ~ Cathy Hartwig
* This book is for those who question Jesus’ reality as the Son of God, and for those who search for the details of His amazing life on this earth. ~ Judith Abrey * The book is beautifully written and I have learned and understood a lot. I am recommending this book. ~ Kattie Mayson (Amazon 5-stars)
* I had the pleasure of reading your book last night. It is truly exceptional, providing fresh insights. The Life of Jesus effectively directs readers to the profound and uplifting news about who Jesus is and the significance of his actions. Thanks you so much for this blog site about Jesus Life. ~ Christiana Michael.
* I experience enrichment through this profound portrayal of Jesus’s life. A compelling read with straightforward and accessible language. This remarkable book is a true gem, deserving to be revisited time and again. ~ Henry
* Impressive! This book is truly outstanding! Congratulations on this remarkable accomplishment. Keep up the exceptional work! ~ Rachael Diaz
* Offering fresh insights, The Life of Jesus points you to the great good news of who Jesus is and what he did. ~ Back cover
* I read your book last night. This is a great book. Thanks for writing this for all of us. ~ Nabeel Sharoon from Pakistan who translated it into 5 languages..
* Your book cover looks fantastic! Your writing style is exceptional, and I loved how the story unfolded, keeping me captivated. ~ Solomon Emordi
* What a captivating cover! There’s such an art to capturing a story visually, and this one does it so well. Wishing you all the best with the release! ~ Habeeb Ayomide
* Beautiful cover art and a captivating title! Already hooked. Your book is fantastic! Sending you best wishes for its success. ~ Enny Precious * I’m blown away by your book cover – it’s stunning! And the title is pure genius, it’s got me intrigued from the very start! ~ Jennifer Mary
* The concept sounds absolutely fascinating, and the cover art is stunning—it really draws you in! ~ Chamberlain Payne
* Your book looks amazing! Its potential to captivate readers is truly inspiring. ~ Shavon Thompson
* This is amazing. Your books are educational and captivating. It brings true memories and happiness. You’re such a brilliant book author, you truly have extensive knowledge of how to catch attention and engage the audience. ~ Patricia Donald
* The passion and dedication you’ve invested in every page are truly inspiring! Now that this exceptional book has come to fruition, what’s your vision for its next great milestone? ~ Ayo J. Olaniyi
Why would such a good man who loved so profoundly and helped so many people be killed? Why did he provoke opposition?
If God walked among us in the person of his Son, why would people want to kill him? Why did so many vehemently oppose him?
That puzzled me as a boy. It still does.
The greatest love story the world has ever seen led to the excruciating death of crucifixion.
Many people have given their lives for other people as soldiers do in war. They die for others, defending home and country. But Jesus’ death was different. God’s Son chose to die for us because of his immense love for us. He took our place. His death gives us life. He is the perfect, sinless, eternal sacrifice for us. His blood cleanses us from all our sin as we trust in him. We are forgiven.
But why did so many good people, good religious people, hate him? That puzzled and fascinated me, so I explore that mystery in this book. I wanted to write a summary overview that people of all ages could read.
I always believed in Jesus. Even as a small boy I loved to hear and then read stories about him. He was so unique, so different. I believed his story as a boy and trusted in him. I still do and I hope you do too.
Jesus did what was good. He healed the sick, fed the hungry, set people free from addictions and evil, performed miracles, and even raised dead people. Huge crowds followed him and wanted him to be their king.
Now billions follow him, captivated by his love, the greatest love story of all. You can do that also. I invite you to simply pray something like this: Thank you Lord for all you’ve done. Forgive me for any wrong in my life. I trust in you and give my life to you.
Introduction
The year on our calendar or diary reminds us of when Jesus was born, approximately. We count the years from his arrival. So when you look at your diary or calendar you can be reminded again of Jesus.
They called him Yeshua (Joshua/Jesus) of Nazareth, the same name as Moses’ famous general who led God’s people into their Promised Land. Yeshua means God saves, or God is salvation.
That name comes to us in English through many translations from Yeshua or Y’shua in Hebrew and Aramaic, then translated into Iesous in Greek, then to IESVS in Latin and later as IESUS as printed in the first edition of the King James Bible in 1611. Later that century ‘J’ replaced the ‘I’ so the English name became Jesu (vocative) and Jesus (nominative) but eventually just Jesus in English. Other languages have translations such as Jesu, Yesu, and Isa.
English translations of the Bible used the name Jesus for Joshua/Jesus of Nazareth, and the name Joshua for others with that same name.[1] So in English, the name Jesus became unique and sacred for Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of God, the Saviour of the world. The angel Gabriel announced his name before his birth to both Mary his mother and to Joseph who married Mary.[2] Gabriel explained that Yeshua (Joshua/Jesus) had that name because he would save his people from their sins.
The great love story had begun. Jesus came to save us and give us eternal life.
His followers recorded that story of his life and his love in the good news of the four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The rest of the New Testament explores the mystery and wonder of that amazing life and love.
Scholars have a bewildering array of theories about the Bible and about who wrote what, and when, and where, and why. I’m content to run with traditional explanations that have been used throughout most of history.
Jesus’ unique and wonderful life, his brutal death for us, and his powerful resurrection, all reveal his and God’s eternal love for us all. You could pause and thank him right now even as you read this.
John’s Gospel emphasizes God’s eternal love revealed in Jesus. It includes the most famous passage in the Bible:
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begottenSon, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. (John 3:16-17, NKJV).
That love, powerfully shown on the cross, has transformed billions of lives, restoring believers to an intimate and eternal relationship with God and with others.
Three physical metaphors help me to be constantly aware of, and grateful for, God’s presence with us always:
(1) Light surrounds you. By it you can read this. The sun always shines, even when it’s hidden from us. Light shines around us though we may be unaware of it. God is light and in him there is no darkness at all. We can live in his light.
(2) Blood pumps through your body right now, cleansing and healing. We may be unaware of it until reactions like alarm alert us to our beating heart. Jesus’ blood cleanses from all sin, always. We can trust him for he is with us.
(3) We may breathe without being aware of it, or we can be aware and take deep breaths, as you may have done just now! Breath purifies our lungs and body. God is Spirit and like breath or fresh breeze, he can purify us.
May the light of God’s love breathe life in you right now.
We’ve been made in God’s image to have an eternal, loving relationship with him that even transcends death. We can know and experience God’s unconditional love no matter how far we stray from him. Those who stray most are often the most grateful for his forgiveness and love. We all stray in many ways and we all need forgiveness and we can and should be truly grateful.
God knows and loves us as we are. That makes praying or talking to him easy because he already knows our failures and struggles and welcomes us just as we are. The more honestly we come to him the more he can transform us.
If we have trouble believing we can at least say, “God, if you’re there, help me.”
Some thoughts may get in the way when we pray or want to talk to God. Just give him those thoughts. He already knows all about it and loves us as we are.
If we reject God’s love and mercy by ignoring him and going our own way, we condemn ourselves to eternal darkness away from his light and love.
If we accept his love and forgiveness by believing in him, by trusting him, he gives us life, his eternal life. That makes us new. We are transformed.
Vast numbers of people worldwide of all faiths, and of none, have prayed the prayer in the popular hymn by Charlotte Elliot, ‘Just as I am’ which includes these adapted verses:
Just as I am, without one plea
But that Your blood was shed for me
And that You bid me come to Thee,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, though tossed about
With many a conflict, many a doubt,
Fighting and fears within, without,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
God welcomes us and we can all pray that prayer. A title for Jesus, as in that song, is the sacrificial Lamb of God who takes away our sin.
The Life of Jesus is a vast topic with millions of books written about it. I hope my small contribution gives you a helpful overview. I quote from the New Revised Standard Version unless indicated otherwise, and include many footnotes that you can explore to discover more.
Best of all, of course, are the inspired Gospels now in over 700 different languages in Bible translations and a further 3,500 languages have Bible portions, especially the Gospels. Read and respond to those Gospels.
[1]Iesous (Yeshua) is translated as Joshua in these verses: Luke 3:29; Acts 7:45; Hebrews 4:8.
It began at the beginning, this great love story, for “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”[1]
Why did he do that? For us.
He did it for you. He loved you so much he created you to know and enjoy him now as you read this, and forever. He offers you intimate, infinite love. He created you through the wondrous union of your parents’ ecstasy.
He made the earth for us to inhabit and care for and rule. He made the heavens (plural) for us to inherit, the physical firmament and also the realms of vast, eternal glory prepared especially for us.[2]
He created us free to accept or reject his astounding love. Sadly we went our own way. We all, like sheep, went astray. We all turned to our own way. So God laid on his Servant, his Son, all our iniquity.[3] God saves us through his Son in their great love for us all. You could pause and thank him now as you read this.
In the beginning, Adam and Eve enjoyed intimate, unashamed relationship with God and each other. Then, like us, they believed lies and went their own way, losing Paradise. But God still blessed and sustained them and their descendants who chose to love him and live for him. Sadly only a few did.
Noah and his family loved and obeyed God and he rescued them from the great flood. People ridiculed him for obeying God and building a huge boat on dry ground – not even in a dry dock. The rainbow became the sign of God’s covenant to Noah and his descendants including us.
Abram, a wealthy sheik from the wide fertile Tigris and Euphrates valleys in western Asia, north-west of the Arabian Peninsula (now Iraq), loved and obeyed God. Renamed Abraham (God’s friend) he journeyed to the Promised Land, now called Israel, from the name given to his grandson who wrestled with an angel or with the Lord.[4] Circumcision became the covenant sign for them and for their descendants through whom God would provide his salvation for us all.
