Book Reviews on The Life of Jesus

Book Reviews on The Life of Jesus 

also available as The Amazing Life of Jesus

Permission: you can reproduce and share these books and resources. Just include the source URL, © Geoffrey Waugh.

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2 versions of the same book

Maincrest Media Award Winner 2024: The Life of Jesus

 
The Life of Jesus – Blog
The Life of Jesus – free PDF eBook

Available from Amazon and WestBow Press, a division of Thomas Nelson & Zondervan.

Amazon $11.95:   

Koorong AU$19.99:  

Also available as

The Amazing Life of Jesus – Blog
The Amazing LIfe of Jesus – Resources
The Amazing Life of JesusFree PDF eBook

Amazon $15.00  

Renewal Journal Store $11.99  

 

because his love changes lives forever

The Life of Jesus  also available as
The Amazing Life of Jesus

Contents

Preface
Introduction
1 Birth and Boyhood
2 Ministry Begins
3 First to Second Passovers
4 Second to Third Passovers
5 Passover to Pentecost
Conclusion
Discussion Questions
Appendix 1: Chronology Chart
Appendix 2: The Feast Days
Appendix 3: The Gospels
Appendix 4: Alternative Chronology 
Appendix 5: The Shroud of Turin 
Appendix 6: Publications 

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BOOK REVIEWS

Compiled from social media in these groups:
Selections (selected from reviews)
Personal Comments
Brief Comments 
Short Reviews
Longer Reviews

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SELECTIONS

Many significant comments get lost in the reviews, so here are some.

* The Amazing Life of Jesus made Scripture come alive for me.
* This book reignited my faith.
* Your book has really stayed with me; the way you weave history and devotion together makes it such a rare gift for readers.
* While it’s a concise read, it’s packed with meaningful insights that linger long after you finish.
* This is a wonderful book and can be read over and over.
* As I read, I found my heart stirred again and again. This book doesn’t just tell you who Jesus is, it draws you into an encounter with Him.
* 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.
* 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.
* Our team recently came across your book and we were captivated from start to finish.
* Your book cover looks fantastic! Your writing style is exceptional, and I loved how the story unfolded, keeping me captivated.
* Impressive! This book is truly outstanding! Congratulations on this remarkable accomplishment.
* 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.
* The book is beautifully written and I have learned and understood a lot. I am recommending this book.
* I have found this book to be extremely powerful and effective in my life. Highly recommended.
* I was going through a tough time. This book saved my life!
* I really enjoyed reading this. It was quite inspirational and remarkable.
* A big life saver. I am very grateful to the author for writing this book.
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PERSONAL COMMENTS

* I keep this book with my Bible. It is especially helpful when reading through the Gospels. ~ Cathy Hartwig (Facebook)

* 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 thoughtprovoking 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 (Facebook)

* I do not read many Christian books but a friend recommended this and I am so glad I picked it up. It is short, easy to read, and absolutely compelling. The way Waugh frames Jesus’ life as a love story reframed everything I thought I knew. I read it in one sitting.  ~ Charlotte Amelia  (Goodreads)

* I picked this up not knowing much about Jesus and finished it feeling like I finally understood who he was and why his story still matters today. Waugh writes with such clarity and warmth that even someone new to the Bible can follow along. A beautiful starting point for anyone curious about the life of Christ.  ~ Sheldon Shalley  (Goodreads)

* 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 (Facebook)

* This book strengthened my faith in a subtle but meaningful way. It doesn’t preach or overwhelm; instead, it gently guides you through the life of Jesus and invites you to reflect on his message. The exploration of why Jesus faced opposition felt especially relevant in today’s world. It made me think about how love and truth are often challenged, yet remain essential.  ~ Coco Mellors  (Goodreads)

* The book is beautifully written and I have learned and understood a lot. I am recommending this book. ~ Kattie Mayson (Facebook)

* 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 (Facebook)

* I bought five copies of this book to give as gifts to my pastor, my mother, two friends in my Bible study group, and a colleague who has been asking questions about faith. It is the kind of book that works for everyone, believer or seeker, young or old. Geoff Waugh has written something truly special here. ~ Rob Eagar  (Goodreads)

* I read this book and then passed it straight to my teenage children. The language is clear enough for young readers but rich enough for adults. It sparked some of the best conversations our family has had about faith, history, and what it means to live a life of love. Wonderful book. ~ Jane Smith  (Goodreads)

* I used this book as a companion resource for our church Bible study group and it was perfect. The chronology charts and the clear breakdown of Jesus’ ministry gave our group so much to discuss. Geoff Waugh has a gift for making complex biblical history simple and accessible. ~ Charlotte Bright  (Goodreads)

* I have been a Christian for over 30 years and this book still gave me fresh eyes for the story of Jesus. The chronological approach and the Passover Festival structure helped me see the life of Christ in a way I never had before. Deeply enriching and highly recommended for any believer.  ~ Susan Cinematic  (Goodreads)

* This book left me feeling inspired. The portrayal of Jesus as a loving and compassionate leader who stood firm despite opposition is incredibly powerful. It reminded me that standing for truth and love is not always easy, but it is always meaningful. Geoffrey Waugh captures this message beautifully. It’s the kind of book that motivates you to live with more kindness and courage.  ~ Taylor  (Goodreads)

* This book touched me more than I expected. It’s not overly complex or academic, but it carries a quiet emotional weight. As a reader, I felt drawn into Jesus’ journey—his kindness, his purpose, and ultimately his suffering. The question of why someone so loving would face such opposition is explored in a way that feels both honest and moving. I found myself reflecting on my own beliefs and how love can be misunderstood in the world today. It’s a short book, but it carries a powerful message.  ~ Daniel Justin  (Goodreads)

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BRIEF COMMENTS

* Offering fresh insights, The Life of Jesus points you to the great good news of who Jesus is and what he did. ~ Back cover

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)

* This is a wonderful book and can be read over and over. Thank you. ~ Kerry Rawson (Facebook)

A great read that gives a fresh and interesting perspective. ~ Mel (Facebook)

* Impressive! This book is truly outstanding! Congratulations on this remarkable accomplishment. Keep up the exceptional work! ~ Rachael Diaz (Facebook)

* Good clear language for a seeker to read and understand the life of Jesus. ~ Duncan Gibb (Facebook)

* 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 (Facebook)

* 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 the Gospels. Thank you. ~ Florence Sam (WestBow)

* Wonderful read about the best life lived. ~ Lynette Haack (Westbow)
* Truly the greatest love story. ~ Jemimah Foo (WestBow)

* Good book. ~ Ethan Waugh (WestBow)

* Outstanding storytelling.  ~ Moses Kayode (Facebook)

* 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 (Facebook)

* I read your book last night. This is a great book. Thanks for writing this for all of us. ~ Nabeel Sharoon who translated it into 5 languages including Hindi and Urdu. (Facebook)

BRIEF COMMENTS ON THE AMAZING LIFE OF JESUS

* 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

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SHORT REVIEWS

* The Amazing Life of Jesus: History’s Great Love Story, immediately resonated with our community for its thoughtful exploration of faith, historical reflection, moral courage, and the enduring relevance of compassion and spiritual purpose.
What particularly stood out to us is the engaging and reflective way you examine the life of Jesus not only through historical chronology and ministry, but through the deeper question of why a figure so profoundly associated with love, healing, compassion, and hope encountered such fierce resistance. Your exploration of these tensions invites readers into both historical understanding and deeper personal reflection.
We were especially drawn to the spiritual and philosophical themes woven throughout the work: love and sacrifice, moral leadership, compassion in the face of suffering, faith under opposition, the meaning of justice and forgiveness, and humanity’s enduring search for hope, truth, and redemption. Your reflections on Jesus’ life and ministry create meaningful opportunities for readers to engage with questions of belief, purpose, resilience, and spiritual transformation.
Thank you for writing such a thoughtful, inspiring, and spiritually reflective work one that encourages readers to engage more deeply with faith, compassion, history, and the enduring questions surrounding meaning, love, and sacrifice. ~ Tré Sweeney (Amsterdam Book Club)
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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 (Facebook)

* 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 (Facebook)

* 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 (Facebook)

* 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 (Facebook)

* 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 (Facebook)

* As someone who doesn’t usually read religious books, I found this surprisingly approachable. The writing is simple, clear, and easy to follow. It doesn’t feel overwhelming or heavy, which made it enjoyable even for a beginner like me. The author explains key events in Jesus’ life without assuming prior knowledge, which I appreciated. It felt more like a guided story than a lecture. I’d recommend this to anyone curious about Jesus but unsure where to start.  ~ Cheers, General  (Goodreads)

* 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 (Facebook)

* 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 (Facebook)

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 (Friend)

* 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 (Facebook)

* 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 (Facebook)

* 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 (Facebook)

* 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 (Facebook)

* 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)

* What I loved most about this book is how it grounds the life of Jesus in real history. The chronology, the Passover Festivals, the cultural and political context, Waugh brings all of it to life with remarkable clarity. This is history writing at its finest, and the subject matter makes it all the more powerful. ~  Anderson  (Goodreads)

* Sometimes less is more, and this book proves that. At just over 140 pages, it doesn’t try to do too much, but what it does, it does well. The message is clear, the writing is smooth, and the story is powerful. It’s a great reminder that the story of Jesus doesn’t need to be complicated to be meaningful.  ~ Daniel Hurst  (Goodreads)

* From an educational standpoint, this book serves as a solid introduction to the life of Jesus. It’s well-organized and easy to digest, making it suitable for students or anyone new to the subject. The timeline and structured approach make it particularly useful for understanding the sequence of events. It’s not exhaustive, but it’s effective.  ~ Peter J.  (Goodreads)

* The central question of the book—why Jesus was opposed despite his goodness—is explored in a way that really makes you think. It challenges the assumption that good actions are always welcomed. The author provides insights that feel both relevant and timeless. It’s a book that encourages deeper thinking about human nature and society.  ~ Lauran Mitchell  (Goodreads)

* There’s a calmness to this book that I really appreciated. It doesn’t rush or overwhelm; instead, it unfolds gently, allowing the reader to take in each moment. The tone is peaceful and reflective, making it a comforting read. It’s perfect for quiet moments when you want something meaningful but not too heavy.  ~ Heather Cohen  (Goodreads)

* Reading The Life of Jesus: History’s Great Love Story was a meaningful experience for me. What I appreciated most was how the author approached such a profound and widely known story with clarity and simplicity. The book doesn’t just retell events—it invites the reader to think deeply about why Jesus, a man known for love and compassion, faced such intense opposition. The explanation of his ministry through the Passover festivals helped me better understand the timeline of his life. I also found the reflections on his crucifixion especially powerful, as they connect history with a deeper spiritual message. This is a book that stays with you and encourages personal reflection long after you’ve finished reading.  ~ Anna Becker  (Goodreads)

* Reading The Life of Jesus: History’s Great Love Story felt like stepping into a calm, reflective journey through one of the most influential lives in history. Geoffrey Waugh presents Jesus not only as a religious figure but as a deeply human one whose compassion, courage, and conviction shaped the world. What struck me most was the way the book explores the paradox of love meeting resistance. It made me pause and think deeply about why goodness can sometimes provoke hostility. The structure, especially the timeline through the Passover festivals, made the narrative easy to follow. It’s a gentle yet thought-provoking read that stays with you long after you finish it.  ~ Laura Mitchell  (Goodreads)

* Geoffrey Waugh approaches the life of Jesus with clarity and structure, making this book particularly accessible for readers who want a concise yet meaningful overview. The chronological framework is one of the book’s strongest elements, especially the focus on the three Passover festivals. It helps ground the narrative historically while still allowing room for reflection. The author’s attempt to address the central question—why Jesus faced such strong opposition—is handled thoughtfully, offering both historical and theological perspectives. It’s a solid introduction for anyone seeking a structured understanding of Jesus’ life.  ~ D. E.  (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)

* This book provides a well-structured and insightful overview of Jesus’ life. I found the chronological approach very helpful, especially in understanding how different events connect. The author does a great job of addressing the central question of why Jesus was opposed despite his message of love. Rather than overwhelming the reader with too much detail, the book keeps things focused and meaningful. It’s a great balance between historical overview and spiritual reflection. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a clearer understanding of Jesus’ journey and the significance behind it.  ~ Amelie Schubert  (Goodreads)

