Description
Book SynopsisWho was Jesus? A prophet? There have been many of those. A miracle-worker? A radical revolutionary? A wise teacher? There have been many of these, too. In his latest book, renowned Scripture scholar Gerhard Lohfink asks, What is unique about Jesus of Nazareth, and what did he really want?
Trade ReviewThis reviewer has read many books on the historical Jesus, but this one is the best. Why? Lohfink states, "The Jesus tradition is grounded in the interpretive community that is "church."
Father Mark G. Boyer, The Priest
"Crisp and very readable prose. . . .Lohfink has fresh things to say about Jesus' teaching through parables, about his sayings about judgment and, especially, about understanding Jesus' miracles. . . . Having read and studied, Jesus of Nazareth (and squirreled it away as a rich resource for future preaching and having been truly moved spiritually by it), I can agree with Daniel Harrington, S.J. [author of Jesus: A Historical Portrait]: "Lohfink's Jesus of Nazareth is the best Jesus book I know."
John A. Coleman, America: The National Catholic Review
The reader closes this book struck by the Spirit in whom this Jesus keeps working on the -- some would say -- now shrinking, endangered community he left behind. . . .There still may be hope.
Raymond A Schroth, SJ, National Catholic Reporter
Some have said that this book will become a classic. Indeed, it should be so considered. But much will depend on whether or not scholars will dismiss it as lacking uniqueness and innovation, and whether or not non-professionals will invest the energy in reading a scholarly treatment of Jesus. May both groups stretch themselves and give it the attention it so richly deserves!Michael J. Bowling, The Englewood Review of Books
Grounded in the most careful study of the historical Jesus and enlivened by a deep faith in the Risen Christ, this book will be of inestimable use to everyone from scholars to seekers and will most likely become a classic. It is that rarest of books on Jesus in which the author combines solid exegetical work with a profound sense of the spiritual. On top of that, it's beautifully written (and here, translated). Lohfink's book is in every way a joy.James Martin, SJ, Author of The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything
Lohfink’s Jesus of Nazareth is the best Jesus book I know. It is solidly based on sound biblical scholarship, full of fresh theological insights, respectful of the Gospels and their portraits of Jesus, and beautifully expressed. It is especially effective in highlighting the centrality of God’s reign and Israel as God’s people in Jesus’ life and work.Daniel J. Harrington, SJ, Professor of New Testament, Boston College School of Theology and Ministry
The thread connecting what Jesus wanted, who he was, is the reign of God. Lohfink is concerned with this new thing that came into the world with [Jesus]. The consistency between this reign of God and the revelation of who Jesus is, is the chief message and controlling method of this book. The importance of another book on Christ and on Jesus in the New Testament in particular cannot be ignored or underestimated. . . . Lohfink gives the lie to any separation of what Jesus wanted from who he was. Ultimately, Christology consists in clarifying his relationship to God and humanity.
Kevin O'Gorman, The Furrow
Lohfink's portrait of Jesus is very much worth reading. Because he looks to the Gospels with a sympathetic yet critical eye, he gives a faithful interpretation of Jesus. And because he is faithful, Lohfink offers a portrait that is challenging-especially for the church today.
Thomas D. Stegman, SJ, America Magazine
Table of ContentsContentsPreface xi
Acknowledgments xiii
List of Abbreviations xv
Chapter 1
The So-Called Historical Jesus 1
Chapter 2
The Proclamation of the Reign of God 24
Chapter 3
The Reign of God and the People of God 39
Chapter 4
The Gathering of Israel 59
Chapter 5
The Call to Discipleship 72
Chapter 6
The Many Faces of Being Called 86
Chapter 7
Jesus’ Parables 100
Chapter 8
Jesus and the World of Signs 121
Chapter 9
Jesus’ Miracles 128
Chapter 10
Warning about Judgment 153
Chapter 11
Jesus and the Old Testament 166
Chapter 12
Jesus and the Torah 190
Chapter 13
The Life of Jesus: Living Unconditionally 216
Chapter 14
The Fascination of the Reign of God 230
Chapter 15
Decision in Jerusalem 245
Chapter 16
Dying for Israel 257
Chapter 17
His Last Day 269
Chapter 18
The Easter Events 288
Chapter 19
Jesus’ Sovereign Claim 308
Chapter 20
The Church’s Response 329
Chapter 21
The Reign of God: Utopia? 348
Notes 358
Index of Biblical Citations 382