Abraham and his descendants walked that verdant Promised Land, as did Jesus and his followers. So did our family for a month in December-January, 1981-82.[5]
King David reigned there for 40 years from around 1000 BC, described as a man after God’s own heart who would do what God wanted.[6] That’s an amazing picture of God’s love and grace for flawed people like David. His descendants ruled from his capital, Jerusalem, till the fall of their kingdom to Babylon. The human Jesus was descended from David through Mary, as was Mary’s husband Joseph, also a descendant of the royal line of David.
God blessed his people through history when they remained faithful to him but sadly, like us, they often went their own way, not God’s way. The northern kingdom of Israel fell captive to Assyria by 722 BC, as did the southern kingdom of Judah to Babylon from 597 BC. Then Cyrus of Persia allowed the exiles in captivity to return from 538 BC. Babylonian armies took captives in waves of exiles, and the exiles returned in various groups, then speaking Aramaic, a Semitic language similar to their Hebrew Scriptures. Their temple in Jerusalem lay in ruins for 70 years, from 586 BC to 516 BC. The returning exiles became known as Jews, a term derived from the former kingdom of Judah.
Alexander the Great’s conquests established Greek culture and language in Israel from around 333 BC, eventually sparking the Maccabean revolt from 165 BC with the Jews gaining independence from 134 BC.
Their independence lasted less than a century till 63 BC when warring brothers appealed to Rome, and Roman armies then invaded and killed 12,000 people, including temple priests, in the siege of Jerusalem. Rome then ruled its province of Judea, also named from the previous kingdom of Judah.
Those searing memories simmered strong in the Israel of Jesus’ day when Jews longed for their Messiah to deliver them. Radicals often attacked the Roman occupying armies. Rome retaliated swiftly and brutally. Their armies slaughtered thousands, with hundreds nailed to crosses as in a rebellion led by Judas the Galilean in AD 6 when Jesus was a boy.[7]
Jesus’ elderly relatives the old priest Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth lived near Jerusalem, and Zechariah had been literally dumfounded while offering incense in the temple during his roster when the angel Gabriel told him they would have a son to be named John. Zechariah spoke again nine months later at his son’s birth when he announced that the boy’s name was John.[8]
Six months after that temple encounter, Gabriel appeared again, this time to Mary in the northern hills of Nazareth. He announced that Mary would conceive by the Holy Spirit and her son would be called Yeshua (Joshua/Jesus), meaning ‘God saves’ or ‘God is salvation.’
Mary’s pregnancy created a problem for her espoused husband-to-be Joseph. Being a good man he decided to separate or divorce quietly and not make a fuss now Mary was pregnant. An angel intervened in a dream and explained about the miraculous pregnancy and that Mary’s son would be named Yeshua (Joshua/Jesus) because he would save his people from their sins. Matthew wrote that it fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy:
‘Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall name him Emmanuel’
which means, ‘God is with us.’ (Matthew 1:23; Isaiah 9:6)
The great love story burst into history through that holy, miraculous conception. Excited at her news, Mary journeyed about 100km (64 miles) south to visit her relatives Elizabeth and Zechariah near Jerusalem. Old Elizabeth declared that her baby John leaped in her womb when she heard Mary’s news.[9] Mary stayed with Elizabeth and her dumb husband for three months till John was born (when Zechariah spoke again). They believed Gabriel’s word that John would, in the spirit of Elijah, announce the coming of the Lord. Those two women, supernaturally blessed, carried the wonder of God’s loving purposes in their wombs.
This came in the fullness of time.[10] Previous history pointed to Jesus’ coming as the Messiah, the Christ, God’s Son. We now date history from that birth.
The life of Jesus is history’s great love story. The overview in this brief book points you to the great good news of who Jesus is and what he did. That story is told best in the Bible, God’s inspired word.
I hope this brief commentary points you again to that God-breathed living word. It gave me fresh insights as I researched the harmonized story of these gospels.
Many writers discuss the popular five love languages: affirmation, service, gifts, time, and touch. Jesus demonstrated all these in various ways.
He affirmed and admired faith, especially faith in him for healing and help.
He served daily and showed it dramatically by washing his disciples’ feet.
He gave his life for us and ultimately he gives eternal life to all who believe.
His three years of quality time with his followers prepared them to serve.
His touch brought physical and spiritual healing and freedom to multitudes.
I love the way John summed up the reason for writing his Gospel: “Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.” (John 20:31)
That is my prayer for you, my reader. Here is my echoing sonnet, penned over fifty years ago.
Sin stalks the soul, and permeates the whole Of life lived here where we, while bound by fear, Hunt far and near for freedom to appear From pole to pole with our minds in control. That worthy goal seems mockery. Sin stole Our freedom dear, left pain and woe to sear Each life, a mere heartache, or sob, or tear, Like a lost mole, blind, dirty in its hole. God’s love stepped in to fight and conquer sin Through Christ who bled and died and rose as Head Supreme of all who claim Him Lord. Our fall, Clamour and din may end in Him. We win Release from dread, freedom, life from the dead, Unbound from gall, in answer to His call.
Discussion Questions (for use in groups)
Chapter 1: Birth and Boyhood
1. What is one of your favourite Christmas carols and why?
2. What surprises you most about the Christmas story?
3. What challenges you about the boyhood and youth of Jesus?
What would you like people to pray about for you?
Chapter 2: Ministry Begins 1. Why do you think Jesus’ public ministry began after his baptism?
2. What puzzles you most about Jesus’ ministry? (eg casting out spirits)
3. What challenges you about being a disciple of Jesus?
What prayer would you appreciate receiving?
Chapter 3: First to Second Passovers
1. Why do you think John 3:16 is so popular and well known?
2. Who can you identify with in Jesus’ early ministry (eg Nicodemus, Samaritan woman, disciples, religious leaders)
3. What do you think challenged Jesus’ disciples?
What prayer would encourage you just now?
Chapter 4: Second to Third Passovers 1. What impresses you most about Jesus?
2. What challenges you most about Jesus?
3. What surprises you most about Jesus?
What prayer would help you just now?
Chapter 5: Passover to Pentecost 1. What shocks you most about the crucifixion?
2. What helps or challenges you about Jesus’ death and resurrection?
3. What interests you most about the Holy Spirit?
What prayer support would you like now?
(7) The Lion of Judah – Blog The Lion of Judah – PDF 6 books in one volume * Looking for a great book to help you meditate on the wonder of Jesus in all his richness and grandeur and love? Geoff Waugh has helpfully and thoughtfully brought together wide-ranging biblical passages… Read this book prayerfully and you will not be the same! ~ John Olley.
* This book is full of information, biblical information. I have learned so much from it … If you want to learn more from the Bible, this is the book to read. ~ A. Aldridge
Pastor Francis Okiwa reaches rural areas in Kenya with the Gospel and resources.
Here’s his story.
A MUSLIM FAMILY GAVE THEIR LIVES TO CHRIST AFTER THEIR FATHER WAS HEALED BY JESUS AFTER PRAYER
We were taught and trained that once you are born a Muslim, you are always a Muslim. I used to follow my father to the mosque five times a day. I never seriously questioned the rituals of my family’s faith until a friend at school showed me a Bible.
I never wanted to read the Bible because if I’m caught, it will be another story. It’s the highest degree of crime to convert from Islam to Christianity. My friend told me that God is love. It’s not about what you do, but it’s about having faith in him through Jesus Christ.
That’s when my friend invited me to a Christian healing service.
I was very curious to go. Those who came with their crutches started abandoning their crutches, and they were screaming and shouting, “I am healed! I am healed!” That shook my idea about Jesus Christ—that he’s just one of the prophets. The healing power of Jesus Christ is real! And that day I accepted him as my Lord and my personal Saviour.
From that day I stopped going to the mosque with my family and began sneaking off to church. One day my father confronted me.
When I looked at his face, the rage, the anger, he was a monster saying, “Come here, boy. Tell me where are you going.” I said, ‘church.’
“What? You’re going to church?” He pulled out a sword, and he ran after me. He started yelling, cursing me, “I deny you as a son, you are a traitor, you have denied our faith, and you are not my son anymore.”
I used to hide in my friend’s home. After three weeks of hiding, I heard that my father had become paralysed and was dying of an illness that doctors couldn’t diagnose.
When I heard that, I told my friend, “Let’s go and pray for my father.”
My friend said, “No, you cannot do it. This is very dangerous. They are looking for you—they want to kill you!” He said, “You don’t understand.” I said, “You don’t understand! When Jesus heals my father, they will know that Jesus is real.”
I went to see my father.
He was looking at me, I remember. He couldn’t talk. He couldn’t do anything, but he could hear. And I said, “Dad, I’m here to pray for you.”
I said, “Lord Jesus, I know you are a healer. Heal my father right now, so that the Muslims here and the whole world will know that you are a healer.”
Before my prayer ended, I saw my father moving his body. He got up from his bed and he sat. He started talking, “Your Jesus prayer has healed me. Your Jesus is real. I can talk, I can move my body. All the pain is gone.”
He said, “Come back home, you are my son and there’s no more persecution,” in front of everybody.
Many family members saw what happened and also gave their lives to Christ.
That healing miracle led to the conversion of my mother from Islam to Christianity. My younger sister gave her life to Christ. My younger brother gave his life to Christ. Even my half-sisters and brothers who were very devout and they were all mad at me, insulting me, looking for me to kill me, they all gave their lives to Christ as a result and they started going to church with me.