* I found this book to be deeply moving. It reminded me of the power of love, sacrifice, and purpose in a very real way. As I read through the life of Jesus, I couldn’t help but feel a strong emotional connection to his story. The author presents his life in a way that feels personal and relatable, not distant or overly academic. The sections about the opposition he faced were especially impactful, as they highlight how even the most loving message can be misunderstood. This book left me feeling inspired and thoughtful.  ~ Anna Michelle  (Goodreads)

* This is an excellent book for readers who are new to learning about Jesus. The language is simple and easy to follow, making it accessible without losing depth. I appreciated how the author guided the reader through key moments in Jesus’ life, from his early years to his ministry and final days. The focus on major events helps keep the story clear and engaging. It’s a great starting point for anyone curious about the life and impact of Jesus, while still offering meaningful insights for more experienced readers.  ~ Daniel Carter  (Goodreads)

* What stood out to me in this book was its thoughtful exploration of the reasons behind the hostility Jesus faced. The author doesn’t just tell the story—he asks important questions and provides perspectives that encourage deeper thinking. The structured timeline, especially the use of the Passover festivals, adds clarity and helps the reader follow along with ease. I found myself pausing at several points to reflect on the deeper meaning behind the events. It’s a short book, but it offers a lot to think about.  ~ M. S.  (Goodreads)

* I picked up this book out of curiosity about the historical timeline of Jesus’ life, and I wasn’t disappointed. The chronological approach helped me understand the sequence of events much more clearly than before. The focus on key moments, especially the Passover festivals, adds depth to the narrative. While it’s not overly detailed, it provides enough context to spark further interest and exploration.  ~ Leave  (Goodreads)

* This book felt like a quiet spiritual retreat. It’s not just about facts or history—it’s about understanding love, sacrifice, and purpose. The way Geoffrey Waugh presents Jesus’ life encourages reflection on deeper questions about faith and humanity. I found myself slowing down while reading, taking time to absorb each section. It’s the kind of book that invites you to think, pray, or simply sit in silence afterward.  ~ Camilla Bruce  (Goodreads)

* This book gently reminds us why the story of Jesus Christ continues to move hearts across generations. Geoffrey Waugh doesn’t just recount events—he invites readers to reflect on the deeper meaning behind them.  What struck me most is the contrast between Jesus’ compassion and the hostility he faced. It’s a powerful reminder of how truth and love can challenge the world. A quiet but deeply moving read.  ~ Lonnie Lane  (Goodreads)

* While I appreciated the clarity and structure of the book, I did feel that it leaned more toward a devotional tone than a deeply critical historical analysis. That said, it succeeds in what it sets out to do—offer a concise and meaningful overview of Jesus’ life. The writing is engaging, and the central theme of love in the face of opposition is compelling. It may not satisfy readers looking for heavy academic depth, but it’s still a valuable and thoughtful read.  ~ Sam Hall  (Goodreads)

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LONGER REVIEWS

* 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 (Facebook)

 

* Reading The Life of Jesus: History’s Great Love Story by Rev. Dr. Geoffrey Waugh felt like stepping into the Gospel story with fresh eyes and an open heart. From the very first pages, I could sense the author’s deep reverence and love for the Lord, as well as his sincere desire to help readers not only understand Jesus’ life, but feel its transforming power.
This book doesn’t read like a dry historical account, it’s alive with faith, compassion, and insight. Waugh takes us from the humble birth of Jesus to His public ministry, following His journey through three Passover Festivals that mark the rhythm of His divine mission. Along the way, we’re reminded of the tenderness of His love, the wisdom of His teachings, and the incredible courage He showed in the face of growing opposition.
What touched me most was how Waugh confronts the central mystery: how could such a good and loving man, one who healed, forgave, and uplifted everyone around Him, be met with such hostility? His reflections on this question are both thought-provoking and deeply moving. He helps readers grasp the spiritual tension between light and darkness, and the reality that perfect love will always challenge and expose what is false.
There’s also a wonderful sense of structure and clarity throughout the book. The detailed chronology gives context to the flow of Jesus’ ministry, helping readers see the progression of events and their spiritual significance. Yet the heart of this book isn’t in dates or details, it’s in the way it continually draws you back to the love of God revealed in Christ.
Every chapter feels like an invitation, to remember, to reflect, and to rejoice in the good news of who Jesus is and what He has done for us. I found myself reading slowly, underlining passages, and pausing often to pray. It’s that kind of book, one that nourishes both the mind and the soul.
Rev. Dr. Waugh writes with the humility of a servant and the conviction of a believer who has walked closely with the Lord. His passion for the gospel shines through every page. This is more than a summary of the life of Jesus, it’s a celebration of His heart, His mission, and His victory.
If you’re looking for a book that will deepen your faith, refresh your understanding of the Gospels, and remind you of the immeasurable love of God, The Life of Jesus: History’s Great Love Story is a wonderful choice. It left me inspired, comforted, and full of gratitude for the Savior who gave everything so that we could live in His light. ~ 
Lisa Gonzalez  (Goodreads)

 

* 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 (Facebook)

 

* 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  (Facebook)

 

* 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.
The detailed chronology of Jesus’ life and ministry is particularly valuable. It grounds the narrative in history while allowing readers to appreciate the deliberate, courageous nature of Jesus’ journey. Rather than offering simplistic answers, the author thoughtfully examines why Jesus’ compassion, popularity, and moral authority provoked hostility. In doing so, the book sheds light on timeless truths about resistance to love, truth, and transformation, truths that remain deeply relevant today.
Perhaps the most inspiring aspect of The Life of Jesus is its emphasis on love as the central force of Christ’s life and mission. This is not a distant or abstract love, but one that confronts injustice, heals the broken, and calls people to higher ways of living. Dr. Waugh’s writing gently but powerfully reminds readers that the crucifixion was not a failure of Jesus’ mission, but the ultimate expression of sacrificial love and faithfulness.
Accessible to both new readers and those well-versed in Christian theology, this book offers fresh insights without losing reverence for the sacred story it tells. It encourages reflection, strengthens faith, and points clearly to the “good news” of who Jesus is and what He accomplished for humanity.
The Life of Jesus is an uplifting and illuminating read that deepens understanding, renews spiritual conviction, and invites readers to see the story of Jesus as history’s greatest love story, one that continues to speak with power, hope, and grace. Highly recommended for anyone seeking insight, inspiration, and a deeper connection to the heart of the Gospel. ~
Patricia R.  (Goodreads)

 

* The Life of Jesus by Rev Dr Geoffrey Waugh is a beautifully crafted, deeply reflective exploration of the greatest love story in history. From the very first pages, the author draws you into the timeless mystery of why a man so loving, compassionate, and profoundly good, a man who transformed lives everywhere he went, would face such intense hostility and ultimately be crucified. Rev Dr Waugh does more than recount events; he opens a window into the heart of Jesus, helping readers see his life with fresh clarity and deeper understanding.
What makes this book stand out is its ability to balance historical insight with spiritual depth. Waugh offers a clear and engaging summary of Jesus’ birth, childhood, and ministry, structured thoughtfully around three significant Passover Festivals. The detailed chronology adds richness to the narrative, making the reader feel as though they’re walking beside Jesus, witnessing his teachings, miracles, courage, and compassion unfold in real time.
The central question the book addresses, why someone so profoundly good would provoke such fierce opposition, is handled with wisdom and grace. Waugh unpacks the cultural, political, and spiritual tensions of the time in a way that is both accessible and deeply enlightening. His explanations not only make sense historically but also resonate powerfully in today’s world, where truth and love still face resistance.
What touched me most is the author’s ability to highlight Jesus not just as a historical figure, but as a living expression of God’s love. Every chapter gently guides you toward the “good news” of who Jesus truly is and what his life means for humanity. It is inspiring, uplifting, and deeply faith-affirming.
Whether you’re a believer looking to strengthen your understanding, a seeker curious about Jesus’ life, or someone simply drawn to stories of love, sacrifice, and purpose, this book will enrich your heart and mind. Rev Dr Geoffrey Waugh has succeeded in capturing both the humanity and divinity of Jesus in a way that is tender, insightful, and profoundly moving.
The Life of Jesus is a must-read, an inspiring reminder of the depth of God’s love and the enduring impact of the one who changed the world forever. ~
Janelle Perdue  (Goodreads)

 

* I found The Life of Jesus: History’s Great Love Story by Rev Dr Geoffrey Waugh to be a thoughtful and easy-to-follow introduction to the life of Jesus. As a reader, I appreciated how the author breaks down such a profound and complex story into a simple, chronological narrative that is accessible to both new and longtime readers of Christian history.
One of the things that stood out to me was the way the book focuses on the central question: why someone so loving and compassionate would face such strong opposition. The explanation of Jesus’ ministry through the three Passover festivals helped me better understand the timeline of events leading up to his crucifixion.
The writing style is straightforward and reflective, making it feel more like a guided journey than a heavy theological text. I also liked that it doesn’t just recount events but encourages the reader to think about the deeper meaning of Jesus’ life and message.
Overall, this book is a short but meaningful read. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a simple yet insightful overview of Jesus’ life and the message of hope and love at the heart of the Christian faith. ~
Jane Anderson  (Goodreads)

 

* The Life of Jesus: History’s Great Love Story by Geoffrey Waugh offers a thoughtful and accessible exploration of one of history’s most powerful and enduring narratives—the life, ministry, and sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
Waugh approaches a familiar story with fresh curiosity, asking an important question: Why would a man known for love, compassion, and truth be met with such intense opposition and ultimately crucified? This central theme gives the book depth and invites readers to reflect beyond surface-level understanding.
The book stands out for its clear structure and concise storytelling. It walks readers through Jesus’ birth, early life, and ministry, framed around key events such as the Passover festivals. The inclusion of a detailed chronology helps ground the narrative historically, making it especially helpful for readers who want both spiritual insight and a sense of timeline.
What makes this book compelling is its balance it is both reflective and informative. Waugh doesn’t just retell events; he interprets them, offering insight into the social and religious tensions that led to Jesus’ opposition. His perspective encourages readers to see Jesus not only as a spiritual figure but also as a transformative leader whose message challenged the status quo.
While the book is relatively brief, its message is impactful. It’s well-suited for readers who are new to the story of Jesus, as well as those looking for a concise yet meaningful refresher. Some readers may wish for deeper theological analysis, but the simplicity also makes it highly readable and approachable. ~
Mark Creativity  (Goodreads)

 

* The Life of Jesus: History’s Great Love Story offers a thoughtful and accessible exploration of one of history’s most profound figures—Jesus Christ. Geoffrey Waugh presents a concise yet meaningful overview of Jesus’ life, from his early years to his ministry and ultimate crucifixion.
What stands out most is the book’s central question: Why would a man known for love, compassion, and truth face such intense opposition? Waugh approaches this mystery with clarity and sincerity, making complex spiritual and historical ideas easy to understand for a wide range of readers.
The structure—especially the focus on the three Passover festivals—provides a helpful timeline that brings coherence to Jesus’ ministry. Readers looking for a brief but insightful introduction to Jesus’ life and mission will find this book both engaging and reflective.
While it is not deeply academic, it succeeds in its purpose: offering “fresh insights” and pointing readers toward the core message of hope and love at the heart of the Christian faith. ~
Daniel Thompson  (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.
The structure of the book is particularly effective. The author provides a concise yet meaningful overview of Jesus’ birth and boyhood before moving into a well-organized examination of His public ministry, framed around three Passover festivals. This chronological approach helps readers clearly understand the progression of Jesus’ mission and the growing tension that ultimately led to His crucifixion. The detailed timeline is an especially valuable feature, grounding the narrative in history while illuminating the human and cultural forces at play.
What truly sets this book apart is its compassionate and balanced perspective. Rev. Dr. Waugh does not oversimplify the story of Jesus’ life or death. Instead, he thoughtfully examines the social, political, and religious factors that contributed to the opposition Jesus faced. By doing so, the author reveals how revolutionary Jesus’ message truly was, and why it challenged existing power structures so deeply.
Despite addressing difficult themes such as rejection, hostility, and crucifixion, the book remains deeply hopeful. It consistently points readers toward the “great good news” of who Jesus is and what He accomplished. The love of Christ is not presented as abstract theology, but as a living, transformative force that continues to speak to the world today.
Written with warmth, wisdom, and clarity, The Life of Jesus is suitable for both longtime believers and those seeking a deeper understanding of Jesus from a historical and spiritual perspective. It is ideal for personal reflection, study groups, or anyone who wants a fresh, thoughtful look at the most influential life in human history.
In every sense, this book lives up to its subtitle. It truly is a compelling portrayal of history’s greatest love story, one that challenges, inspires, and invites readers to reflect more deeply on faith, sacrifice, and the power of love. Highly recommended. ~
Mary Haynes  (Goodreads)

