Books affect me and leave their mark, but it’s not often a book makes me feel like I’m sitting at the unsandaled feet of Jesus.
When I read The Day I Met Jesus, I felt like I had been transported back to the first century. As I read the inner thoughts of these women, I found soul sisters, kindred spirits and desperate women in need of grace.
I found myself on the pages of this Biblical narrative.
I bookmarked every other page to use as pull quotes in this review. I was tempted to save the last few pages for later, to savor it and to keep the book from coming to an end.
Frank Viola and Mary DeMuth have written a stunning book unlike any book I’ve ever read. Half of each chapter reads like a diary entry. The other half explains the Biblical text, providing historical context.
The Day I Met Jesus chronicles the day Jesus changed the story of these five women.
- The prostitute who loved much.
- The Samaritan at the well.
- Mary of Bethany.
- The woman with the “issue of blood.”
- The woman caught in adultery.
I didn’t expect this book to impact me the way it did. I didn’t expect the five fictionalized characters from the Bible to embed themselves in my heart.
I was a little nervous reading the fictional backstories of these women. But what Frank and Mary have done in this book breathes life into the Scriptural account.
No longer am I rereading the same stories I’ve read countless times. On the pages of this book, I feel like I’m meeting a real person. I’ve rediscovered the power of their faith and the radical Christ I fell in love with years ago.
I met Mary of Bethany afresh and watched her wrestle with the need to be an ideal woman—a battle I fight daily. I watched her throw away the need to please and enter a man’s world to sit at the feet of Jesus as his disciple.
She loved Jesus more than she cared about what others thought of her.
I wept for the woman with the “issue of blood.” I felt her ache and rejection. When she met Jesus, I rejoiced with her and saw Jesus anew through her eyes.
I don’t have the space here to tell you how the women caught in adultery challenged the way I thought about my love for Jesus. I wish I could tell you how the woman at the well’s radical exuberance for the Savior challenged the way I approach sharing my faith.
I won’t soon forget this book, and you won’t either.
I’ve been a student of the Bible, formally and informally, for years, and I learned more about first-century customs from this one book than a pile of my theology books. The authors do a great job of explaining details that we as modern readers fail to see.
This book needs to line the bookshelf of every home and church library.
You can read the first chapter here, and buy it at 50% off here. Stay tuned for an interview with the authors this week!
Virtue and Vice says
Hello,
I so hope I’m not intruding. This book sounds quite intriguing to me, thank you kindly for the well written review! I’ve always been mesmerized and fascinated by the story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well. I’m currently reading ‘Twelve Extraordinary Women’ by John MacArthur and it has challenged and motivated me with the courage and vision of the women written about. This would be a great companion book to read with my wife. Have a lovely week Miss and may Christ richly bless you and your family in a special way.
Kind Regards,
trishamugo says
I do hope you get a chance to read it. And it would make a nice surprise gift for your wife.
I’m going to have to get the McArthur book you mention. May God rain down his blessings on you. Thank you.
expectantlylistening says
This book sounds amazing! I’ve added it to my wish list! I love imaginative expansions of the Bible stories, which sometimes seem to have too few details, and which, as you say, we can become overfamiliar with. Having the historical context in each chapter too sounds a perfect format. Looking forward to reading, and really excited to read the authors interviews!
trishamugo says
Victoria, I know you will LOVE it. I felt like I had really met these characters. It helped me relate to them and see just how like them I really am in my sin and how far I have to come in terms of how I express love, thankfulness and faith.
Susie Klein says
Wow! What a beautifully written book review! You made me want to run out into the snow and find this book immediately! Ha! I will be adding it to my wish list for sure. Thanks. Susie
trishamugo says
Thanks Susie.
nirministries says
Thank you for posting your review. I barely finished reading your post before I went online and ordered it. I can hardly wait to read it!
trishamugo says
I’m so glad you’re going to read it. I’m still thinking about Mary of Bethany. What inspiration.
Frank Viola Author (@FrankViola) says
thx. so much!
fv
Psalm 115:1