I left my town of Kitale, Kenya, and came to settle In Eldoret to attend Bible Seminary. I now travel around Kenya speaking and praying for others.
Since I gave my life to Christ, my life has never been the same, I’ve been changed into a new person and his love has brought me joy, peace, and happiness. We don’t have to do anything to earn his love. We just have to embrace him into our lives.
by Pastor Francis Okida, New Vision Gospel Ministry
Francis with the books The Life of Jesus and Living in the Spirit
Here are more comments from Francis:
I’m a full-time pastor and a very serious soul-winner evangelist, mainly in far rural areas, and for many years I have been walking a long distance on foot, like 50 km, to go and preach the gospel in far rural areas to distribute gospel tracts, scripture booklets, and books. By the time I reach there, it’s too late in the evening, and I normally get tired on the way, so I cannot preach on that same day, so do it the next day.
With donations we helped him buy two bicycles for his work.
Pastor Francis & Co-pastor evangelize by bike.
He wrote:
We print and distribute your wonderful books locally by using what we call ‘Perfect Book Printing’ here In Eldoret Town, Kenya. By doing that we reach poor Pastors, Church Leaders, Evangelists and many other Preachers in far rural areas with no access to the Internet.
We have several printing machines here In Eldoret, Kenya, so we shall distribute to over 700 rural Pastors in Kenya.I will be distributing these books free of charge as the Lord provides.
If you would like to help Francis you can email me at geoffwaugh2@gmail.com.
Renewal Journal Resources
All the Renewal Journal resources – www.renewaljournal.com – are freely available, and may be shared, reproduced and distributed freely. Some examples:
Kenya
Francis saw them online and now prints some of those books and distributes them in Kenya, as with Flashpoints of Revival and God’s Surprises (both on the main page with links).
Pakistan & India
Nabeel Sharoon saw The Life of Jesus online and translated it into Urdu and Hindi and other main languages of that sub-continent. They’re available free online and some mission groups print some of them. See his work on The Life of Jesus
Dr Randy Clark heads Global Awakening from America, often leading teams to minister in many countries. He printed Revival Fires, an updated version of Flashpoints of Revival.
General
Every day people explore Renewal Journal papers and books on Academia, and they are referenced in various academic papers and reports.
The Renewal Journal began as 20 printed journals mailed to subscribers. Many universities and Christian colleges subscribed for their libraries. Now those journals, books, and hundreds of blogs are available online. Around 400-500 view the blogs daily. You have permission to freely reproduce any of these resources and books. Some are available in Christian bookstores and on Amazon.
You are welcome to share or reproduce any Renewal Journal resource and book.
Now it is cheapest to print it yourself and distribute or sell it yourself.
Also an expanded version with extra Bible passages included The Story of Jesus:
The Story of Jesus – Blog The Story of Jesus – PDF ebook This PDF is an expanded version of The Life of Jesus with extra Bible passages included.
The same Contents and Chapters with more detail added.
Page 4 of the PDF lists the additional passages
An expanded version of The Life of Jesus with extra biographical Bible passages added
Share good news – Share this and any page freely. Over 100,000 blog views annually. Share this link on your media, eg Facebook, Instagram, and Emails: The Life of Jesus: History’s Great Love Story
* Our team recently came across your book entitled The Life of Jesus: History’s Great Love Story, and we were captivated from start to finish. Your writing style is not only engaging but also remarkably insightful, and the story-line/topic you’ve crafted is nothing short of compelling. Its unique qualities and the emotions it evokes have the power to resonate with readers on a profound level. ~ James Mendez (Skylark)
* This is a very informative, amazing, and powerful book. Thanks to the author for investing hours of research, expressed with his masterful command of language. ~ Alex Johnson (5-stars)
* Be enriched. A most helpful telling of the life of Jesus using the biblical text and adding some background and charts. Anyone using this book will be enriched. ~ Rev Dr John Olley (Amazon 5-stars)
* This is a wonderful book and can be read over and over. Thank you. ~ Kerry Rawson
* This is a great read. Simple and easy language that even my children can read as a guide, and have a better understanding of the Life Journey of Christ, as they read it in the Gospels. Thank You. ~ Florence * Good clear language for a seeker to read and understand the life of Jesus. ~ Duncan Gibb
* Geoff Waugh has written a very helpful devotional book about the Saviour of the world who is also the loving presence in believers. Having known Geoff for over sixty years I can testify that every word written proceeds from his own heart of love for Jesus and for all God’s children. Geoff has avoided trying to manufacture some theory or new twist to make the book more colourful. He has used Scripture as his main source and has been faithful to both the divinity and humanity of Jesus as expressed in the Gospels. His use of chronology for headings and the many sub-headings makes the book simpler to absorb, even for an enquirer or new believer. It reminds me a little of Leon Morris’s beautiful book The Lord from Heaven. I warmly commend this book. ~ Rev Dr Tony Cupit, Former Director of the Baptist World Alliance. * I keep this book with my Bible. It is especially helpful when reading through the Gospels. ~ Cathy Hartwig * This book is for those who question Jesus’ reality as the Son of God, and for those who search for the details of His amazing life on this earth. ~ Judith Abrey * The book is beautifully written and I have learned and understood a lot. I am recommending this book. ~ Kattie Mayson (Amazon 5-stars)
* I had the pleasure of reading your book last night. It is truly exceptional, providing fresh insights. The Life of Jesus effectively directs readers to the profound and uplifting news about who Jesus is and the significance of his actions. Thanks you so much for this blog site about Jesus Life. ~ Christiana Michael. * I experience enrichment through this profound portrayal of Jesus’s life. A compelling read with straightforward and accessible language. This remarkable book is a true gem, deserving to be revisited time and again. ~ Henry
* I read your book last night. This is a great book. Thanks for writing this for all of us. ~ Nabeel Sharoon from Pakistan.
Translator: Nabeel Sharoon Nabeel Sharoon in Pakistan translated TheLife of Jesus into 5 languages: Hindi, Indian Punjabi, Urdu, Sindhi, & Pakistani Punjabi. Contact him if you’d like Nabeel to translate your work.
Free PDF translations are on this page, including links to the English versions and PDFs.
Information about translator Nabeel Sharoon – you can pass on to others. Contact Nabeel if you can help him. His home is severely damaged in recent floods.
Multilingual Translator Nabeel Sharoon
36 – S – 579 Saint Peter’s Street Bait-ul-hum Road
Bahar Colony (1), Kot Lakhpat, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan 54000
+923218811917
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Skills – Highly skilled multilingual Manual Translator: with expertise in various languages including English, Urdu, Hindi, Sindhi, Shahmukhi Punjabi, and Gurmukhi Punjabi. Strong Communication Skills: Excellent oral and written communication abilities in English and various regional languages. Attention to Detail: Keen eye for detail to ensure accurate translations and maintain the integrity of the original content. Cultural Sensitivity: Deep understanding of diverse cultures and their impact on language nuances. Time Management: Efficiently manage time to meet tight deadlines and handle multiple translation projects simultaneously. Adaptability: Quick learner who can adapt to different subject matters and styles of writing.
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Experience: Books, Renewal Journal TheLife of Jesus by Geoff Waugh / Multilingual Translator
Author’s Email: geoffwaugh2@gmail.com
To Forgive is Divine – A Novel. The Story Of The Bible by Melissa Leedom
https://www.forgive490.com/
Author’s Email: forgive490@yahoo.com
Susan Davis: Marriage Supper Of The Lamb / Multilingual Translator Bride Of Christ / Multilingual Translator Rapture Or Tribulations / Multilingual Translator Left Behind After The Rapture / Multilingual Translator In Love With The Whirlwind / Multilingual Translator Prepare The Way /Multilingual Translator
https://endtimesprophecycatalog.com/?fbclid=IwAR2eaw6TU53g
fIcY-2wKdh4znJbHwaLGyaB9O606pcgOaWPfxbC12rG9HHM
Author’s Email: kidsmktg@sbcglobal.net
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Education Virtual University of Pakistan / BS (Mass Communication)
Aug 2012 – July 2016, Lahore
Forman Christian College / Intermediate in Commerce
April 2010 – April 2012, Lahore
Franciscan Boys High School/ Matriculation in Science
March 2008 – March 2010, Lahore
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Language Proficiency – English: Bilingual proficiency
– Urdu: Native or bilingual proficiency
– Hindi: Native or bilingual proficiency
– Sindhi: Native or bilingual proficiency
– Shahmukhi Punjabi: Native or bilingual proficiency
– Gurmukhi Punjabi: Native or bilingual proficiency
The Life of Jesusprovides a brief overview of history’s great love story. It gives a summary of the birth and boyhood of Jesus and describes his ministry through three Passover Festivals.
The book includes a detailed chart of a chronology of Jesus’ life and ministry and examines why such a popular, loving, and compassionate young leader would encounter intense hostility and opposition causing his crucifixion.
The mystery and wonder deepen because his resurrection transformed his followers and millions of lives. We date our diaries and calendars from the time of his birth.
Share good news – Share this and any page freely. Over 100,000 views of these blogs annually. Share this link on your media, eg Facebook, Instagram, Emails
A service at a college chapel in Kentucky has ballooned into a nonstop prayer and worship session that some are calling a ‘revival’. People are traveling thousands of miles to take part in it after seeing viral videos on social media.