 

* A simple, heartfelt overview of Jesus Christ’s life that focuses on love, purpose, and the mystery of his opposition. Easy and reflective.
Geoffrey Waugh approaches the life of Jesus Christ through a structured narrative anchored around key historical and religious milestones. The emphasis on the three Passover festivals offers a chronological clarity that many introductory texts lack.
The book’s central inquiry—why a figure defined by love would provoke such hostility—adds a philosophical layer that encourages reflection beyond the surface narrative. While not exhaustive, it succeeds as a concise interpretive guide for readers exploring the intersection of history and faith.
If you’re searching for a clear and inspiring introduction to the life of Jesus Christ, this book is a great place to start.
In The Life of Jesus, Geoffrey Waugh brings together history, faith, and reflection in a way that is both easy to follow and deeply meaningful. It answers one of the most important questions: why was a man of such love and compassion rejected?
A perfect read for anyone curious about the message and mission of Jesus.
The Life of Jesus offers a clear and structured overview of Jesus’ life, especially through its focus on key moments like the Passover festivals. Geoffrey Waugh writes in an accessible and sincere way, making it suitable for general readers.
However, those looking for deeper theological debate or historical analysis may find it somewhat limited. Still, as a concise and faith-driven introduction, it serves its purpose well.  ~
Isabella Moore  (Goodreads)

 

* The Life of Jesus: History’s Great Love Story by Geoffrey Waugh offers a concise yet meaningful exploration of one of history’s most influential figures. In this short but insightful book, Waugh presents a chronological overview of Jesus’ life—from his birth and early years to his ministry and eventual crucifixion.
One of the most compelling aspects of the book is the central question it raises: why would a man known for love, compassion, and helping others face such intense opposition and ultimately be killed? Waugh thoughtfully examines this mystery, providing readers with historical context and spiritual reflection. His focus on key events, such as the three Passover festivals, helps structure the narrative in a way that is easy to follow and understand.
The writing style is simple and accessible, making the book suitable for both new readers and those already familiar with the story of Jesus. Despite its brevity, the book offers fresh insights and encourages deeper thinking about Jesus’ mission and message.
However, because the book is relatively short, some readers may wish for more detailed analysis or broader historical discussion. Still, it succeeds in its purpose as an introduction and reflection on what Waugh describes as “history’s great love story.”
Overall, this book is a thoughtful and inspiring read for anyone interested in understanding more about the life of Jesus and the reasons behind both his widespread appeal and the opposition he faced.  ~
Cherie  (Goodreds)

 

* Geoffrey Waugh’s The Life of Jesus: History’s Great Love Story is a thoughtful and engaging introduction to the life, ministry, and significance of Jesus Christ. In just over 140 pages, Waugh manages to present a structured and meaningful account of Jesus’ journey—from his birth and early years to his public ministry and eventual crucifixion.
At the heart of the book lies a powerful and timeless question: why would a man known for love, compassion, healing, and truth be so strongly opposed and ultimately executed? Waugh builds his narrative around this mystery, guiding readers through the key events of Jesus’ life while also exploring the social, religious, and political tensions of the time.
One of the strengths of the book is its clear chronological approach. By organizing Jesus’ ministry around three Passover festivals, Waugh provides a helpful framework that makes the timeline easier to follow. This structure allows readers to see how Jesus’ influence grew—and how opposition against him intensified. It becomes evident that his teachings, authority, and challenge to established systems played a significant role in provoking hostility.
Waugh’s writing is straightforward and accessible, making the book suitable for a wide audience. Whether you are new to the story of Jesus or already familiar with it, the book offers insights that encourage reflection. It does not overwhelm the reader with complex theological language, yet it still communicates meaningful ideas about faith, purpose, and sacrifice.
Another notable aspect is the emphasis on Jesus as a figure of love. The book consistently highlights his compassion and care for others, reinforcing the idea that his life represents “history’s great love story.” This perspective makes the book not only informative but also inspirational.
However, the brevity of the book can also be seen as a limitation. Some readers may feel that certain events or themes could have been explored in greater depth. The historical and cultural context, while present, is not deeply detailed, which might leave readers wanting more comprehensive analysis.
Despite this, the book succeeds in its main goal: to provide a clear, engaging, and reflective overview of Jesus’ life and mission. It invites readers to think more deeply about who Jesus was, what he stood for, and why his message continues to resonate today.
Overall, The Life of Jesus: History’s Great Love Story is a concise, insightful, and inspiring read that sheds light on one of the most important stories in human history. It is especially valuable for those seeking a simple yet meaningful introduction to the life of Jesus and the reasons behind both his influence and his opposition.  ~
James  (Goodreads)

 

 * Geoffrey Waugh’s The Life of Jesus: History’s Great Love Story is a carefully structured and thought-provoking exploration of the life and mission of Jesus Christ. Rather than offering a purely descriptive retelling of biblical events, Waugh approaches the subject with a guiding question that gives the book both direction and depth: why did a man whose life embodied love, compassion, and justice ultimately face rejection, hostility, and execution?
The book follows a clear chronological path, beginning with the birth and early life of Jesus and moving into his public ministry. Waugh’s decision to frame this ministry around three Passover festivals is particularly effective, as it provides a historical anchor while also highlighting the growing intensity of both Jesus’ influence and the opposition he faced. This structural choice allows readers to see the narrative not as a collection of isolated events, but as a developing story marked by rising tension and inevitable conflict.
What distinguishes this work is its emphasis on the dual nature of Jesus’ impact. Waugh presents Jesus not only as a figure of profound love and compassion but also as a catalyst for disruption. His teachings challenged social norms, exposed religious hypocrisy, and questioned established systems of authority. In this sense, the book argues that Jesus’ crucifixion was not simply the result of misunderstanding or chance, but the consequence of a deeper clash between transformative truth and entrenched power.
The author’s writing style is notably accessible, which broadens the book’s appeal. Complex theological and historical ideas are presented in a clear and engaging manner, making the text suitable for both general readers and those new to the subject. At the same time, the simplicity of the language does not diminish the weight of the themes explored. Instead, it allows the central ideas—love, sacrifice, truth, and resistance—to stand out more clearly.
One of the book’s most compelling contributions is its framing of Jesus’ life as “history’s great love story.” This concept elevates the narrative beyond historical documentation and invites readers to interpret the events on a deeper, more philosophical level. Love is presented not merely as an emotion, but as a force expressed through action, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to truth—even in the face of suffering.
However, a critical evaluation of the book must also acknowledge its limitations. The brevity of the text, while making it accessible, restricts the depth of analysis in certain areas. The political, cultural, and historical contexts of first-century Judea are only lightly explored, and readers seeking a more rigorous academic treatment may find the discussion somewhat limited. Additionally, the book leans more toward reflection than debate, offering fewer alternative perspectives or critical counterarguments.
Despite these limitations, the book succeeds in fulfilling its primary aim: to provide a clear, engaging, and meaningful introduction to the life of Jesus and the reasons behind both his widespread appeal and intense opposition. It encourages readers not only to understand the story but also to reflect on its significance in a broader human context.
From a personal perspective, the book is both enlightening and impactful. It invites a reconsideration of familiar narratives and challenges the reader to think more deeply about the relationship between love and truth, influence and resistance, and ultimately, sacrifice and purpose. It leaves a lasting impression not because of its length, but because of the questions it raises and the clarity with which it presents them.
In conclusion, The Life of Jesus: History’s Great Love Story stands as a concise yet insightful work that successfully bridges historical narrative and spiritual reflection. Geoffrey Waugh offers readers a fresh lens through which to view one of history’s most significant lives, making this book a valuable and inspiring contribution to the study of Jesus Christ. ~
Donna  (Goodreads)

 

* Geoffrey Waugh’s The Life of Jesus: History’s Great Love Story offers a concise yet intellectually and spiritually engaging exploration of the life, mission, and enduring significance of Jesus Christ. While many works attempt to recount the story of Jesus, Waugh distinguishes his approach by centering his narrative on a profound and unsettling question: why would a man whose life was marked by compassion, healing, and truth provoke such intense opposition that it led to his crucifixion?
Waugh structures the book with clarity and purpose, guiding the reader through the major phases of Jesus’ life—his birth, early years, and public ministry—culminating in his death. The decision to frame Jesus’ ministry around three Passover festivals is particularly effective, as it provides both historical grounding and narrative progression. This structure enables readers to trace not only the development of Jesus’ influence but also the parallel escalation of resistance against him.
A central strength of the book lies in its thematic depth. Waugh presents Jesus as a paradoxical figure: deeply loving yet profoundly challenging, compassionate yet disruptive. Rather than portraying him as a passive moral teacher, the author emphasizes how Jesus actively confronted religious hypocrisy, questioned established authority, and redefined societal values. In doing so, Waugh suggests that Jesus’ message was not merely comforting but transformative—and therefore threatening to existing power structures. This interpretation provides a compelling explanation for the hostility Jesus faced.
Stylistically, the book is marked by clarity and accessibility. Waugh avoids dense theological jargon, making the text approachable for a broad audience, while still maintaining a level of insight that encourages serious reflection. His writing balances historical narrative with interpretive commentary, allowing readers to engage both intellectually and emotionally.
Another notable feature of the book is its framing of Jesus’ life as “history’s great love story.” This perspective shifts the focus from a purely historical account to a more relational and philosophical understanding of Jesus’ mission. Love, in this context, is not presented as abstract sentiment, but as active sacrifice—most powerfully expressed in the crucifixion. Waugh invites readers to see this event not simply as an act of injustice, but as the culmination of a deliberate and meaningful purpose.
However, the book’s brevity inevitably limits the depth of its analysis. Certain areas—such as the broader political dynamics of the time, or a more detailed examination of Jesus’ teachings—could have been expanded to provide a richer academic perspective. For readers seeking an in-depth scholarly study, the book may feel introductory. Yet, this limitation is balanced by its clarity, focus, and readability.
On a personal level, The Life of Jesus: History’s Great Love Story is both thought-provoking and inspiring. It challenges readers to reconsider familiar narratives and to reflect more deeply on the implications of Jesus’ life and message. The book does not simply inform; it invites engagement, reflection, and, ultimately, a deeper understanding.
In conclusion, Geoffrey Waugh succeeds in presenting a work that is both accessible and meaningful. This book stands as a compelling introduction to the life of Jesus, offering fresh insight into the reasons behind his widespread influence and intense opposition. It is a valuable read for anyone seeking to understand not just the events of Jesus’ life, but their lasting significance. ~
Crag Noa  (Goodreads)

 

* In The Life of Jesus: History’s Great Love Story, Geoffrey Waugh presents a concise yet deeply meaningful exploration of one of the most influential lives in human history. Rather than simply retelling familiar events, Waugh seeks to uncover the deeper question at the heart of the gospel narrative: why was a man defined by love, compassion, and truth met with such intense hostility and ultimately put to death?
The book carefully traces the life of Jesus from his birth and early years to the height of his ministry and his crucifixion. Waugh organizes this journey around three key Passover festivals, a structure that not only provides clarity but also highlights the increasing tension between Jesus and the religious authorities of his time. This progression is one of the book’s strongest features, as it allows readers to clearly see how admiration for Jesus gradually turned into opposition.
What stands out most is Waugh’s interpretation of Jesus as both a figure of immense love and a source of profound disruption. Jesus did not simply comfort people—he challenged systems, questioned authority, and redefined ideas about power, humility, and faith. Waugh suggests that it was precisely this combination of love and bold truth that made Jesus both attractive to the masses and threatening to those in control. This insight gives the book a thoughtful and reflective depth.
The writing style is clear, direct, and accessible, making complex ideas easy to understand without losing their significance. Waugh strikes a balance between historical overview and spiritual reflection, ensuring that the book appeals to a wide audience. Readers do not need extensive prior knowledge to engage with the material, yet they are still invited to think critically and personally about what they are reading.
Emotionally, the book carries a quiet but powerful impact. By presenting Jesus’ life as “history’s great love story,” Waugh emphasizes not just the events themselves, but their meaning—especially the idea of sacrifice and unconditional love. This perspective encourages readers to see the crucifixion not merely as a tragic ending, but as the climax of a purposeful and transformative mission.
However, the book’s brevity may leave some readers wanting more. Certain themes, such as the political climate of the time or the broader implications of Jesus’ teachings, could have been explored in greater depth. A more detailed analysis might have strengthened the book’s academic value. Nevertheless, its simplicity is also part of its strength, as it keeps the message clear and focused.
From a personal standpoint, this book is both enlightening and inspiring. It offers a fresh way of looking at a well-known story and challenges the reader to reflect on deeper questions about truth, love, and sacrifice. It does not attempt to overwhelm, but rather to guide, making it an excellent starting point for further study or spiritual reflection.
In conclusion, The Life of Jesus: History’s Great Love Story succeeds as a powerful, concise, and thought-provoking work. It captures the essence of Jesus’ life and invites readers to consider not only what happened, but why it still matters today.  ~ 
Rodriguez  (Goodreads)

