Book Review: A Year With Jesus
It was the title that got me: A Year With Jesus. Come on, that’s gonna be good. But, upon further review, this book, subtitled “Daily readings and reflections on Jesus’ own words,” turned out to be not much more than a collection of very short daily Bible readings with brief, expected commentary.
I love the gospels, and because of that I can’t exactly dog this book. I’m sure the author, R.P. Nettelhorst, intended to elevate the text through his simple commentary, like a cook might serve a super-basic side dish beside a filet mignon. But the problem with that approach is that it’s been done. A lot.
I guess it was the word “reflections” that led me to expect more personal, meditative thoughts. Instead, Nettelhorst includes word studies and otherwise common Bible facts—not what I’m looking for in a daily reading. However, I suppose those new to Bible study might benefit from this approach.
Another failure, I think, was a lack of practical application. Nettlehorst rephrases Jesus’ teaching, but he doesn’t offer much in terms of how we might live it out nor does he encourage the reader to do much thinking for herself. I really like “thinking for yourself” encouragement in my devotionals.
Anyway, I wish I could, but I can’t recommend this book (which I had hoped would make a lovely Christmas present for my mother-in-law). Bummer.
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My name’s Jennifer Gerhardt.