Asbury Theological Seminary professor Tom McCall writes about what happened on Wednesday, February 8, and continues:
Most Wednesday mornings at Asbury University are like any other. A few minutes before 10, students begin to gather in Hughes Auditorium for chapel. Students are required to attend a certain number of chapels each semester, so they tend to show up as a matter of routine.
But this past Wednesday was different. After the benediction, the gospel choir began to sing a final chorus – and then something began to happen that defies easy description. Students did not leave. They were struck by what seemed to be a quiet but powerful sense of transcendence, and they did not want to go. They stayed and continued to worship. They are still there.
I teach theology across the street at Asbury Theological Seminary, and when I heard of what was happening, I immediately decided to go to the chapel to see for myself. When I arrived, I saw hundreds of students singing quietly. They were praising and praying earnestly for themselves and their neighbors and our world – expressing repentance and contrition for sin and interceding for healing, wholeness, peace, and justice.
‘Some were praying, others were lying prostrate’
Some were reading and reciting Scripture. Others were standing with arms raised. Several were clustered in small groups praying together. A few were kneeling at the altar rail in the front of the auditorium. Some were lying prostrate, while others were talking to one another, their faces bright with joy.
They were still worshiping when I left in the late afternoon and when I came back in the evening. They were still worshiping when I arrived early Thursday morning – and by midmorning hundreds were filling the auditorium again. I have seen multiple students running toward the chapel each day. By Thursday evening, there was standing room only. Students had begun to arrive from other universities.
The worship continued throughout the day on Friday and indeed all through the night. On Saturday morning, I had a hard time finding a seat; by evening the building was packed beyond capacity. Every night, some students and others have stayed in the chapel to pray through the night. And the momentum shows no signs of slowing down.
‘Asbury has an extensive history with revivals’
My colleague Steve Seamands, a retired theologian from the seminary, told me that what is happening resembles the famous Asbury Revival of 1970 he experienced when he was a student. That revival shut down classes for a week, then went on for two more weeks with nightly services. Hundreds of students went out to share what happened with other schools. But what many don’t realize is that Asbury has an even more extensive history with revivals – including one that took place as early as 1905 and another as recent as 2006, when a student chapel led to four days of continuous worship, prayer and praise.
Many people say that in the chapel they hardly even realize how much time has elapsed. It is almost as though time and eternity blur together as heaven and earth meet. Anyone who has witnessed it can agree that something unusual and unscripted is happening.
As an analytic theologian, I am weary of hype and very wary of manipulation. I come from a background (in a particularly revivalist segment of the Methodist-holiness tradition) where I’ve seen efforts to manufacture ‘revivals’ and ‘movements of the Spirit’ that were sometimes not only hollow but also harmful. I do not want anything to do with that.
And truth be told, this is nothing like that. There is no pressure or hype. There is no manipulation. There is no high-pitched emotional fervor. To the contrary, it has so far been mostly calm and serene. The mix of hope and joy and peace is indescribably strong and indeed almost palpable – a vivid and incredibly powerful sense of shalom. The ministry of the Holy Spirit is undeniably powerful but also so gentle.
‘There is an inexpressible sweetness to it’
The holy love of the triune God is apparent, and there is an inexpressible sweetness and innate attractiveness to it. It is immediately obvious why no one wants to leave and why those who must leave want to come back as soon as they can.
I know that God moves in mysterious ways; Jesus tells us that the Spirit blows where it wills (John 3:8). And sometimes God does what Jonathan Edwards called “surprising work” and what John Wesley referred to as “extraordinary” ministry. I know that these are no replacement for the long road of discipleship. But our Lord promises that those who “hunger and thirst for righteousness” will be filled. Hopefully this encounter will have real-life implications in society too, in the same way the Second Great Awakening was pivotal to bringing about the end of slavery in our country.
Source: Tom McCall, CT
Move of God moves off campus
After a weekend of massive crowds at Asbury University, a big change takes the revival off campus. An estimated 15,000 to 20,000+ people attended services over the weekend, February 18-19, at Asbury with 5 overflow buildings and a grass lawn filled. There was a 2.5-mile backup of cars going into Wilmore Kentucky which normally has a population of 6,000. The number of people wanting to participate in the meeting caused the university to expand its worship services to five overflow buildings. Wilmore City officials decided to reroute traffic due to the flood of people descending on the small town to experience the move of God. But the staying power of the Asbury outpouring is about to be tested in a big way. The university has announced that public worship services in the school’s Hughes Auditorium will end.
Beginning Tuesday, February 21, services available to the public are being held at another location in the central Kentucky area. “As part of Asbury’s intention of encouraging and commissioning others to ‘go out’ and share what they have experienced, all services will be hosted at other locations and no longer held at Asbury University. We encourage guests to utilize these other designated facilities for worship and gathering. More information will be shared,” the school posted on its website. Asbury President Kevin J. Brown, Ph.D. also posted a four-minute video update posted to Twitter calling these last few weeks at the Christian school, “unlike anything I’ve ever seen in my life.” “Whether you call this a revival, a renewal, an awakening or an outpouring, what we have experienced on our campus these last few weeks is unlike anything I’ve ever seen in my life,” Brown said.
Brown said he believes Asbury is not the keeper or source of this movement, saying it has already gone to other campuses across the U.S. “People are hungry for something more,” he said, quoting Jesus in the New Testament’s Matthew 5:6. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness for they shall be filled.” “We look to other schools, other churches or ministry communities as co-commissioners in this movement that’s taking shape for us,” Brown said. “Whatever happens from here, our deep desire is to see a life-transforming renewal of our younger generation to faithfully serve their communities, their schools, their churches, and their professions. To see them go into the difficult and dark places in the world and to be light.” In closing, Brown thanked people for praying and asked them to continue to pray that what is happening at Asbury would continue to move across states, countries, and continents so that all may see Christ” he said.
How It Started: The Asbury Collegian reported that it began during a call to confession on Wednesday, February 8, when at least 100 people fell to their knees and bowed at the altar. Since then it has turned into a Holy Spirit outpouring that has only grown larger and larger each day with visitors pouring in from around the U.S. and the world. It is being compared to the culture-changing revival at the same college in 1970, but there’s something different this time. The new non-stop prayer and worship awakening has had social media as a powerful ally that wasn’t available in previous historic campus renewals. The impact has been so powerful that this ongoing Spirit-led event has even drawn the attention of major media outlets. But it’s also drawing a wider worldwide audience, particularly of young people, to witness what is happening through firsthand accounts, photographs, and videos with many of these posts going viral.
Numerous reports reveal the Holy Spirit has ignited several other flames that are now burning brightly at other universities and colleges around the country, bypassing denominational boundaries. It first spread to Lee University, a school with Pentecostal roots in Tennessee. But students at Baptist schools like Cedarville and Samford Universities have also been experiencing the power of God. Over the weekend, there were reports the Holy Spirit-led meetings were still going strong at Samford, a private Christian school located on the outskirts of Birmingham, Alabama. Students are in Reid Chapel (Samford University) in complete awe of God. Praying, worshipping, reading Scripture, according to eyewitnesses. Meanwhile, early reports are coming in that students at Baylor University are also seeking God for a move of His Spirit.
A moving documentary about the 1970 Asbury College Revival
The quiet, precious movement of God continues in Wilmore, Kentucky, on the campus of Asbury University. This is not the first time an extended movement has occurred here. Similar movements happened in the 30s when a prayer meeting led by E. Stanly Jones lasted for many days. In the ’50s, two other activities occurred, and in 1970, a chapel service extended for seven days and nights.
I’ve had the privilege of sitting in Hughes Auditorium, where this is happening, watching and experiencing this extraordinary movement. I have been a pastor for 54 years serving in the Baptist stream. This is what I’ve observed.
VIBRANT, POWERFUL WORSHIP.
Worship is being led by various student teams. Some are more proficient than others, but all are humble. We do not know their names. There are no fog machines nor lights—just piano and guitar by unnamed students worshiping God. We are singing songs that would be familiar to most of us, often just acapella, with no instruments. Contemporary songs are sung, often interspersed by the
hymns of the church. There are no words on the screen, and they do not seem to be needed.
INTENSE AND INTENTIONAL HUMILITY
The wise pastors on Asbury’s staff who are gently shepherding this movement keep reminding us that there are no superstars and that no one is to be exalted except Jesus. They have encouraged us to get lower and lower and lower under Him, exalting Him higher and higher. I have personally watched them stop a person or two who may have tried to hijack the meeting. They realize that God’s manifest presence is precious and desperately needed. They want no one or no thing to
quench or grieve His Spirit.
LIFE-CHANGING TESTIMONIES
The leaders, at times, will open the microphones for a season of testimonies of what God has done. They instruct the crowd to observe these ABC’s:
– All glory to God alone
– Brief
– Current
They stand with microphone in hand and wisely shepherd these moments. They will close the lines when they sense it’s time to move forward.
Often during these testimonies, when they sense God repeating a theme, they have paused and called for those with the same issues to stand, and for people to gather around them and pray.
GUIDED PRAYER
At various times, they have led us into corporate prayer. Instructions are given, and then we’ve turned in small groups and cried out to God.
At the altar, they have a continuous team of prayer counselors, identified by lanyards around their necks, who are helping those in need and praying with them. They have gently invited the people to come to these trained counselors for prayer.
UNASHAMED WITNESS
Everywhere, people are sharing with others in need outside the auditorium. God is opening people’s lips and giving them the Acts 4 courage to “speak the word of God with boldness.” The result is what you would expect—the gospel is spreading rapidly, and many are coming to faith in Christ.