 

* Geoffrey Waugh’s The Life of Jesus: History’s Great Love Story is a deeply reflective and accessible account of the life of Jesus Christ, presenting not just historical events but also the meaning behind them. The book seeks to answer one of the most profound questions in history: why was a man who embodied love, compassion, and truth rejected and ultimately crucified?
From the beginning, Waugh draws the reader into the story by framing Jesus’ life as the greatest love story ever told. He traces Jesus’ journey from his humble birth through his early years and into his powerful public ministry. By organizing the narrative around key events—especially the three Passover festivals—the author provides a clear and structured timeline that helps readers understand the progression of Jesus’ mission.
What makes this book particularly impactful is its focus on the growing tension surrounding Jesus. As his influence expanded, so did the resistance against him. Waugh explains how Jesus challenged religious traditions, confronted hypocrisy, and spoke with an authority that unsettled many leaders of his time. This perspective helps readers see that Jesus’ crucifixion was not random, but the result of deep conflict between truth and power, love and resistance.
The writing style is simple yet meaningful. Waugh avoids overly complex language, making the book easy to read and understand, even for those who may not have a strong background in theology or biblical studies. At the same time, the book carries a spiritual depth that encourages readers to pause and reflect on the significance of Jesus’ life and message.
One of the most moving aspects of the book is its emphasis on love as the central theme. Jesus is presented not only as a historical figure but as someone whose actions and teachings were rooted in genuine care for humanity. This makes the story feel personal and relevant, rather than distant or purely historical.
As a reader, I found the book both inspiring and thought-provoking. It helped me see familiar events from a fresh perspective and challenged me to think more deeply about why Jesus’ message was both so attractive and so controversial. However, because the book is relatively short, I sometimes wished for more detailed explanations and deeper exploration of certain events.
Despite this limitation, the book achieves its purpose remarkably well. It serves as a powerful introduction to the life of Jesus and invites readers to explore further. It is especially suitable for anyone looking for a clear, heartfelt, and spiritually enriching overview.
In conclusion, The Life of Jesus: History’s Great Love Story is a compelling and inspiring book that captures the essence of Jesus’ life and mission. It reminds readers that his story is not just about history, but about love, sacrifice, and truth that continue to speak to people today. ~
Nora Ephron  (Goodreads)

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The Amazing Life of Jesus – Resources

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History’s Great Love Story

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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.

(WestBow Press back cover)

*****

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The Life of Jesus: History’s Great Love Story

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The Amazing Life of Jesus,
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The Life of Jesus

Contents

Preface
Introduction
1 Birth and Boyhood
2 Ministry Begins
3 First to Second Passovers
4 Second to Third Passovers
5 Passover to Pentecost
Conclusion
Discussion Questions
Appendix 1: Chronology Chart
Appendix 2: The Feast Days
Appendix 3: The Gospels
Appendix 4: Alternative Chronology 
Appendix 5: The Shroud of Turin 
Appendix 6: Publications 

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The Amazing Life of Jesus

   

 

Free PDF eBook: The Amazing Life of Jesus

The Amazing Life of Jesus 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. 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.

     

 

   

     

 

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The Life of Jesus

Also available as The Life of Jesus.

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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

* 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 thoughtprovoking 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)

More review endorsements on https://renewaljournal.com

*****

GENERAL BLOGS INDEX

Blogs Index 1: Revivals (briefer than Revivals Index)
Blogs Index 2: Mission (international stories)
Blogs Index 3: Miracles (supernatural events)

Blogs Index 4: Devotional (including Testimonies)
Blogs index 5: Church (Christianity in action)

Blogs Index 6: Chapters (Blogs from Books)
Blogs Index 7: Images (Photos & Videos)

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The Life of Jesus – other translations

The Life of Jesus  –  other translations

 
Translator: Nabeel Sharoon
Nabeel Sharoon in Pakistan translated The Life of Jesus & The Amazing Life of Jesus into 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.

Contact Nabeel if you can help him. His home is severely damaged in recent floods.

beel.sharoon@gmail.com

Other Translations

The Life of Jesus in Hindi, Indian Punjabi,
Urdu, Sindhi, & Pakistani Punjabi.

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The Life of Jesus – Blog

WestBow Press version – The Life of Jesus
The Life of Jesus – WestBow Press – PDF
Amazon link – paperback, hardcover, Kindle

The Life of Jesus 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.
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.

Contents

Preface [see below]
Introduction
1 Birth and Boyhood
2 Ministry Begins
3 First to Second Passovers
4 Second to Third Passovers
5 Passover to Pentecost
Conclusion
Discussion Questions [see below]
Appendix 1: Chronology Chart
Appendix 2: The Feast Days
Appendix 3: The Gospels
Appendix 4: Alternative Chronology 
Appendix 5: The Shroud of Turin 
Appendix 6: Publications   

Model of Jerusalem in Jesus’ time

 

Preface

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.

 

Available as both The Life of Jesus  and  The Amazing Life of Jesus

 

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Videos


Spotlight TV interview on The Life of Jesus

 

Prophecies Fulfilled

Prophecies Fulfilled

Appendix 6 in The Story of Jesus

The Story of Jesus – free PDF eBook
An expanded version of The Life of Jesus

The Story of Jesus

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The Story of Jesus

Appendix 6:  Prophecies Fulfilled

Summary

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 Messiah is 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.

(Luke 24:25-27, 44-47)

  

Prophecies Jesus Fulfilled

44 Prophecies Jesus Christ Fulfilled
Prophecies About Jesus Old Testament
Scripture
New Testament
Fulfillment
1 Messiah would be born of a woman. Genesis 3:15 Matthew 1:20
Galatians 4:4
2 Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. Micah 5:2 Matthew 2:1
Luke 2:4-6
3 Messiah would be born of a virgin. Isaiah 7:14 Matthew 1:22-23
Luke 1:26-31
4 Messiah would come from the line of Abraham. Genesis 12:3
Genesis 22:18
Matthew 1:1
Romans 9:5
5 Messiah would be a descendant of Isaac. Genesis 17:19
Genesis 21:12
Luke 3:34
6 Messiah would be a descendant of Jacob. Numbers 24:17 Matthew 1:2
7 Messiah would come from the tribe of Judah. Genesis 49:10 Luke 3:33
Hebrews 7:14
8 Messiah would be heir to King David’s throne. 2 Samuel 7:12-13
Isaiah 9:7
Luke 1:32-33
Romans 1:3
9 Messiah’s throne will be anointed and eternal. Psalm 45:6-7
Daniel 2:44
Luke 1:33
Hebrews 1:8-12
10 Messiah would be called Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14 Matthew 1:23
11 Messiah would spend a season in Egypt. Hosea 11:1 Matthew 2:14-15
12 A massacre of children would happen at Messiah’s birthplace. Jeremiah 31:15 Matthew 2:16-18
13 A messenger would prepare the way for Messiah Isaiah 40:3-5 Luke 3:3-6
14 Messiah would be rejected by his own people. Psalm 69:8
Isaiah 53:3
John 1:11
John 7:5
15 Messiah would be a prophet. Deuteronomy 18:15 Acts 3:20-22
16 Messiah would be preceded by Elijah. Malachi 4:5-6 Matthew 11:13-14
17 Messiah would be declared the Son of God. Psalm 2:7 Matthew 3:16-17
18 Messiah would be called a Nazarene. Isaiah 11:1 Matthew 2:23
19 Messiah would bring light to Galilee. Isaiah 9:1-2 Matthew 4:13-16
20 Messiah would speak in parables. Psalm 78:2-4
Isaiah 6:9-10
Matthew 13:10-15,34-35
21 Messiah would be sent to heal the broken hearted. Isaiah 61:1-2 Luke 4:18-19
22 Messiah would be a priest after the order of  Melchizedek. Psalm 110:4 Hebrews 5:5-6
23 Messiah would be called King. Psalm 2:6
Zechariah 9:9
Matthew 27:37
Mark 11:7-11
24 Messiah would be praised by children. Psalm 8:2 Matthew 21:16
25 Messiah would be betrayed. Psalm 41:9
Zechariah 11:12-13
Luke 22:47-48
Matthew 26:14-16
26 Messiah’s price: money would be used to buy a potter’s field. Zechariah 11:12-13 Matthew 27:9-10
27 Messiah would be falsely accused. Psalm 35:11 Mark 14:57-58
28 Messiah would be silent before his accusers. Isaiah 53:7 Mark 15:4-5
29 Messiah would be spat upon and struck. Isaiah 50:6 Matthew 26:67
30 Messiah would be hated without cause. Psalm 35:19
Psalm 69:4
John 15:24-25
31 Messiah would be crucified with criminals. Isaiah 53:12 Matthew 27:38
Mark 15:27-28
32 Messiah would be given vinegar to drink. Psalm 69:21 Matthew 27:34
John 19:28-30
33 Messiah’s hands and feet would be pierced. Psalm 22:16
Zechariah 12:10
John 20:25-27
34 Messiah would be mocked and ridiculed. Psalm 22:7-8 Luke 23:35
35 Soldiers would gamble for Messiah’s garments. Psalm 22:18 Luke 23:34
Matthew 27:35-36
36 Messiah’s bones would not be broken. Exodus 12:46
Psalm 34:20
John 19:33-36
37 Messiah would be forsaken by God. Psalm 22:1 Matthew 27:46
38 Messiah would pray for his enemies. Psalm 109:4 Luke 23:34
39 Soldiers would pierce Messiah’s side. Zechariah 12:10 John 19:34
40 Messiah would be buried with the rich. Isaiah 53:9 Matthew 27:57-60
41 Messiah would resurrect from the dead. Psalm 16:10
Psalm 49:15
Matthew 28:2-7
Acts 2:22-32
42 Messiah would ascend to heaven. Psalm 24:7-10 Mark 16:19
Luke 24:51
43 Messiah would be seated at God’s right hand. Psalm 68:18
Psalm 110:1
Mark 16:19
Matthew 22:44
44 Messiah would be a sacrifice for sin. Isaiah 53:5-12 Romans 5:6-8

 

Reference: About.com Christianity

 

