When Jesus Wept by Bodie & Brock Thoene - REVEIEWED

About the Book:

Book 1 in the Thoene's new Jerusalem Chronicles.

 Lazarus occupies a surprising position in the Gospel accounts. Widely known as the man Jesus raised from the dead, his story is actually much broader and richer than that. Living as he did at Bethany, near Jerusalem, Lazarus was uniquely placed to witness the swirl of events around Jesus. When Jesus Wept, the first novel in The Jerusalem Chronicles series by bestselling authors Bodie and Brock Thoene, unfolds the turbulent times in Judea during Jesus' ministry, centering on the friendship between Jesus and Lazarus. With rich insights from vineyard owners and vine dressers, the Thoenes explore the metaphor of Jesus as the True Vine, harvesting the ancient secrets found in the Old Testament. Weaving the life of Lazarus, who owned a vineyard, into the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ will help you understand it is the hand of Love Divine that holds the knife, that cuts and breaks with such tender and loving touch, and that we who have born some fruit, after the pruning, can bear much more. 

 

Buy a copy of the book HERE!        

My Thoughts:

    

 David ben Lazarus – or Lazarus as he is known from the famous passage in John – is one of the central characters in Brock and Bodie Thoene’s latest novel, When Jesus Wept.  I had forgotten how real the Thoene’s create New Testament lifestyle – the nuances of sight, smell and culture.  The reader is totally transported across the boundaries of time and space and becomes immersed it New Testament living.  You literally feel you become a part of Lazaurus’ life and family.

Through Lazarus’ eyes, you experience Jesus entry into His earthly ministry.  At times, you observe as part of the crowd, and at other times you walk by Jesus’ side and engage in intimate conversation.   For instance, I don’t think I’ll ever view a vineyard and faith the same way again after Jesus explains faith through the eyes of a vine dresser in chapter 23!  So profound, yet so personal and relevant!! (I actually used it in a Sunday School illustration today! ) Many familiar New Testament passages leap to brilliant life under the creative duet of Brock and Bodie Thoene’s pen!  Depth and richness are added when poured through the sieve of historical accuracy!

There are those, I am sure, who will feel that some passages take great liberty with the unknown.  I felt a bit that way at first.  But when I saw the transformation that came through Lazurus’ death and resurrection experience, suddenly I had a mere glimpse into Christ’s sadness at the tomb of His friend.  I understood  - as far as the Holy Spirit allows me to understand - why Jesus wept over both Lazarus and Jerusalem. 

I only hope that the eternal direction of the lost around me moves me to weep over their condition and reach out to them in love as Jesus’ did.  This is indeed a rich and moving story for everyone to enjoy! You will weep – and be transformed!

About the Authors:

Bodie and Brock Thoene (pronounced Tay-nee) are bestselling authors of over sixty-five works of historical fiction. Their timeless classics have sold more than thirty-five million copies and won eight ECPA Gold Medallion Awards. The Thoenes have four grown children and eight grandchildren. They divide their time between Hawaii, London, and Nevada.

Find out more about Bodie and Brock HERE!