SPIRITUAL, EMOTIONAL, AND EVEN PHYSICAL HEALING
Many are giving testimony of how God is instantly releasing them from years of bondage to addictions. Release from past hurts, bitterness, fear, is happening quickly for the humble ones who admit their need and cry to the Savior. Some are testifying of physical healings, just as occurred in the Book of Acts, but this is not at all the dominant theme of the meetings. The theme is Jesus—exalting Him, surrendering to Him, and testifying of Him to others.
PREACHING
One prognosticator on social media proclaimed that this was not of God because there was no preaching. I smiled, because there have been moments of preaching throughout and a “regular” sermon every single night, delivered humbly by godly pastors.
WISE LEADERSHIP
I cannot say enough about this. I have been in many moments of intense revival. I have led in a number of these moments. I stood at a microphone for five weeks, shepherding a movement of God for 3-4 hours a night.
I’m overwhelmed by the wise, quiet, strong, loving leadership of those in charge. It is not dominating and not restrictive. They are discerning God’s movement and cooperating. They are giving instruction and direction when needed.
CONSISTENCY WITH THE WAYS OF GOD
The Jesus movement was characterized by vibrant, simple worship and constant witness to the gospel. I was there. The church, by and large, reacted to the “hippies” who were being saved and the more current expressions of worship. Many churches ridiculed this and quenched the Spirit, unwilling to accept new wineskins. Most of these churches have plateaued and died. The churches
that humbly opened the door to lost people and wisely shepherded God’s activity, exploded.
Calvary Chapel, a small California church, kept responding to God and, in the Jesus movements wake, have started 1400 churches.
Two things characterized the 1857 revival: First, fervent noon-day prayer meetings that grew from six people (with Jeremiah Lanphier) to 50,000 people every day in New York City alone and, secondly, unashamed testimony and witnessing. There were simple “rules” that they used to guide the prayer meetings. They lasted from 12-1 each day. It spread across the country. Prayer requests came from around the world. I’ve read many of those actual requests—most are for the salvation of
a loved one. In revival, our hearts return to beat with the heart of God whose great desire is for people of every tongue, tribe, and nation to come to Him.
When the church begins to pray, that IS revival, for we are usually prayerless. When that reviving turns to fervent, unashamed witnessing and the rapid acceleration of the gospel, we term that “spiritual awakening,” for that is exactly what God is doing among the lost.
GIVING GOD TIME AND WAITING
The revival here is not hurried or rushed. There are long periods of stillness and waiting. If you want to rush in, get a big dose of God and rush out, don’t come. God works on His timetable. We give God little time and almost no silence. What is happening here is occurring because thirsty people are waiting before God. In time, He speaks to one, then another, bringing them back to intimacy with Him. I’ve always thought that we don’t experience God because we put Him on our timetable.
Waiting is a lost art, and it is turning our full attention to Him until He makes Himself known that we need.
SPREADING
As of the fifth day of the movement, 22 colleges have sent groups of students here, hoping to see the same outbreak on their campuses. It would not surprise me if that was how this exploded nationwide, for students are most tender and willing. It is also no coincidence that a very carefully made movie about the Jesus Revolution is coming out by our friend, Jon Erwin, February 22nd, and that the Collegiate National Day of Prayer broadcast has been scheduled for over a year to be
broadcast from Asbury on February 23rd. We should pray that these will further accelerate God’s work.
OVERWHELMING LOVE
One of the leaders spoke to us last night about the beginning of the revival when a pastor spoke of hypocritical, self-seeking love. He remarked that what these days have done has reversed that.
Asbury has become a sanctuary of the love of God. That is the essence of God (He IS love) and has been the hallmark of every moment when He is placed again on His rightful throne in our hearts, homes, and churches. “Heaven a World of Love” was preached by Jonathan Edwards. And revival is heaven coming down.
SO WHAT IS YOUR RESPONSE?
I talked with a friend who reminded me of this beautiful truth from a missionary involved in the great revival in Shantung, China, in the late 20s.
“We heard of the revival in Korea, which began in 1907. It was a mighty movement and had been born through a prayer-revival among missionaries. Oh, to be able to go there and bring back some glowing coals to our own field! But the journey was long and expensive and I had not the money. As I prayed for money and looked for an answer, a definite word was sent instead: “What you want through that journey you may be given here, where you are, in answer to prayer.” The words were a
tremendous challenge. I gave my solemn promise: ‘Then I will pray until I receive. Having pledged myself … the first conscious thought was: Then prayer means as much as that, and that my promise should be kept means as much as that.’ That experience helped me to endure through the almost twenty years which were to pass before the first small beginnings of revival were visible. Truly, God
works unhurriedly.” (Marie Monsen, missionary nurse to north China, describing how she came to pray for the revival that burned there from 1927-1932).
You don’t have to come to Kentucky to experience revival and awakening. “The kingdom of God is here,” Jesus said, and He has gladly chosen to give us the Kingdom.
AND FINALLY …
Coming out of Hughes auditorium, with its love and grace and humility, and reading the words of some critics on social media was revealing. If you are tempted to criticize this movement flippantly, it might be wise to heed the counsel of
Gamaliel when his religious colleagues criticized the early disciples.
“So in the present case, I say to you, stay away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or action is of men, it will be overthrown; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them; or else you may even be found fighting against God.” (Acts 5:38-39)
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This PDF is an expanded version of The Life of Jesus with extra Bible passages included.
The same Contents and Chapters with more detail added.
Page 4 of the PDF lists some of the additional passages
An expanded version of The Life of Jesus and The Amazing Life of Jesus with extra biographical Bible passages added
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* I must commend the exceptional quality of this work. The depth of insight, clarity of expression, and emotional resonance are truly remarkable. It’s rare to encounter a book that not only informs but also transforms its readers. The overwhelmingly positive feedback is well-deserved, and I join others in recommending this as a valuable and impactful read. Congratulations to the author on such an inspiring and masterfully written contribution. ~ Katty Jay
* When I came across The Life of Jesus: History’s Great Love Story, I found myself reading not just a retelling of history, but a rekindling of the greatest love story ever told. From the very first pages, your words awaken something tender and timeless, the awe of realizing that divinity once walked among us, and that perfect love chose to bear rejection, suffering, and death so that humanity could find life. What moved me most about your work is how reverently you approach the mystery of Christ’s life. You do not merely recount His story, you invite us to behold it. You help us see the humanity of Jesus with new eyes: His laughter among friends, His compassion for the broken, His courage in confronting injustice, and His willingness to carry the world’s weight on His shoulders. Your book reminds us that the Gospels are not only sacred text but living testimony — that love in its purest form is not abstract but embodied. You ask the questions that echo across centuries: Why would such a good man, who healed and helped, be killed? And in answering, you uncover a deeper truth, that divine love, when lived fully, exposes the darkness of human fear. That Jesus was opposed not because He failed to love, but because He loved too deeply, too honestly, too freely. Through your careful chronology and heartfelt insight, readers are guided beyond doctrine and into the living pulse of faith — into the wonder of a God who chose the road of suffering to redeem the world. The Life of Jesus reads like both scholarship and worship — thoughtful yet filled with devotion, rooted in history yet ablaze with revelation. It is a book that can reawaken hearts dulled by familiarity, reminding us that the story of Jesus is not distant or finished, it is ongoing, alive in every life touched by His grace. Your book holds the power to speak to multiple audiences: believers seeking renewal in their faith, seekers yearning to understand Christ through a fresh, compassionate lens, and even those who have grown weary of religion but still ache for meaning. ~ Lisa Gonzalez
* After spending time engaging with The Life of Jesus, I wanted to express my appreciation for the clarity, insight, and thoughtful exploration you bring to one of the most profound questions in Christian faith: Why would such a loving, compassionate, and powerful man provoke such intense opposition that it led to His death. Your work approaches this mystery with depth, historical awareness, and reverence for the gospel narrative. What stands out immediately is your framing of Jesus’ life as the great love story of history. By tracing His birth, boyhood, and public ministry through the rhythm of three Passover festivals, you help readers see His life not as a series of disconnected events but as a purposeful and unfolding revelation of God’s heart. John chapter one verse fourteen tells us that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and your book invites readers to dwell thoughtfully within that reality. I was especially encouraged by your examination of opposition. Rather than treating hostility toward Jesus as a tragic misunderstanding, you carefully explore why truth, holiness, and divine authority often provoke resistance. Your analysis helps readers understand that Jesus was not rejected despite His love but often because of it. John chapter three verse nineteen reminds us that light exposes darkness, and your work explains this dynamic with clarity and balance. The detailed chronology you provide is another valuable strength. It grounds the reader historically while deepening theological understanding. By anchoring Jesus’ ministry in real time, real places, and real conflict, you help readers engage the gospel accounts with renewed seriousness and awe. This approach strengthens faith by showing that the story of Jesus is not myth but history infused with divine purpose. What makes The Life of Jesus particularly impactful is the way you continually point readers back to the good news. Beyond explaining what happened, you illuminate who Jesus is and why His life, death, and ministry matter eternally. Luke chapter nineteen verse ten tells us that the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost, and your book consistently draws attention to that redemptive mission. Your writing offers fresh insight without sacrificing faithfulness to Scripture. It invites readers to think deeply, ask honest questions, and encounter Jesus not only as a historical figure but as the living Son of God. This balance makes the book accessible to thoughtful believers, students of Scripture, and those seeking a deeper understanding of the gospel story. The Life of Jesus is well suited for personal study, group discussion, academic reflection, and church based teaching. It equips readers to understand both the love that drew crowds to Jesus and the truth that stirred opposition, leading ultimately to the cross. On a personal note, your work reinforces the importance of helping believers wrestle honestly with the cost of truth and the nature of Christ’s mission. Understanding why Jesus was opposed deepens our appreciation of His sacrifice and strengthens our commitment to follow Him faithfully. ~ Dorothy Greenfield
* What stood out to me most was the thoughtful way you explore one of history’s most profound questions: why a man who loved so deeply and served so selflessly would provoke such intense opposition. Framing Jesus’ story as history’s great love story while carefully examining the resistance he faced gives the narrative both emotional depth and theological clarity. Your structured journey through his birth, boyhood, and ministry across the Passover festivals along with the detailed chronology offers readers both accessibility and scholarly grounding. It is the kind of Christian nonfiction that clearly deserves readers who are genuinely seeking insight, reflection, and a deeper understanding of who Jesus is and what he accomplished, not just casual browsing, but meaningful engagement. ~ Valeria Axel
* Our team recently came across your book entitled The Life of Jesus: History’s Great Love Story, and we were captivated from start to finish. Your writing style is not only engaging but also remarkably insightful, and the story-line/topic you’ve crafted is nothing short of compelling. Its unique qualities and the emotions it evokes have the power to resonate with readers on a profound level. ~ James Mendez (Skylark)
* This is a very informative, amazing, and powerful book. Thanks to the author for investing hours of research, expressed with his masterful command of language. ~ Alex Johnson (5-stars)
* This book reignited my faith. Rev. Dr. Waugh writes with deep compassion and wisdom, guiding readers through the story of Jesus not just as history, but as a living reality of love and sacrifice. I loved how he addressed the question why would anyone want to kill someone so good? His reflections are both thought–provoking and comforting. It’s a short but powerful read that reminds us of the beauty of God’s redemptive plan. A treasure for any Christian library! ~ William Lawson
* I recently spent time with The Life of Jesus: History’s Great Love Story and was deeply moved by its clarity, structure, and spiritual resonance. By framing Jesus’ life and ministry around three Passover Festivals, you offer readers not only a historical overview but a fresh, accessible way to engage with the heart of the Gospel story.