A list of 100 fulfilled prophecies

SUBJECT OT Prophecy NT Fulfilment
As the Son of God Ps 2:7 Lk 1:32,35
As the seed of the woman Ge 3:15 Ga 4:4
As the seed of Abraham Ge 17:7 22:18 Ga 3:16
As the seed of Isaac Ge 21:12 Heb 11:17-19
As the seed of David Ps 132:11 Jer 23:5 Ac 13:23 Ro 1:3
His coming at a set time Ge 49:10 Da 9:24,25 Lk 2:1
His being born of a virgin Isa 7:14 Mt 1:22,23 Lk 2:7
His being called Immanuel Isa 7:14 Mt 1:22,23
His being born in Bethlehem of Judea Mic 5:2 Mt 2:1 Lk 2:4-6
Great persons coming to adore him Ps 72:10 Mt 2:1-11
The slaying of the children of Bethlehem Jer 31:15 Mt 2:16-18
His being called out of Egypt Ho 11:1 Mt 2:15
His being preceded by John the Baptist Isa 40:3 Mal 3:1 Mt 3:1,3 Lk 1:17
His being anointed with the Spirit Ps 45:7 Isa 11:2 61:1 Mt 3:16 Jn 3:34 Ac 10:38
His being a Prophet like to Moses De 18:15-18 Ac 3:20-22
His being a Priest after the order of Melchizedek Ps 110:4 Heb 5:5,6
His entering on his public ministry Isa 61:1,2 Lk 4:16-21,43
His ministry commencing in Galilee Isa 9:1,2 Mt 4:12-16,23
His entering publicly into Jerusalem Zec 9:9 Mt 21:1-5
His coming into the temple Hag 2:7,9 Mal 3:1 Mt 21:12 Lk 2:27-32 Jn 2:13-16
His poverty Isa 53:2 Lk 6:3 Lk 9:58
His meekness and want of ostentatious Isa 42:2 Mt 12:15,16,19
His tenderness and compassion Isa 40:11 42:3 Mt 12:15,20 Heb 4:15
His being without guile Isa 53:9 1Pe 2:22
His zeal Ps 69:9 Jn 2:17
His preaching by parables Ps 78:2 Mt 13:34,35
His working miracles Isa 35:5,6 Mt 11:4-6 Jn 11:47
His bearing reproach Ps 22:6 69:7,9,20 Ro 15:3
His being rejected by his brethren Ps 69:8 Isa 63:3 Jn 1:11 7:3
His being a stone of stumbling to the Jews Isa 8:14 Ro 9:32 1Pe 2:8
His being hated by the Jews Ps 69:4 Isa 49:7 Jn 15:24,25
His being rejected by the Jewish rulers Ps 118:22 Mt 21:42 Jn 7:48
That the Jews and Gentiles should combine against Him Ps 2:1,2 Lk 23:12 Ac 4:27
His being betrayed by a friend Ps 41:9 55:12-14 Jn 13:18,21
His disciples forsaking him Zec 13:7 Mt 26:31,56
His being sold for thirty pieces silver Zec 11:12 Mt 26:15
His price being given for the potter’s field Zec 11:13 Mt 27:7
The intensity of his sufferings Ps 22:14,15 Lk 22:42,44
His sufferings being for others Isa 53:4-6,12 Da 9:26 Mt 20:28
His patience and silence under suffering Isa 53:7 Mt 26:63 27:12-14
His being smitten on the cheek Mic 5:1 Mt 27:30
His visage being marred Isa 52:14 53:3 Jn 19:5
His being spit on and scourged Isa 50:6 Lk 14:65 Jn 19:1
His hands and feet being nailed to the cross Ps 22:16 Jn 19:18 20:25
His being forsaken by God Ps 22:1 Mt 27:46
His being mocked Ps 22:7,8 Mt 27:39-44
Gall and vinegar being given him to drink Ps 69:21 Mt 27:34
His garments being parted, and lots cast for his vesture Ps 22:18 Mt 27:35
His being numbered with the transgressors Isa 53:12 Lk 15:28
His intercession for His murderers Isa 53:12 Lk 23:34
His Death Isa 53:12 Mt 27:50
That a bone of him should not be broken Ex 12:46 Ps 34:20 Jn 19:33,36
His being pierced Zec 12:10 Jn 19:34,37
His being buried with the rich Isa 53:9 Mt 27:57-60
His flesh not seeing corruption Ps 16:10 Ac 2:31
His resurrection Ps 16:10 Isa 26:19 Lk 24:6,31,34
His ascension Ps 68:18 Lk 24:51 Ac 1:9
His sitting on the right hand of God Ps 110:1 Heb 1:3
His exercising the priestly office in heaven Zec 6:13 Ro 8:34
His being the chief corner-stone of the Church Isa 28:16 1Pe 2:6,7
His being King in Zion Ps 2:6 Lk 1:32 Jn 18:33-37
The conversion of the Gentiles to him Isa 11:10 42:1 Mt 1:17,21 Jn 10:16 Ac 10:45,47
His righteous government Ps 45:6,7 Jn 5:30 Re 19:11
His universal dominion Ps 72:8 Da 7:14 Php 2:9,11
The perpetuity of his kingdom Isa 9:7 Da 7:14 Lk 1:32,33

From Believe Religious Information Source:  http://mb-soft.com/believe/txh/proph.htm

 

An expanded version of The Life of Jesus

The Story of Jesus is an expanded version of The Life of Jesus with extra Bible passages added.
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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.

The Story of Jesus PDF eBook

This is an expanded version of The Life of Jesus


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The Amazing Life of Jesus:
because his love changes lives forever

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Review Comments

* 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..


Spotlight TV interview on The Life of Jesus

The Life of Jesus 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.
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.

Contents

Preface
Introduction
1 Birth and Boyhood
2 Ministry Begins
3 First to Second Passover
4 Second to Third Passover
5 Passover to Pentecost
Conclusion
Discussion Questions
Appendix 1: Chronology Chart
Appendix 2: The Feast Days
Appendix 3: The Gospels
Appendix 4: Alternative Chronology 
Appendix 5: The Shroud of Turin 
Appendix 6: Prophecies Fulfilled
Appendix 7: Publications   

Model of Jerusalem in Jesus’ time

GENERAL BLOGS INDEX

Blogs Index 1: Revivals (briefer than Revivals Index)
Blogs Index 2: Mission (international stories)
Blogs Index 3: Miracles (supernatural events)

Blogs Index 4: Devotional (including Testimonies)
Blogs index 5: Church (Christianity in action)

Blogs Index 6: Chapters (Blogs from Books)
Blogs Index 7: Images (Photos & Videos)

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The Amazing Life of Jesus – Geoffrey Waugh

The Amazing Life of Jesus  –  Geoffrey Waugh

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because his love changes lives forever

LIFE WAY Digital Magazine, cover story May 2025

The Amazing Life of Jesus,
also available as
The Life of Jesus

Maincrest Media Award Winner 2024: The Life of Jesus


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because his love changes lives forever

Review Endorsements (from social media)

* 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.
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Free PDF eBook: The Amazing Life of Jesus

    

 

The Amazing Life of Jesus 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.
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.

Also available in earlier versions as The Life of Jesus.

Maincrest Media Award Winner

The Life of Jesus – WestBow Press – PDF
WestBow Press version – The Life of Jesus
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because his love changes lives forever

Expanded PDF eBook version. Extra Bible passages are included in The Story of Jesus:


The Story of Jesus – Blog – expanded version
The Story of Jesus expanded 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 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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The Amazing Life of Jesus: History’s Great Love Story
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Contents

Preface [see below]
Introduction [see below]
1 Birth and Boyhood
2 Ministry Begins
3 First to Second Passovers
4 Second to Third Passovers
5 Passover to Pentecost
Conclusion
Discussion Questions [see below]
Appendix 1: Chronology Chart
Appendix 2: The Feast Days
Appendix 3: The Gospels
Appendix 4: Alternative Chronology 
Appendix 5: The Shroud of Turin 
Appendix 6: Publications 

Other Translations

The Life of Jesus in Hindi, Indian Punjabi, Urdu, Sindhi, & Pakistani Punjabi.

 

Preface

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 begotten Son, 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.

[2] Luke 1:31; Matthew 1:21.

 

Start of Chapter 1

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.

[1] Genesis 1:1.

[2] John 14:1-6; 1 Corinthians 2:9.

[3] Isaiah 53:6. See Isaiah 52:13-53:12, the fourth Servant Song, along with Isaiah 42:1-4; 49:1-6; 50:4-7.

[4] Genesis 17:5; 32:28; 35:9-10.

[5] See Exploring Israel in General Books and Biography on renewaljournal.com

[6] 1 Samuel 13:13-14; Acts 13:22

[7] Acts 5:36-37.

[8] Luke 1:5-24.

[9] Luke 1:26-45.

[10] Galatians 4:4; Ephesians 1:10.

Conclusion

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.

        

 

Map in the book

See also Devotional Books

A 7 Lion
(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

*
Crucified and Risen – Blog
Crucified & Risen – PDF
The Easter Story

A Holy Week, Passover & Resurrection All1
Holy Week, Christian Passover & Resurrection – Blog
Holy Week, Christian Passover & Resurrection 
– PDF
3 books in 1

A Christian Passover All
Christian Passover Service – Blog
Christian Passover Service – PDF

A Retelling of the Last Supper


RISEN: long version – Blog
Risen! –_PDF

12 resurrection appearances

0 A Mysterious Month All3
Mysterious Month – Blog
Mysterious Month – PDF

Jesus’ resurrection appearances & our month in Israel

A Kingdom Life
Kingdom Life in The Gospels – Blog
Kingdom Life in The Gospels – PDF
4 books in 1

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The Amazing Life of the World’s Best Seller

The Amazing Life of the World’s Best Seller

His story is told in the world’s best seller, outranking all other stories annually, translated into more than 1400 different languages,with new versions constantly added.

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The Amazing Life of the World’s Best Seller
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The Amazing Life of Jesus   PDF eBook

   

The Amazing Life of Jesus 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.
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 by far the world’s best seller annually, translated into over 1400 different languages.

The Amazing Life of Jesus – Blog

Free PDF eBook: The Amazing Life of Jesus

Renewal Journal Store $11.99  

Amazon $12.99 
because his love changes lives forever

Also available as The Life of Jesus

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Endorsements
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 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)

* This is a wonderful book and can be read over and over. Thank you. ~ Kerry Rawson

* Offering fresh insights, The Life of Jesus points you to the great good news of who Jesus is and what he did. ~ Back cover

* 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 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 (He translated it into 5 languages).

* 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

* 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

Preface

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 begotten Son, 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.

[2] Luke 1:31; Matthew 1:21.

 

Start of Chapter 1

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.

[1] 1 Samuel 13:13-14; Acts 13:22

[2] Acts 5:36-37.

[3] Luke 1:5-24.

[4] Luke 1:26-45.

[5] Galatians 4:4; Ephesians 1:10.

[6] Genesis 1:1.

[7] John 14:1-6; 1 Corinthians 2:9.

[8] Isaiah 53:6. See Isaiah 52:13-53:12, the fourth Servant Song, along with Isaiah 42:1-4; 49:1-6; 50:4-7.

[9] Genesis 17:5; 32:28; 35:9-10.

[10] See Exploring Israel in General Books and Biography on renewaljournal.com

 

Conclusion

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.

Available as:

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Review Comments

* 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
* Impressive! This book is truly outstanding! Congratulations on this remarkable accomplishment. Keep up the exceptional work! ~ Rachael Diaz
* Your book cover looks fantastic! Your writing style is exceptional, and I loved how the story unfolded, keeping me captivated. ~ Solomon Emordi
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..

Contents

Preface [see below]
Introduction [see below]
1 Birth and Boyhood
2 Ministry Begins
3 First to Second Passovers
4 Second to Third Passovers
5 Passover to Pentecost
Conclusion
Discussion Questions [see below]
Appendix 1: Chronology Chart
Appendix 2: The Feast Days
Appendix 3: The Gospels
Appendix 4: Alternative Chronology 
Appendix 5: The Shroud of Turin 
Appendix 6: Publications

GENERAL BLOGS INDEX

Blogs Index 1: Revivals (briefer than Revivals Index)
Blogs Index 2: Mission (international stories)
Blogs Index 3: Miracles (supernatural events)

Blogs Index 4: Devotional (including Testimonies)
Blogs index 5: Church (Christianity in action)

Blogs Index 6: Chapters (Blogs from Books)
Blogs Index 7: Images (Photos & Videos)

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The Amazing Life of Jesus 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.
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.

Also available in earlier versions as The Life of Jesus.

Maincrest Media Award Winner

The Life of Jesus – WestBow Press – PDF
WestBow Press version – The Life of Jesus
Amazon – paperback, hardcover, Kindle

Amazon $14.55:   

Koorong A$19.99
because his love changes lives forever

Expanded PDF eBook version. Extra Bible passages are included in The Story of Jesus:


The Story of Jesus – Blog – expanded version
The Story of Jesus – free PDF eBook
An expanded version of The Life of Jesus

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:

The Amazing Life of Jesus: History’s Great Love Story
also available as:
The Life of Jesus: History’s Great Love Story

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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 thoughtprovoking 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

Contents

Preface [see below]
Introduction [see below]
1 Birth and Boyhood
2 Ministry Begins
3 First to Second Passovers
4 Second to Third Passovers
5 Passover to Pentecost
Conclusion
Discussion Questions [see below]
Appendix 1: Chronology Chart
Appendix 2: The Feast Days
Appendix 3: The Gospels
Appendix 4: Alternative Chronology 
Appendix 5: The Shroud of Turin 
Appendix 6: Publications 

Other Translations

The Life of Jesus in Hindi, Indian Punjabi, Urdu, Sindhi, & Pakistani Punjabi.

