How to Be Like Jesus: Lessons for Following in His Footsteps

by Pat Williams, Jim Denney (Contributor)

No one can be like Jesus yet we can all be like Jesus. In all of history there has never been--and never will be--anyone like Him.

In this extraordinary book, devout Christian and internationally acclaimed speaker, author and sports executive Pat Williams reveals the pure essence of Jesus. Although Christianity teaches that Jesus is God, most people lose sight of His humanity. Through the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, Williams helps us understand who Jesus really was--His mind, His wisdom, His love, His humility, His courage and His goodness. The story of Jesus' life is told powerfully and dramatically and the meaning of his teachings is compellingly brought home through contemporary stories of people who exemplify what it means to be like Jesus.

The Jesus of this book is truly the Jesus who lived and identified with us and with whom we also can identify. Williams provides persuasive and provocative insight on how to truly be like Jesus through His teachings and this living example of genuine love, forgiveness, prayer, obedience, service, humility, integrity, leadership, and more.

This uncomplicated and fascinating work will enable readers to learn from Jesus' life, understand his words and build his traits and character qualities into their lives. The quintessential book on how to live a better life and create a positive and lasting effect on the lives of others, How to be Like Jesus may be the discovery of a lifetime.

Genres: Christian

464 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2003

About the author

Patrick Livingston Murphy Williams was an American sports executive, who served as senior vice president of the Orlando Magic. Williams began his career as a minor league baseball player, and later joined the front office of his team. In the late 1960s he moved into basketball, with his biggest achievements being the 1983 title of the Philadelphia 76'ers and being a partner in the creation of the Orlando Magic.

Reviews

[Caught Red Handed · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the few books that has literally changed my life. I wrote a letter to the author and got a hand-written letter back from him! Nice guy.

[Bob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pat writes in a clear way that summarizes many major lessons from the life of Christ from the writings of the four Gospels in the Bible. The stories come alive!

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will read again, and again!!!

[Sarah Kynard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I live in the Deep South, where “Jesus” is often a brand showcased by decorative crosses, showy church attendance and Bible quotes. Evangelical Protestants will boldly ask someone they barely know, “Have you been saved?” - which they describe as a personal faith and belief in your heart - and this is the seemingly lone requirement to their private club. Yet, this same group often demonstrate cliquish behavior, self righteousness and hatefulness toward anyone or anything deemed “other”. This was a turn off to me for many years…Wasn’t I surprised when, in my early 30’s, I read the Bible for myself and learned that Jesus was also an outcast with the religious mainstream of his time? He hung out with all the “sinners” and the only time he showed anger and judgement was towards the hypocrites in the church. I have an interest in philosophy, and the more I understood the historic context of Jesus’ time and the way his actions and teachings fit into that, the more I began to revere him. I decided to focus my interest not so much on proving the divinity of Jesus (which is a matter of personal faith) or in concerning myself with the afterlife - but in trying to incorporate his teachings and actions into my daily interactions with others, because I truly believe this would help me to be a better person and that the world would be a better place if we all tried this (even if we inevitably fall short of his example). Hence, I began to seek a book that focused on this topic. Pat Williams does a great job of tying the 4 gospels into a singular cohesive narrative and highlighting the characteristics of Jesus we can emulate (ex: integrity, obedience, anger, communication, thinking/philosophy, prayer, forgiveness, humility, love, endurance, grief, leadership, focus, courage) The book is not without agenda, per se, but the approach is non-judgmental, open, and warm. He wants you to see the humanity of the one who called himself “Son of Man” and encourage you to follow him in your life. It is a great supplement to studying the Gospels themselves and I feel all would benefit from reading it.

[Kathleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This older (2003) book was on my physical to read shelf, so i probably snagged it from a little free library somewhere down the road.

It was basically a retelling of most of the gospels, using modern English phrasing, and focusing on how we should strive to emulate Jesus' behavior. ie : how to be humble like Jesus, forgive like Jesus, focus like Jesus.

Interesting because it was written by a sports executive, rather than a trained theologian etc. It was fine to read, but nothing overly memorable.

[Janessa Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought I knew what it was like to be a Christian, but this book REALLY shows you what it’s like to be a Christian. This book changed my life and makes me strive to do and be better. The author breaks down the gospels even more and helps explain how to use Jesus’ parables in our life and how to literally be like Jesus. How to love people and go out of our ways for them. This book humbled me and I want to do better because of this book. I will FOREVER recommend this book. 10/10!

[Kevin Tumlinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful way to dig deeper into the life of Jesus

I was searching for exactly this book—a guide, built from Biblical and extended research, but filled with the spiritual message of Christ. Pat takes us from the beginning to the end of the life of Jesus, pulling liberally from the quoted text of the New Testament, but weaving the details into a narrative that just touched my heart.

Interwoven with personal anecdotes and bits of biography from other influential people, this book just feels inspiring and eye opening. I closed the final page in tears, answering "yes, Lord!" to that final call from Jesus—"follow me."

This books had helped to strengthen my faith by giving me a new understanding and appreciation for my Lord. Simply moving. I'm so grateful I found it.

[Andres Mario · Rating 4 out of 5]

Una excelente forma de analizar la vida de Jesucristo

[Leer Para Pensar · Rating 5 out of 5]

el mejor libro para poder imitar a Jesus, muy conmovedor y ejemplar, excelente