Your ability to trace Jesus’ legacy his profound influence, his suffering, and his resurrection invites readers to reflect not just on a distant past, but on the living power of a story that continues to transform lives. Given that this is the world’s most translated and best-selling narrative, your work stands as a relevant and much-needed companion for both seasoned believers and curious seekers. ~ Carol Daniel
* I recently came across The Life of Jesus: History’s Great Love Story, and I was immediately drawn in by its clarity, reverence, and powerful simplicity. You’ve done something many attempt but few achieve. You’ve told the greatest story ever told in a way that’s accessible, inspiring, and grounded in both historical detail and deep spiritual resonance.
By structuring the narrative around the three Passovers of Christ’s ministry, you’ve not only illuminated Jesus’s life, but also offered readers a profound lens through which to understand the arc of his mission, his sacrifice, and his unshakable love. Your book is more than a biography it’s a guide, a reminder, and a call to reflection. ~ Janice M. Lovell
* I wanted to reach out with sincere appreciation for the warmth, reverence, and lived faith reflected in The Life of Jesus: History’s Great Love Story. What stands out so clearly in your book is the way you present the life of Jesus not only as a theological subject, but as a story of love grounded in real history and real human experience. Rather than distancing the reader with abstraction, you invite them into a narrative that feels relational, compassionate, and deeply personal. Jesus emerges not as a remote figure, but as someone whose life continues to speak through love, sacrifice, and hope. Your long life of teaching, mission, and cross-cultural engagement gives the book a quiet authority. It is evident that this story is not simply studied, but lived. The clarity with which you write reflects decades of reflection, service, and spiritual formation, and that depth makes the book especially accessible to readers who may be encountering the story of Jesus anew, as well as those who have known it for years. I want to say this plainly: that kind of writing matters. In a time when many struggle to reconcile faith with history or devotion with understanding, your approach offers a bridge. By framing the life of Jesus as a love story rooted in history, you help readers engage both heart and mind, without forcing belief or diminishing mystery. The tone is invitational rather than prescriptive, which gives the book its gentle strength. Seen this way, The Life of Jesus feels less like a textbook and more like a companion. It reflects a lifetime shaped by renewal, mission, and community, and it carries the wisdom of someone who has walked alongside many others on their faith journeys. That lived perspective enriches every page. I don’t believe faith stories need to be complicated to be profound. I do believe they should be honest, grounded, and written with care for the reader. Your book embodies those qualities with grace and clarity. ~ Gloria Exley
* I had the pleasure of reading your book last night. It is truly exceptional, providing fresh insights. The Life of Jesus effectively directs readers to the profound and uplifting news about who Jesus is and the significance of his actions. ~ Christiana Michael.
* Your book The Life of Jesus: History’s Great Love Story strikes that rare balance between devotional warmth and historical clarity. By framing Jesus’ ministry through Passover Festivals and mapping out a detailed chronology, you’ve created something that’s both deeply spiritual and accessible for modern readers.
It’s clear your decades of mission, teaching, and renewal work flow directly into your writing, it reads like a heartfelt invitation to rediscover Jesus’ story as both history and love in action. This feels like the kind of resource not only for individual readers, but also for Bible study groups who want structured yet personal insights. ~ Cassandra Lattmore
* You’ve created a powerful, accessible biography that offers readers not only a historical journey but a spiritual awakening. The way you connect the Messiah’s earthly journey with the lasting impact of his resurrection resonates deeply. In a world increasingly searching for meaning and truth, your book feels especially vital. It’s a testament to the love story at the heart of history. ~ Susan B. Gravois
* Be enriched. A most helpful telling of the life of Jesus using the biblical text and adding some background and charts. Anyone using this book will be enriched. ~ Rev Dr John Olley (Amazon 5-stars)
* This is a wonderful book and can be read over and over. Thank you. ~ Kerry Rawson
* A great read that gives a fresh and interesting perspective. Mel.
* This is a great read. Simple and easy language that even my children can read as a guide, and have a better understanding of the Life Journey of Christ, as they read it in the Gospels. Thank You. ~ Florence
* Good clear language for a seeker to read and understand the life of Jesus. ~ Duncan Gibb
* Geoff Waugh has written a very helpful devotional book about the Saviour of the world who is also the loving presence in believers. Having known Geoff for over sixty years I can testify that every word written proceeds from his own heart of love for Jesus and for all God’s children. Geoff has avoided trying to manufacture some theory or new twist to make the book more colourful. He has used Scripture as his main source and has been faithful to both the divinity and humanity of Jesus as expressed in the Gospels. His use of chronology for headings and the many sub-headings makes the book simpler to absorb, even for an enquirer or new believer. It reminds me a little of Leon Morris’s beautiful book The Lord from Heaven. I warmly commend this book. ~ Rev Dr Tony Cupit, Former Director of the Baptist World Alliance.
* I keep this book with my Bible. It is especially helpful when reading through the Gospels. ~ Cathy Hartwig
* This book is for those who question Jesus’ reality as the Son of God, and for those who search for the details of His amazing life on this earth. ~ Judith Abrey
* The book is beautifully written and I have learned and understood a lot. I am recommending this book. ~ Kattie Mayson (Amazon 5-stars)
* I experience enrichment through this profound portrayal of Jesus’s life. A compelling read with straightforward and accessible language. This remarkable book is a true gem, deserving to be revisited time and again. ~ Henry
* Impressive! This book is truly outstanding! Congratulations on this remarkable accomplishment. Keep up the exceptional work! ~ Rachael Diaz
* Offering fresh insights, The Life of Jesus points you to the great good news of who Jesus is and what he did. ~ Back cover
* The Amazing Life of Jesus made Scripture come alive for me. The timeline and context around the Passover festivals were eye-opening. Highly recommended – order a copy and be inspired by Jesus’ life and ministry. ~ Philip Rettew
* I just discovered The Amazing Life of Jesus: History’s Great Love Story, and I’m deeply moved by your approach. A scholarly yet accessible exploration of why a profoundly loving, compassionate leader would face such intense hostility and opposition—examining the mystery of why people would want to kill God walking among us—this is exactly the kind of thoughtful, fresh perspective on Jesus’ life that seekers and believers are searching for right now.