 

Preface

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 begotten Son, 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.

[2] Luke 1:31; Matthew 1:21.

Start of Chapter 1

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.

[1] Genesis 1:1.

[2] John 14:1-6; 1 Corinthians 2:9.

[3] Isaiah 53:6. See Isaiah 52:13-53:12, the fourth Servant Song, along with Isaiah 42:1-4; 49:1-6; 50:4-7.

[4] Genesis 17:5; 32:28; 35:9-10.

[5] See Exploring Israel in General Books and Biography on renewaljournal.com

[6] 1 Samuel 13:13-14; Acts 13:22

[7] Acts 5:36-37.

[8] Luke 1:5-24.

[9] Luke 1:26-45.

[10] Galatians 4:4; Ephesians 1:10.

Conclusion

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?

Map in the book

See also Devotional Books

A 7 Lion
(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

*
Crucified and Risen – Blog
Crucified & Risen – PDF
The Easter Story

A Holy Week, Passover & Resurrection All1
Holy Week, Christian Passover & Resurrection – Blog
Holy Week, Christian Passover & Resurrection
– PDF
3 books in 1

A Christian Passover All
Christian Passover Service – Blog
Christian Passover Service – PDF
A Retelling of the Last Supper


RISEN: long version – Blog
Risen! –_PDF
12 resurrection appearances

0 A Mysterious Month All3
Mysterious Month – Blog
Mysterious Month – PDF
Jesus’ resurrection appearances & our month in Israel

A Kingdom Life
Kingdom Life in The Gospels – Blog
Kingdom Life in The Gospels – PDF
4 books in 1

Popular Books – by Geoff Waugh

Revival Books – gift ideas

Renewal Books – gift ideas

General Books – gift ideas

Devotional Books – gift ideas

GENERAL BLOGS INDEX

Blogs Index 1: Revivals (briefer than Revivals Index)
Blogs Index 2: Mission (international stories)
Blogs Index 3: Miracles (supernatural events)

Blogs Index 4: Devotional (including Testimonies)
Blogs index 5: Church (Christianity in action)

Blogs Index 6: Chapters (Blogs from Books)
Blogs Index 7: Images (Photos & Videos)

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* 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.

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Translator: Nabeel Sharoon
Nabeel Sharoon in Pakistan translated The Life 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.

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Contact Nabeel if you can help him. His home is severely damaged in recent floods.

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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

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.

Experience: Books, Renewal Journal
The Life 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

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

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 Jesus 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.
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.

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Jesus Revolution

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I met the Jesus People

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TIME Magazine, June 21, 1971

By Ron Burnett, a Staff Reporter on the Townsville Daily Bulletin, who went to Seattle to join the delivery flight of the first Qantas jumbo jet, the Boeing 747B. He wrote three articles for September 1-3, 1971.

Scores of hippie-type youngsters frequently embraced me at a theatre in an American city recently. They sang in rock style about Jesus Christ – not as a Superstar, but as a Saviour. They invited me to a “love feast” – but by the time it happened I would be Australia-bound in the Qantas super jet, the Boeing 747B. I rubbed shoulders with “drug freaks”, sex devotees and dropouts as they pushed forward to embrace a new life. For four never-to-be-forgotten hours in Seattle, USA, I was caught up in a revolution. It happened when, following a chance encounter in a Seattle street, …

I met

The Jesus People

I should have been at a cocktail party in Seattle’s swank Hotel Olympic. I suppose it was discourteous to my hosts, the Boeing Company – but I didn’t mean it that way.

Seven hours earlier, in a lunchtime scroll through downtown Seattle, two girls, long-haired, long-frocked and bare-footed, had proffered a leaflet. I took one. It was beautifully printed, with a central motif of the risen Jesus Christ. There was a caption: “A CELEBRATION OF REURRECTION AND LIFE – at Moore theatre, Seattle.”

“Will you come?” asked one of the girls, a strikingly pretty blond.

“I might,” I replied non-committedly.

That night I went to the Boeing Company’s cocktail party in the Hotel Olympic’s sumptuous Georgian Room. But that earlier invitation kept nagging at my mind.

After five minutes I excused myself and asked a taxi driver to take me to the Moore Theatre, which turned out to be seven blocks away. I alighted from the cab just before eight o’clock.

And that’s how I came to be at a Jesus People rock festival.

There were small groups of long-haired, bare-footed people on the sidewalk. They fitted my conception of hippies.

But something was different.

Their faces glowed with a remarkable radiance – and, without exception, they carried Bibles.

But their clothes, their hair, their beards set them a world apart from me. They were of another culture. For fully three minutes I was afraid to approach them.

Timidly, I approached three of them, and introduced myself. I told them I was from Australia and that I loved Jesus.

EMBRACES

The effect was startling – like the utterance of a magic password. Each of them embraced me warmly and expressed praise to God.

Quickly the word spread. Others gathered and embraced me as naturally as if I were a long-lost brother – and indeed they called me “Brother”.

This was the start of a fantastic experience – a never-to-be-forgotten four hours with the Jesus People, the movement that’s taking America by storm.

These are the young people, largely of the Hippie culture, who were immersed, many of them, in the drug and sex culture – or lost in escapism – or hung up on revolution – or were just plain drop-outs.

Now, these members of the drop-out generation were embroiled in a revolution of a different kind – THE JESUS REVOLUTION. By the thousands, they are forsaking drugs, sex, violence and human vegetation. They say they have found the secret and the reality of the life and love in Jesus Christ. They speak of being “unhung” from the past, through lives linked up permanently and experientially with the very life of God – without the aid of any artificial stimulants, pills or medication.”

_________________________________________

 

 THE JESUS REVOLUTION – “GREATEST”

AMSTERDAM, August 31, 1971 (A.A.P. Reuter)

Dr Billy Graham has said here that the Jesus Revolution in the United States supported by tens of thousands of Hippies, is the greatest movement America has ever known.

“The Jesus Children … go out to preach the Gospel in the slums, the ghettos, theatres, and even the underground railway … this is taking place in America today,” the American evangelist said.

The Hippies who supported the movement had rejected drugs and were studying the teachings of Christ, he said. Dr Graham was speaking at the opening of the weekend of a seven-day European Congress for Evangelism attended by 1,200 delegates from 35 countries.

He said the church, which had always overcome critical situations in the past, was at present going through its greatest crisis in 400 years. Forces within the churches were undermining the Gospel, he added.

_______________________________

SET FREE

Typical was the cry which came from one brother: “I was a homosexual, but Jesus set me free!” And the testimony of a wife: “We were saved! He (her husband) changed, and it’s getting better all the time.” …

The Jesus People love to “rap” (talk) about Jesus. Better than a rap is a “heavy” rap. (“Heavy means real profound,” one girl told me. “Heavy hits you in the heart. It really does something inside of you.”)

And they major on “heavy Bible drill” (intensive Bible study).

The Jesus People see themselves – and many conventional churchmen see them this way too – as the “shock troops” of “now Christianity … a spearheading force for the evangelisation of the world.”

They claim that Jesus is the answer not only to personal “hang-ups”, but to the hang-ups of the whole world.

They showed no evidence of despising the conventional churches – one, indeed, acknowledged that he had been “saved through the preaching of a straight minister.” And a Jesus People’s “decision” card has a space in which to enter “Church attending.” There are reports, too, of church young people’s groups caught up in the Jesus People fervour, and of home Bible-study groups of adults multiplying. …

But I gained the impression from this Seattle contact that the Jesus People “saved” from the Hippie culture are not flocking to the churches. They have their own meeting houses, and they regard their ministry as an outward thrust into the very heart of the community. But they welcome support from the churches, and indeed believe that churches which do not emulate their outreach will be “left behind”.

A heavy weight of the thrust is into the culture from which many of the Jesus People came – the “junkies”, the sex devotees, the drop-outs, the escapists, the revolutionaries, the no-hopers. But the Jesus Movement is also said to have swept many a university campus, and the Jesus People do not hesitate to address the message of Jesus and His love to people of fundamentally different cultures and age groups.

My own experience was convincing. Hippie-style boys and girls, many still in their teens, embraced me fervently, without a shred of reserve – me in the most conservative of plain dark grey suits, a short haircut, and more than double the age of many of them.

NO GAP

There was no culture gap … no generation gap.

And the outreach across cultural boundaries was reflected, too, in “The Truth”. This is the JESUS PEOPLE PAPER …

The Jesus People Paper carried testimonies by two top-line entertainers, Johnny Cash and Jeremy Spencer.

It told of the transformation of editor-publisher David Abraham in San Francisco. Abraham had published the mass circulation drug culture paper, “The Oracle”, in San Francisco. It featured sex, drugs, anarchy, Eastern religion and “eye-poppingly explicit photos” … But David Abraham was converted to Christ. He transferred all rights to his sex-peddling paper to a San Francisco commune of the Jesus People. He installed a former junkie and heroin dealer, Chris D’Allessandra, as editor. The paper is still called “The Oracle”, but “now it peddles Christ and salvation”, – and its circulation has jumped from 20,000 to 100,000.

The Jesus People Paper in Seattle featured the 12,000 decisions for Christ at a Billy Graham crusade in McCormack, and quoted the evangelist’s declaration that “Christ is the living God … He can fill the void in your heart. He can give purpose and meaning to your life.”

_________________________________________

 HOW ENDURING?

 Just how substantial or enduring is the Jesus Revolution?

Some say it’s a fad.

Others believe it’s a movement of the Spirit of God, stirring the young people of a “lost” generation; and that the churches must embrace it and nurture it.

Some say it’s emotionally excessive, too theologically superficial, and wide open to heresy.

Others say the Jesus Movement has both strengths and weaknesses, and that it is unwise at this point either to commend wholeheartedly or to condemn.

Many prefer to reserve their judgement.

All this reporter can say is that … he met the Jesus People … He saw evidence of transformed lives, and the keynotes he heard were love, peace and joy – in the context of a startling and unprecedented religious revolution.

_________________________________

THE KING

Under the heading, “Tacoma Meets the King”, the Jesus People Paper reported the amazing outcome of a seven-day Jesus People musical festival in Tacoma, south of Seattle, in July.

“Five hundred young people actually met Jesus … Several heroin addicts were instantaneously cured … Scores of young people were baptised in water … A ‘heavily sedated’ longhair finally decided that his life was more than just 60 years to blow. He threw his dope to a dumbfounded policeman and said that he was free.

“THE KING IS JESUS CHRIST,” the article explained. “This does not mean a form of religion, a philosophy of life, some theological brainburst, or a moral standard that is impossible to live up to. We aren’t talking about a way of life, we’re talking about life itself. We mean that Jesus Christ is alive today and that you can have a personal relationship with Him. Without this relationship, all philosophies, religions, drugs, and spiritual enlightenment are just more dust on a pile of decaying humanity. Only when you know the love of Jesus can you say without doubt that you’ve tasted life and it was good for living.” …

I learnt a little about the Jesus People coffee houses, with their distinctive Bible connections, dotting the land – for example:

House of Amos

House of Caleb

Earthen Vessel Coffeehouse

I AM Coffeehouse.

One may read on their signboards invitations such as the one in front of the House of Amos:

“STOP BY ANY TIME TO RAP, READ AND ENJOY GOD.”

_________________o0o_________________


Jesus Revolution movie, 2023

 

I MET THE JESUS PEOPLE – Part 2

 CONVICTED OF SIN – on 30 Tabs of Acid

 A YOUNG GIRL’S STORY ON A SEATTLE SIDWEALK

 

As I settled into my fascinating evening with the Jesus People, I had no difficulty in appreciating why journals of international repute have devoted many pages of prime space to this “extraordinary religious revolution” (as “Time” called it).

Or why Australia’s Rev. Alan Walker, just back from the U.S., referred to the Jesus Revolution as “the most startling development on the religious scene” … or why Billy Graham in Amsterdam last weekend described it as “the greatest movement America has ever known.”

I spent my first half hour with them on that Seattle sidewalk, outside the Moore Theatre. I asked questions – and my Jesus People friends, with utter frankness, told me stories of reclamation from futility and despair. …

I talked first with 19-year old David Potter, of Tacoma, who has been a “Jesus People” for eight months.

“I got saved at a rock festival in Portland, Oregon,” David said.

I asked David if he had been a drug user.

“I pushed drugs, and I took drugs,” he told me – “acid (LSD), mescaline, cocaine, speed – something like stay-awake pills; it’s concentrated, and you really get ripped out. It felt great. It was a release from worries and responsibilities.”

NO REALITY

But not, as David discovered, the key to reality.

Eventually he “started running into the Jesus People” in California. Moving up the coast, he found himself at the Portland rock festival, with the Jesus People. He wondered whether what they were saying about this person named Jesus was real, or a fantasy. They said He was alive, and that He was love.

“But the way I actually got saved was when a straight minister got up on stage and said, ‘I want you to listen. I want to share out of my heart. I want to share my Jesus. He’s life, and He’s love.’

“That was heavy,” David said.

“I had a preconceived idea about Christianity. It was all regulations – you can’t do this, you can’t do that.

“But this guy, when he rapped, he laid it down. Christianity is peace within, peace with my God.

“Now I know what Christianity is about. All you have to do is ask Jesus into your heart. I did, and I FELT THE POWER OF GOD come down. It was like a vacuum cleaner going through my body.

“It was just real heavy. I was in the middle of all those people and just got saved!”

David said that God led him to a Christian camp, where he “got into the Word of God” – or, as the Jesus People repeatedly call it, “heavy Bible drill.”

Was it a passing phenomenon?

David was definite enough. “After nearly a year, the Lord Jesus is better and more real every day,” he said.

He told me that God led him into a coffee house ministry in Tacoma.

REAL HEAVY

“We reach out directly to the long-hairs,” he said. “I present Jesus Christ in such a way that people don’t feel they’re being forced into it. It’s something you can’t force on people. It’s a real heavy thing when you’re rapping about Jesus.”

David reckoned that about 65 per cent of the Jesus People had been taking drugs, but had given them up to follow Jesus.

Several Jesus People estimated that about 70 per cent of the Jesus People reclaimed from drugs never returned to the practice. They said this was in contrast to the two per cent drug cures achieved by Government efforts.

 

A YOUNG MAN told how, having embarked on drug-taking, he went to the Catacombs, a Christian coffee house in Seattle.

“The people started telling me about Jesus – how real He is, and how beautiful life is,” he said.

“They invited me to the House of Caleb for dinner. I could see these Christians had something that I just didn’t have. I could sense it.

“Then they asked me to Calvary Temple. I was curious – I wondered what they had. I was getting restless, and when the altar call was made I got up and went down on my knees and asked for forgiveness. And I wept. After it was all over I just felt so beautiful. The Holy Spirit came down on me. It was so wonderful.”

 

Twenty-year-old MIKE BARD has also taken drugs. He told me, “I didn’t know Jesus could be so exciting. I got saved three months ago.”

I asked Mike if he had a job.

“I work with the Jesus People Army,” he said. That’s my job – going out to tell people about Christ. I go back to all my lost people and tell them what Jesus has to offer – and I tell them what He has done in my life. About 10 people have come over and eight have been saved.

 

Seventeen-year-old VALERIE ARENDS took up the story. She described her experience of being saved. “It was just like lifting a great burden off my shoulders. You can feel the weight lifting. I felt I was floating.”

JESUS NOW

“We have rock bands,” Valerie explained. “They sing shout Jesus Christ, and about God the Father, and about the Holy Spirit. They just let it be known. They put it in modern music that will reach the kids of today, because today’s kids don’t want things of the past. They want what’s right now – and the Bible says that Jesus was, and is, and shall be.

“They want Jesus now! They want someone who’s still as beautiful today as ever He was.”

 

I had gone to the Moore Theatre with a prejudice against rock music in a Christian religious setting. What I saw and heard changed my mind. It was impossible not to be impressed by the rock musicians’ deep sense of reverence as they played and sang about the love of Jesus; their faces radiant – devoid of the sensuous atmosphere that one might normally associate with rock bands.

There was no hint of the “Jesus Christ Superstar” idiom. And I thought it significant that the Jesus People Paper carried this paragraph by Billy Graham: “While the rock opera (‘Jesus Christ Superstar’) is supposedly based on the Bible, it lacks a clear compelling testimony of Scripture to the person of Jesus Christ. Over and over a chorus asks, ‘Who are you?’ and the opera does not supply the answer.”

The Jesus People themselves are not hesitant about shouting the answer – “Jesus is Saviour!”

 

Next, I talked to BECKY BARR, a warm-natured 23-year-old blonde who told me with face aglow, “I’ve been saved about four months – praise the Lord.”

Then Becky told her astonishing story.

“I Was convicted of sin on 30 tabs of acid,” she said.

“I just got a handful, and I don’t know just how many I stuck in my mouth.”

A TRIP

Becky had found life meaningless and hopeless. She had sought release in an “acid” trip.

“But it was horrible,” Becky said. “I was really scared. I thought I was going to die. I actually thought I was going to hell.

“The person I was with turned into the devil. For a couple of weeks I could see the devil. He kept coming after me.”

“And I kept seeing snakes. It was a sickening thing.”

She went to hospital, and ran away. Then, in Berkley, California, she kept hearing people say, “Jesus loves you.” She saw the same message written on walls.

Once more she took drugs, but felt horrid. She cried, “God, if you’re there, hear me.”

“I felt that God was just something out there, all ready to get you.” Becky said. “So I tried to get up and run away.”

“Then I had a sense of someone laying down his life. That’s Jesus. I didn’t know it then.”

Becky went to Seattle – and there was this message again, “Jesus loves you”, chalked on the sidewalk. Someone invited her to a revivao meeting. She felt the Holy Spirit “just fill that place with love”. But she resisted.

Becky told how she kept praying – “But then I just got crazy again.

“One night I thought I had to burn myself up. But I couldn’t do it. …

“I cried out, ‘Jesus is in my heart.’ And I was all right.”

Becky was led to “a guy’s house”. He invited her to church. There she poured out her heart: “Well, Jesus, if You really are the truth, I’m sold! I want it. I’ve messed up my life, and if you can straighten it out, I want you. I just can’t do it anymore.”

“Praise God. He’s real,” Becky said. I just kept on praying and praying. And all of a sudden the horrible snakes went away. There was just peace.

“My whole life was an ugly story,” Becky Barr finished. “But the only thing that’s beautiful is Jesus – and Jesus is mine.”

Mike Bard took up the theme. “I’ve found what people are looking for,” said Mike. “I have it, and there’s no way I’m ever going to give it up.”

I asked Mike to be more explicit. Just what were people looking for?

“What people really need,” this earnest and joyful young man told me, “is peace and joy and love. They want a oneness. They find it only in Jesus. That’s all I can say right now. There are no worries because you take everything to the Lord. Your life is in God’s hands, and He’s going to take care of you – eternally.”

Mike said that the conventional churches could learn something from the Jesus Movement.

“Many have already learnt,” he said. “Many more support field churches. We fellowship with them.

THESE ARE THE CHURCHES THAT ARE MOVING WITH GOD.

THE CHURCHES THAT ARE NOT DOING THIS ARE GOING TO BE LEFT BEHIND.”

As more Jesus People flowed into the Theatre, I asked my exciting new friends, “Who organised this rock festival?”

“The Holy Spirit,” Mike Bard said. “He organises everything.”

“I’ll tell you how the Holy Spirit set this up,” Mike said in reply to my further questioning. “We didn’t have any money when we rented this theatre. But we did it in faith, and we prayed, and the day we had to write the cheque, six hundred dollars came in – the amount we needed.

“We prayed for food, too, because we were running really short. Then all of a sudden, money came in for food. Last night we ate roast beef!”

I learnt, too, that the Jesus People needed a festival headquarters. They said that the Holy Spirit moved – and a Seattle gentleman gave them a three-storey mansion for the purpose.

And the Jesus People Paper! “We pay $950 to get each monthly issue printed,” Mike said, and we don’t know where the cost comes from.”

When I remarked anew on the absence of any obvious sign of organisation, Mike explained, “The reason it’s so unorganised is because it’s not an organisation. It’s not a business: it’s the body of Christ.

ORGANISER

“People look at us as if we’re kind of goofy – but the Holy Spirit is the organiser. For example, six people, working independently on the paper, found when they came together that they all had the same theme. That’s the Holy Spirit at work.

“Wherever Jesus People meet, they’re printing newspapers,” Mike continued. “They’re telling about Jesus on the street corners. We’re speaking to whoever the Lord leads us to.  We want to speak to the younger kids, but at times I’ve had real heavy raps with adults – and they’ve been really convicted.”

________________o0o________________


Jesus Revolution movie, 2023

I MET THE JESUS PEOPLE – Part 3

AN EXBODYGRUARD OF THE HEAD BLACK PANTHER PLAYED REVERENT GOSPEL ROCK AT A JESUS PEOPLE HAPPENING. I SAW AND HEARD IT IN SEATTLE. IT’S PART OF THE FINAL ARTICLE IN A SERIES OF THREE, DESCRIBING HOW “I MET THE JESUS PEOPLE.”

“I’M FOR REVOLUTION” cried the Jesus People Preacher Girl

 

As I ‘rapped’ with the Jesus People on the Seattle sidewalk. a steady stream of people – most of them young, long-haired and bare-footed, but some older and in ‘straight’ dress – flowed into the Moore Theatre.

I entered the lobby. More Jesus People. When they heard I was a newspaper-man from Australia and a Christian, there were fervent embraces. It was uninhibited love.

Mike Bard sat with me in the theatre, which by now held about 2,000 people, with room for hundreds more – and still they came.

Mike told me that the drummer who helped beat out a beautiful and reverent rock gospel melody called “I am your Captain” was an ex-bodyguard of the head Black Panther.

The organist was a graduate of one of the nation’s finest music schools.

The most electrifying (and heart-piercing) feature of the Jesus People rock festival was soon to follow.

A slender, pretty girl, with finely groomed long hair, gowned in what I would call a multi-coloured patchwork polka-dot ankle-length dress, moved to the microphone. With a contagious joy and enthusiasm, she welcomed us to “the fastest growing movement in America, soon the fastest growing movement in the world, the Jesus Movement.”

This was Linda Meissner, founder of the Jesus People Army, publisher of the Jesus People Paper, and Jesus People Preacher extraordinary.

“Give me a J! . . .” cried a radiant Linda – somewhat incheer leader fashion, yet infinitely more profound.

“J” roared the throng.

“Give me an E!”   …   “E”

“Give me an S!”   …   “S”

“Give me a  U!”   …   “U”

“Give me an S!”   …   “S”

“What does that spell?”

“JESUS” – a mighty chorus from 2,000 throats.

“Who is He?”                    –     “JESUS”

“What’s that, you say?”    –     “JESUS”

“Who’s our Saviour?”       –     “JESUS”

“Who’s alive right now?”  –   “JESUS”

“There’s so many Jesus People in Seattle now, it’s not hardly safe for sinners to go into the streets,” the vibrant preacher cried. (A fresh chorus of God-praising phrases). “It’s so beautiful to be part of the heavy Jesus Movement. Don’t give me any of that hog-wash about what’s going to happen 20 years from now. HIS time in now!”

STICK AROUND

“Tonight, before this festival’s over, there’s going to be hundreds of miracles. If you’ve never seen a real miracle, stick around!”

Expecting a massive response to the Jesus message, Miss Meissner announced there would be a mass baptism on the coming Sunday afternoon.

“Support the good news of Jesus Christ this week-end in Seattle,” she continued. “Go our in Christian warfare, shooting your little guns at peope, ‘I love you, I love you, Ilove you’!” – pointing an imaginary gun at the audience, the words rapping from her lips in staccato fashion. “Our ammunition is God’s Word.” …

Linda said that God had given them “a fantastic huge Jesus Movement headquarters” (the three storey mansion). God had also moved in the provision of kitchens, meeting places, clothing and food.

With emergency kitchens, said Linda, the Jeus People Army would be out feeding the poor. …

FILL THEM

“We have the facilities to feed the poor,” the preacher girl went on. “Other groups feed them, and that’s beautiful. But the Jesus People can fill them.

She asked for “adult participation” too. In the back was a table where people could “sign up for the Jesus Revolution now”, give their professional or trade services, and become active as Bible teachers and counsellors.

She urged an outreach to high school kids and to the University of Washington. “Let them all know that Jesus Christ is alive.”