As Rev Dr Geoffrey Waugh, you bring scholarly credibility and pastoral heart to history’s most important story. Your detailed chronology, examination of Jesus’ ministry through three Passover Festivals, and exploration of the paradox at Christianity’s center—why would the embodiment of love be crucified?—offers readers both information and inspiration. This isn’t just another Jesus biography; it’s an invitation to understand the good news afresh. ~ Mark Dawson
* The Amazing Life of Jesus is a beautifully composed and spiritually resonant narrative, a heartfelt exploration of history’s greatest love story. Your work brings new clarity and devotion to the life and ministry of Jesus, blending scriptural insight with compassionate storytelling that reminds readers why His message continues to transform hearts across generations. The Amazing Life of Jesus stands out not only as a retelling of divine history but as a journey into the mystery of love, sacrifice, and redemption, the cornerstone of Christian faith. ~ Avery Lane
* The Amazing Life of Jesus is an excellent summary for the life and ministry of Christ. I especially appreciated the chronological approach and the author’s ability to make complex biblical events feel simple and relatable. Rev. Waugh’s writing is thoughtful, informative, and sincere. While it’s a concise read, it’s packed with meaningful insights that linger long after you finish. It’s a great resource for both new believers and those who’ve been walking with Christ for years. ~ James Dunkies
* Your book cover looks fantastic! Your writing style is exceptional, and I loved how the story unfolded, keeping me captivated. ~ Solomon Emordi
* What a captivating cover! There’s such an art to capturing a story visually, and this one does it so well. Wishing you all the best with the release! ~ Habeeb Ayomide
* Beautiful cover art and a captivating title! Already hooked. Your book is fantastic! Sending you best wishes for its success. ~ Enny Precious * I’m blown away by your book cover – it’s stunning! And the title is pure genius, it’s got me intrigued from the very start! ~ Jennifer Mary
* The concept sounds absolutely fascinating, and the cover art is stunning—it really draws you in! ~ Chamberlain Payne
* Your book looks amazing! Its potential to captivate readers is truly inspiring. ~ Shavon Thompson
* This is amazing. Your books are educational and captivating. It brings true memories and happiness. You’re such a brilliant book author, you truly have extensive knowledge of how to catch attention and engage the audience. ~ Patricia Donald
* The passion and dedication you’ve invested in every page are truly inspiring! ~ Ayo J. Olaniyi
* I read your book last night. This is a great book. Thanks for writing this for all of us. ~ Nabeel Sharoon from Pakistan who translated it into 5 languages..
Translator: Nabeel Sharoon Nabeel Sharoon in Pakistan has translated my book TheLife of Jesus & TheAmazing Life of Jesusinto 5 languages: Hindi, Indian Punjabi, Urdu, Sindhi, & Pakistani Punjabi. See The Life of Jesus – in 6 languages if you’d like Nabeel to translate your work.
Free PDFs are on this page, including links to the English versions and PDFs.
Other Translations
The Life of Jesus in Hindi, Indian Punjabi, Urdu, Sindhi, & Pakistani Punjabi.
The Life of Jesusprovides a brief overview of history’s great love story. It gives a summary of the birth and boyhood of Jesus and describes his ministry through three Passover Festivals.
The book includes a detailed chart of a chronology of Jesus’ life and ministry and examines why such a popular, loving, and compassionate young leader would encounter intense hostility and opposition causing his crucifixion.
The mystery and wonder deepen because his resurrection transformed his followers and millions of lives. We date our diaries and calendars from the time of his birth.
Why would such a good man who loved so profoundly and helped so many people be killed? Why did he provoke opposition?
If God walked among us in the person of his Son, why would people want to kill him? Why did so many vehemently oppose him?
That puzzled me as a boy. It still does.
The greatest love story the world has ever seen led to the excruciating death of crucifixion.
Many people have given their lives for other people as soldiers do in war. They die for others, defending home and country. But Jesus’ death was different. God’s Son chose to die for us because of his immense love for us. He took our place. His death gives us life. He is the perfect, sinless, eternal sacrifice for us. His blood cleanses us from all our sin as we trust in him. We are forgiven.
But why did so many good people, good religious people, hate him? That puzzled and fascinated me, so I explore that mystery in this book. I wanted to write a summary overview that people of all ages could read.
I always believed in Jesus. Even as a small boy I loved to hear and then read stories about him. He was so unique, so different. I believed his story as a boy and trusted in him. I still do and I hope you do too.
Jesus did what was good. He healed the sick, fed the hungry, set people free from addictions and evil, performed miracles, and even raised dead people. Huge crowds followed him and wanted him to be their king.
Now billions follow him, captivated by his love, the greatest love story of all. You can do that also. I invite you to simply pray something like this: Thank you Lord for all you’ve done. Forgive me for any wrong in my life. I trust in you and give my life to you.
Introduction
The year on our calendar or diary reminds us of when Jesus was born, approximately. We count the years from his arrival. So when you look at your diary or calendar you can be reminded again of Jesus.
They called him Yeshua (Joshua/Jesus) of Nazareth, the same name as Moses’ famous general who led God’s people into their Promised Land. Yeshua means God saves, or God is salvation.
That name comes to us in English through many translations from Yeshua or Y’shua in Hebrew and Aramaic, then translated into Iesous in Greek, then to IESVS in Latin and later as IESUS as printed in the first edition of the King James Bible in 1611. Later that century ‘J’ replaced the ‘I’ so the English name became Jesu (vocative) and Jesus (nominative) but eventually just Jesus in English. Other languages have translations such as Jesu, Yesu, and Isa.
English translations of the Bible used the name Jesus for Joshua/Jesus of Nazareth, and the name Joshua for others with that same name.[1] So in English, the name Jesus became unique and sacred for Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of God, the Saviour of the world. The angel Gabriel announced his name before his birth to both Mary his mother and to Joseph who married Mary.[2] Gabriel explained that Yeshua (Joshua/Jesus) had that name because he would save his people from their sins.
The great love story had begun. Jesus came to save us and give us eternal life.
His followers recorded that story of his life and his love in the good news of the four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The rest of the New Testament explores the mystery and wonder of that amazing life and love.
Scholars have a bewildering array of theories about the Bible and about who wrote what, and when, and where, and why. I’m content to run with traditional explanations that have been used throughout most of history.
Jesus’ unique and wonderful life, his brutal death for us, and his powerful resurrection, all reveal his and God’s eternal love for us all. You could pause and thank him right now even as you read this.
John’s Gospel emphasizes God’s eternal love revealed in Jesus. It includes the most famous passage in the Bible:
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begottenSon, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. (John 3:16-17, NKJV).
That love, powerfully shown on the cross, has transformed billions of lives, restoring believers to an intimate and eternal relationship with God and with others.
Three physical metaphors help me to be constantly aware of, and grateful for, God’s presence with us always:
(1) Light surrounds you. By it you can read this. The sun always shines, even when it’s hidden from us. Light shines around us though we may be unaware of it. God is light and in him there is no darkness at all. We can live in his light.
(2) Blood pumps through your body right now, cleansing and healing. We may be unaware of it until reactions like alarm alert us to our beating heart. Jesus’ blood cleanses from all sin, always. We can trust him for he is with us.
(3) We may breathe without being aware of it, or we can be aware and take deep breaths, as you may have done just now! Breath purifies our lungs and body. God is Spirit and like breath or fresh breeze, he can purify us.
May the light of God’s love breathe life in you right now.
We’ve been made in God’s image to have an eternal, loving relationship with him that even transcends death. We can know and experience God’s unconditional love no matter how far we stray from him. Those who stray most are often the most grateful for his forgiveness and love. We all stray in many ways and we all need forgiveness and we can and should be truly grateful.
God knows and loves us as we are. That makes praying or talking to him easy because he already knows our failures and struggles and welcomes us just as we are. The more honestly we come to him the more he can transform us.
If we have trouble believing we can at least say, “God, if you’re there, help me.”
Some thoughts may get in the way when we pray or want to talk to God. Just give him those thoughts. He already knows all about it and loves us as we are.
If we reject God’s love and mercy by ignoring him and going our own way, we condemn ourselves to eternal darkness away from his light and love.
If we accept his love and forgiveness by believing in him, by trusting him, he gives us life, his eternal life. That makes us new. We are transformed.
Vast numbers of people worldwide of all faiths, and of none, have prayed the prayer in the popular hymn by Charlotte Elliot, ‘Just as I am’ which includes these adapted verses:
Just as I am, without one plea
But that Your blood was shed for me
And that You bid me come to Thee,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, though tossed about
With many a conflict, many a doubt,
Fighting and fears within, without,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
God welcomes us and we can all pray that prayer. A title for Jesus, as in that song, is the sacrificial Lamb of God who takes away our sin.
The Life of Jesus is a vast topic with millions of books written about it. I hope my small contribution gives you a helpful overview. I quote from the New Revised Standard Version unless indicated otherwise, and include many footnotes that you can explore to discover more.
Best of all, of course, are the inspired Gospels now in over 700 different languages in Bible translations and a further 3,500 languages have Bible portions, especially the Gospels. Read and respond to those Gospels.
[1]Iesous (Yeshua) is translated as Joshua in these verses: Luke 3:29; Acts 7:45; Hebrews 4:8.
It began at the beginning, this great love story, for “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”[1]
Why did he do that? For us.
He did it for you. He loved you so much he created you to know and enjoy him now as you read this, and forever. He offers you intimate, infinite love. He created you through the wondrous union of your parents’ ecstasy.
He made the earth for us to inhabit and care for and rule. He made the heavens (plural) for us to inherit, the physical firmament and also the realms of vast, eternal glory prepared especially for us.[2]
He created us free to accept or reject his astounding love. Sadly we went our own way. We all, like sheep, went astray. We all turned to our own way. So God laid on his Servant, his Son, all our iniquity.[3] God saves us through his Son in their great love for us all. You could pause and thank him now as you read this.
In the beginning, Adam and Eve enjoyed intimate, unashamed relationship with God and each other. Then, like us, they believed lies and went their own way, losing Paradise. But God still blessed and sustained them and their descendants who chose to love him and live for him. Sadly only a few did.
Noah and his family loved and obeyed God and he rescued them from the great flood. People ridiculed him for obeying God and building a huge boat on dry ground – not even in a dry dock. The rainbow became the sign of God’s covenant to Noah and his descendants including us.