Linda Meissner held the audience (and an Australian reporter) captivated as she sang with soulful intensity the Jesus People song –

‘Jesus, Jesus, can I tell you how I feel?
You have given me Your Spirit;
I love you so’

There was an intermission, and a “straight” minister who had earlier joined us took me back-stage, where briefly I met a shining-eyed Linda Meissner.

She told me she was 30. He looked more like 20. She had been “saved since I was 17.”

“Jesus has shown me a vision that He’s going to raise up a Last Day Army of full-time dedicated disciples who will fulfil in this generation the great commission to evangelise the world,” Miss Meissner said.

Linda had been an Iowa farm girl. In college, she heard a challenge by David Wilkerson, gave her life to Christ, and joined Wilkerson’s Teen Challenge in New York City. Later she travelled to Seattle to start Teen Challenge in the north-west. For a time the response was poor. But she “began to pray and seek God, and God opened up the Jesus People Army.”

The “straight” minister was the Rev. David DeMoss, pastor of a church in Tacoma, Washington. His hair-style and dress, like mine, were strictly conventional – but neither of us felt out of place in the warm atmosphere of Jesus People Love.

David DeMoss is enthusiastic about the work of the Jesus People – “but I’m not ducking out of my own church.”

He saw the Jesus People’s Army as “the combat troops” of the “new” Christianity. The indigenous church could be a vital part of the Jesus Revolution. The task of the older generation in the church was to “keep open the limes of supply for the vital young people going into the Christian battle” – “to give faith support, financial support, spiritual support, and to provide the wisdom and understanding of years – the knowledge that comes through experience.

I believe the churches will feel this burden and accept this tole when they see the reality of what’s happening right now – this manifestation of the power of God,” Pastor DeMoss declared.

LOVE

He said it was love that made the difference. “These kids go out, and they don’t talk love, the live it.” …

“These kids are living it every day, demonstrating it in everything they say and do. That’s what the church has got to come to.”

I hurried back to my seat in the theatre. Linda Meissner had begun to preach. In the Jesus People idiom, it was “heavy”.

“You can carry what banners you want,” Miss Meissner told would-be revolutionaries. “But these are the heaviest words – ‘I am the life” …

“We are on the edge of a precipice – one of the heaviest storms the world has ever seen. Society is struggling for love and happiness. We can feel our whole country cracking at the foundations, and we’re scared. Where can we jump to? What can we cling to? …

“You can say you don’t need God. You may say this Book’s a bunch of garbage – or you can listen to the words of Jesus who says, ‘I am the Way, the Truth and the Life’ …

“Try Jesus, and your search will be over. It’s the inside of man that needs to be changed.

“That’s why I’m for revolution, because I can’t stand a continuation of ‘business as usual’. I can’t stand the thought of thousands in the streets doping it up, selling their bodies to prostitution, killing themselves, dying of hunger, in pain and sickness – the suffering humanity of the world.

“You may be able to sit comfortably in your room and watch TV, but I can’t stand the thought of so many people on a fast-moving train heading down the track towards the precipice. …

“Will you let the world perish while you chew gum and buy paper dolls? I want to do something.”

The preacher warned that a “head” knowledge of Jesus Christ was futile.

GUT LEVEL

“It has to start from gut level inside” – somehow the term, coming so earnestly from Linda Meissner, did not seem crude. “And you look up and see it’s not a stupid fairy tale. Because you look up and see the cross. And there’s God’s Holy Son bleeding and dying there – dying for you!

“You feel your sins covered with blood … and they’re gone! About 18 tons of garbage and guilt is taken away, ad you can’t help but say His name again – and it’s joy and peace and love.

“And before you know it, you’re just grabbing that brother and sister around you ad saying, ‘I love you’. And you say, ‘I mean it. I have met God’.

“This is the answer for the world. Before you know it, people start loving each other. They bring goods and clothes. In the early Christian church, everybody shared. And they took the good news throughout their world.”

Linda Meissner had spoken of the train heading for the precipice. Now she said, “There’s another train a-comin’. It’s the Gospel Train. And the engineer has conquered death, hell and the grave. His love has conquered history. He not only died on that rugged cross, but He rose again from the dead.

“He’s alive,” she cried triumphantly. “He said, ‘Be of good courage. I’m coming back’.”

She launched into a Jesus People gospel song again. …

“We’ll spread the good news
That God is in our land,
And they’ll know we are Christians by God’s love.”

And from hundreds of throats – “I love you Jesus”.

A sweet girl named Mary Norman sang with haunting sweetness “The Last Supper” – and Linda Meissner invited people to “come to Jesus”.

“Jesus says, ‘Come, the supper’s ready’. ‘No, I’m not worthy’, you say – and besides, I don’t have the money’. And Jesus smiles and says, ‘It’s free.’ It’s supper with the King – and it’s free.”

Linda launched reverently singing “The Lord’s Prayer”. Hundreds of voices rose in unison with hers.

Flourishing a tambourine, she sang a soul-piercing Gospel invitation –

‘Come to Jesus!
Come to Jesus!
Come to Jesus right now!’

“Just pray to Jesus, and you’ll have a Jesus happening,” Linda told them.

By now, dozens of people had poured to the front to have “supper with the King.”

IRRESISTIBLE

I went with them. The sweep of that moment was irresistible. I didn’t count, but I think more than a hundred stood there, some weeping, some praying, and all praising Jesus.

Then an electrifying moment.

“Jesus loves you. You love Jesus. And you all love each other,” Linda Meissner told the converts. “Now, everybody turn and love the person next to them.”

I was enveloped in the embraces of people with long hair, people with short hair, people in hippie garb, people in “straight” dress, young people, old people. Unashamedly I returned their embraces and echoed the affectionate “I love you” that each poured out on me.

Linda Meissner told the converts they would be counselled by Richard McNair. She described him as a young man who had spent “four years on drugs and scheming against fancy ladies”. He had been saved in gaol. Presently as we sat on the floor in the basement, “Rich” was telling us in warm but gentle tones of the need for daily Bible study “to get strong in the Lord”; for constant prayer; and for fellowship with other Christians.

SURVIVAL KIT

He handed to each of us a “basic survival kit” containing these emphases.

Elsewhere, hippie-style people (and others too) sat on the floor in groups of three of four, open Bibles in their midst.

As I made ready to leave, I found myself lingering in the foyer of the theatre. I was reluctant to leave my exciting new friends, the Jesus People. And it seemed the reluctance was mutual. There were more embraces, declarations of love, a promise to exchange letters and to pray for each other.

It was after midnight. I prepared, with a twinge of sadness, to walk the seven blocks to my downtown Seattle hotel. The Jesus People would not hear of it. Soon I was sitting with seven of them in a big car, and we rapped” about Jesus as we drove back to the Hotel Olympic.

More embaces. More lingering farewells. I stepped slowly from the car to the sidewalk, turned and waved. Seven sets of arms waved back vigorously. The car pulled slowly away from the kerb. Soon it was lost in the stream of traffic.

My Jesus People had gone.

But they left an unerasable memory.

___________________________________________________

PS: Comment by Ron Burnett (included in this article in The Jesus Revolution booklet printed in 1972 in Brisbane).

My encounter with the Jesus People in Seattle was exhilarating. Never have I experienced such a tremendous outpouring of warmth and power and love. I truly believe that to me was given the privilege of seeing, hearing, and feeling a mighty outpouring of the Holy Spirit of God.

I do believe, too, that whether we be convinced or sceptical of the substance of the Jesus Revolution (I, for one, am convinced), God is saying something to us all through this movement. The message is that God is not limited. Jesus is being exalted as Saviour and Lord, the Son of the living God, in a culture which we as “conventional Christians” probably could never have penetrated. Jesus is being presented in all His love, joy, beauty, majesty and power as the one Way – the one answer to the need of individuals and nations for peace and purpose.

In the Jesus Revolution, revival has happened and is happening in a way that many of us did not expect, among people to whom we least expected it to happen. The Holy Spirit is not limited.

_____________________________________

Editorial comment: Note the lasting impact that this movement had in church and community life – from formal to informal dress; from organs and hymn books to bands and screens; from monologues to dynamic encounters.

Links to the Jesus Revolution movie trailer, 2023

Jesus Revolution baptism scene 2023 movie

Jesus People film 1972

See also 1970 report – Asbury Revival

See A Surprising Work of God in Asbury Chapel, 2023

GENERAL BLOGS INDEX

Blogs Index 1: Revivals (briefer than Revivals Index)
Blogs Index 2: Mission (international stories)
Blogs Index 3: Miracles (supernatural events)

Blogs Index 4: Devotional (including Testimonies)
Blogs index 5: Church (Christianity in action)

Blogs Index 6: Chapters (Blogs from Books)
Blogs Index 7: Images (Photos & Videos)

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The Life of Jesus – in Sindhi

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History’s Great Love Story

  

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Translator: Nabeel Sharoon

Nabeel Sharoon in Pakistan has translated my book The Life of Jesus into 5 languages:
Hindi, Indian Punjabi, Urdu, Sindhi, & Pakistani Punjabi. Free PDFs are on this page, including links to the English versions and PDFs.
See The Life of Jesus – in 6 languages for more information about Nabeel Sharoon

Other Translations

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The Life of Jesus in English & Sindhi – Blog
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Pakistani Punjabi


The Life of Jesus in Pakistani Punjabi – Blog
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Geoff Waugh – founding editor of the Renewal Journal

This book is available in from WestBow Press, a division of Zondervan with this cover:

The Life of Jesus – Blog
WestBow Press version – The Life of Jesus
The Life of Jesus – WestBow Press – PDF
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Renewal Journal and WestBow Press versions

Blog: The Life of Jesus: History’s Great Love Story – English
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Now available from the Renewal Journal and from WestBow Press (a division of Zondervan and Thoms Nelson)

* 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)
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.
* 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 (Pakistan)

Facebook Links:
https://www.facebook.com/LifeofJesus.GeoffWaugh
https://www.facebook.com/HistorysGreatLoveStory

The Life of Jesus 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.
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.

Contents

Preface [see below]
Introduction [see below]
1 Birth and Boyhood
2 Ministry Begins
3 First to Second Passover
4 Second to Third Passover
5 Passover to Pentecost
Conclusion
Discussion Questions [see below]
Appendix 1: Chronology Chart
Appendix 2: The Feast Days
Appendix 3: The Gospels
Appendix 4: Alternative Chronology 
Appendix 5: The Shroud of Turin 
Appendix 6: Publications   


Model of Jerusalem in Jesus’ time

Preface

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 begotten Son, 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.

[2] Luke 1:31; Matthew 1:21.

Start of Chapter 1

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]

[1] Genesis 1:1.

[2] John 14:1-6; 1 Corinthians 2:9.

[3] Isaiah 53:6. See Isaiah 52:13-53:12, the fourth Servant Song, along with Isaiah 42:1-4; 49:1-6; 50:4-7.

[4] Genesis 17:5; 32:28; 35:9-10.

[5] See Exploring Israel in General Books and Biography on renewaljournal.com

 

Conclusion

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?

Map in the book

See also Devotional Books

A 7 Lion
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

*
Crucified and Risen – Blog
Crucified & Risen – PDF
The Easter Story

A Holy Week, Passover & Resurrection All1
Holy Week, Christian Passover & Resurrection – Blog
Holy Week, Christian Passover & Resurrection 
– PDF
3 books in 1

A Christian Passover All
Christian Passover Service – Blog
Christian Passover Service – PDF

A Retelling of the Last Supper


RISEN: long version – Blog
Risen!_PDF

12 resurrection appearances

0 A Mysterious Month All3
Mysterious Month – Blog
Mysterious Month – PDF

Jesus’ resurrection appearances & our month in Israel

A Kingdom Life
Kingdom Life in The Gospels – Blog
Kingdom Life in The Gospels – PDF
4 books in 1

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Revival Books

Renewal Books

General Books

Devotional Books

GENERAL BLOGS INDEX

Blogs Index 1: Revivals (briefer than Revivals Index)
Blogs Index 2: Mission (international stories)
Blogs Index 3: Miracles (supernatural events)

Blogs Index 4: Devotional (including Testimonies)
Blogs index 5: Church (Christianity in action)

Blogs Index 6: Chapters (Blogs from Books)
Blogs Index 7: Images (Photos & Videos)

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The Life of Jesus: History’s Great Love Story
Renewal Journal – a chronicle of renewal and revival:
www.renewaljournal.com