Abram, a wealthy sheik from the wide fertile Tigris and Euphrates valleys in western Asia, north-west of the Arabian Peninsula (now Iraq), loved and obeyed God. Renamed Abraham (God’s friend) he journeyed to the Promised Land, now called Israel, from the name given to his grandson who wrestled with an angel or with the Lord.[4] Circumcision became the covenant sign for them and for their descendants through whom God would provide his salvation for us all.
Abraham and his descendants walked that verdant Promised Land, as did Jesus and his followers. So did our family for a month in December-January, 1981-82.[5]
The life of Jesus is history’s great love story. The overview in this brief book points you to the great good news of who Jesus is and what he did. That story is told best in the Bible, God’s inspired word.
I hope this brief commentary points you again to that God-breathed living word. It gave me fresh insights as I researched the harmonized story of these gospels.
Many writers discuss the popular five love languages: affirmation, service, gifts, time, and touch. Jesus demonstrated all these in various ways.
He affirmed and admired faith, especially faith in him for healing and help.
He served daily and showed it dramatically by washing his disciples’ feet.
He gave his life for us and ultimately he gives eternal life to all who believe.
His three years of quality time with his followers prepared them to serve.
His touch brought physical and spiritual healing and freedom to multitudes.
I love the way John summed up the reason for writing his Gospel: “Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.” (John 20:31)
That is my prayer for you, my reader. Here is my echoing sonnet, penned over fifty years ago.
Sin stalks the soul, and permeates the whole Of life lived here where we, while bound by fear, Hunt far and near for freedom to appear From pole to pole with our minds in control. That worthy goal seems mockery. Sin stole Our freedom dear, left pain and woe to sear Each life, a mere heartache, or sob, or tear, Like a lost mole, blind, dirty in its hole. God’s love stepped in to fight and conquer sin Through Christ who bled and died and rose as Head Supreme of all who claim Him Lord. Our fall, Clamour and din may end in Him. We win Release from dread, freedom, life from the dead, Unbound from gall, in answer to His call.
Discussion Questions (for use in groups)
Chapter 1: Birth and Boyhood
1. What is one of your favourite Christmas carols and why?
2. What surprises you most about the Christmas story?
3. What challenges you about the boyhood and youth of Jesus?
What would you like people to pray about for you?
Chapter 2: Ministry Begins 1. Why do you think Jesus’ public ministry began after his baptism?
2. What puzzles you most about Jesus’ ministry? (eg casting out spirits)
3. What challenges you about being a disciple of Jesus?
What prayer would you appreciate receiving?
Chapter 3: First to Second Passovers
1. Why do you think John 3:16 is so popular and well known?
2. Who can you identify with in Jesus’ early ministry (eg Nicodemus, Samaritan woman, disciples, religious leaders)
3. What do you think challenged Jesus’ disciples?
What prayer would encourage you just now?
Chapter 4: Second to Third Passovers 1. What impresses you most about Jesus?
2. What challenges you most about Jesus?
3. What surprises you most about Jesus?
What prayer would help you just now?
Chapter 5: Passover to Pentecost 1. What shocks you most about the crucifixion?
2. What helps or challenges you about Jesus’ death and resurrection?
3. What interests you most about the Holy Spirit?
What prayer support would you like now?
(7) The Lion of Judah – Blog The Lion of Judah – PDF 6 books in one volume * Looking for a great book to help you meditate on the wonder of Jesus in all his richness and grandeur and love? Geoff Waugh has helpfully and thoughtfully brought together wide-ranging biblical passages… Read this book prayerfully and you will not be the same! ~ John Olley.
* This book is full of information, biblical information. I have learned so much from it … If you want to learn more from the Bible, this is the book to read. ~ A. Aldridge
Share good news – Share this page freely Copy and share this link on your media, eg Facebook, Instagram, Emails: The Life of Jesus: History’s Great Love Story The Life of Jesus – in English and Urdu RenewalJournal – a chronicle of renewal and revival: www.renewaljournal.com
* I was going through a tough time. This book saved my life! ~ Danielle Davis * I have found this book to be extremely powerful and effective in my life. Highly recommended. ~ Eileen Marks
* I really enjoyed reading this. It was quite inspirational and remarkable. What an epic journey! I look forward to reading more from this author in the future. ~ Alan Harlow
* A BIG thumbs up to the author for writing it. ~ Constance Morgan
* A big life saver. I am very grateful to the author for writing this book. ~ Regina Cruz
* This is a very informative, amazing, and powerful book. Thanks to the author for investing hours of research, expressed with his masterful command of language. ~ Alex Johnson
* This is a great read. Simple and easy language that even my children can read as a guide, and have a better understanding of the Life Journey of Christ, as they read it in the Gospels.~ Florence * This is a wonderful book and can be read over and over. Thank you. ~ Kerry Rawson
* I keep this book with my Bible. It is especially helpful when reading through the Gospels. ~ Cathy Hartwig * The book is beautifully written and I have learned and understood a lot. I am recommending this book. ~ Kattie Mayson * Be enriched. A most helpful telling of the life of Jesus using the biblical text and adding some background and charts. Anyone using this book will be enriched. ~ Rev Dr John Olley
* Geoffrey Waugh has written a very helpful devotional book about the Saviour of the world who is also the loving presence in believers. His use of chronology for headings and the many sub-headings makes the book simpler to absorb, even for an enquirer or new believer. I warmly commend this book. ~ Rev Dr Tony Cupit
The Queen’s Faith – Blog The Queen’s Faith– PDFPlatinum Jubilee edition 2022
2-page view at the top right of the PDF Queen Elizabeth II describes her faith 70 excerpts arranged in the ten themes of Jesus Christ, service & support, peace & goodwill, faith & hope, light & life, truth & courage, love and kindness, compassion & care, forgiveness & reconciliation, respect & tolerance. * Took a read on the link! Really interesting and a great book! ~ Natalie Tse
* I have read this book and it is one of the most amazing books I have read to date. ~ Maria
* The Queen’s Christmas and Easter Messages is an appealing, highly unusual and very creative anthology. ~ Alison Sherrington * What an amazing collection! This has so many wonderful Christmas messages and is a great addition to any family during the holiday season. ~ Jenny & Benny
God’s Surprises – Blog God’sSurprises – PDF Biographical stories of current revivals in over 20 countries Condensed from Journey into Mission: * I have read many similar stories, but this one exceeds them all. … Geoff has done well to not only be in so many places and seeing God at work but also writing a book about it all. ~ Barbara Vickridge * I’m reading your book God’s Surprises and I can feel the power of God and a tremendous desire for a Revival in Italy, where I live. ~ Francesco Trentinella.
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Discovering Aslan – Blog Discovering Aslan – PDF Devotional commentary about Jesus from The Chronicles of Narnia by CS Lewis * This is a remarkable work and something quite unique that I’ve not come across before ~ Russ Burg * One of the most interesting devotionals ever! As a huge fan of all things Narnia, I am so grateful for this deeper aspect of the truths in C.S. Lewis’ stories. ~ Belinda S. * Best companion work I know of. … Either for a young person who is interested in exploring more, or as a resource on a pastor’s desk, it is an invaluable companion to the original series. ~ Amazon Customer * This is a great companion when you read, and is a stand-alone teaching on the depths of teaching that C.S. Lewis weaves into Aslan’s character. Definitely worth your time. ~ Steve Loopstra
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The Lion ofJudah – Blog The Lion of Judah – PDF six books combinedinto one book * Looking for a great book to help you meditate on the wonder of Jesus in all his richness and grandeur and love? Geoff Waugh has helpfully and thoughtfully brought together wide-ranging biblical passages… Read this book prayerfully and you will not be the same! ~ John Olley. * This book is full of information, biblical information. I have learned so much from it … If you want to learn more from the Bible, this is the book to read. ~ A. Aldridge.
Bible Story Pictures & Models – Blog Bible Story Pictures & Models – PDF Children’s pictures activity book * Bible Story Pictures & Models stands out above the rest, looks and sounds original, fun and very inspirational … Your stories are great for teaching children basic bible stories. Your illustrations and models are all terrific for them to color and create. It is all very well done and inviting for your targeted young readers. ~ Ellery Alouette.
* This is an excellent children’s Bible story and activity book. Our family loves it and enjoys it every day, reading a different story and creating our own pictures and models. Thanks to the author for putting this wonderful book together for families to learn more about the Lord’s Word while enjoying some creativity time as well. ~ Jewell Hart. * This hands-on, easy-to-use guide is laid out perfectly to use as a creative tool for simple-to-understand Bible lessons with fun and enjoyable illustrations, pictures and models to colour and create. Our children are especially enjoying it with excitement while they learn more about the Bible through the stories, along with coloring, painting and creating with the fun-packed inspirational activities. ~ Beatrix Bloom.
Living in the Spirit – Blog Living in the Spirit – PDF The Holy Spirit andThe Christian Life * I find the study material to be balanced in theological emphasis and exceptionally well organized and presented. ~ Bishop Owen Dowling * This book is not only good for personal use but also GREAT for group study. Even good for a Sunday School class. ~ SW * If you are a Christian you need to read this book, it helps to understand the Holy Spirit and how he works in your life. ~ Allen R Lancaster
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Your Spiritual Gifts – Blog Your Spiritual Gifts – PDF To serve in love * Good basic biblical material. ~ Vanessa Hart * Good home group study. It’s down to the home group to work as a team to put the theory into practice fitting in with existing church structures. ~ G Sinclair
Share good news – Share this page freely Copy and share this link on your media, eg Facebook, Instagram, Emails: RenewalJournal – a chronicle of renewal and revival: www.renewaljournal.com
