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How to Read the Bible through the Jesus Lens: A Guide to Christ-Focused Reading of Scripture
Many Christians today experience Bible teaching in isolated, unconnected pieces, receiving little or no guidance into how these pieces form a coherent picture in Christ. How to Read the Bible through the Jesus Lens presents Christ as the central focus of each biblical book and the primary way the Bible relates to contemporary circumstances. It shows how each book of the Bible has an identifiable theme ultimately fulfilled in the person and work of Christ. Williams provides the following for his readers: An excellent tool for Bible teachers, ministry leaders, and students, How to Read the Bible through the Jesus Lens facilitates other Christian disciplines such as Bible reading, Scripture memory and evangelism. By demonstrating how each theme relates to living the Christian life, this book promises to be an invaluable guide for reading and understanding the Bible.
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 17, 2012
150 people are currently reading
310 people want to read
About the author
Michael James Williams
19 books2 followersMichael Williams (PhD, University of Pennsylvania) is Professor of Old Testament at Calvin Theological Seminary and a member of the NIV Committee on Bible Translation. He is the author of Deception in Genesis and The Prophet and His Message, and editor and contributor of Mishneh Todah. His passion is to equip students with knowledge of the Old Testament and its languages so that they may grow in their comprehension and appreciation of redemptive history and be adequately prepared to promote and defend the faith through word and action. Michael resides in Grand Rapids, MI, with his wife, Dawn.
Also writes under the name Michael James Williams, Michael J. Williams, and Michael Williams.
Also writes under the name Michael James Williams, Michael J. Williams, and Michael Williams.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
April 1, 2020
I love this book! I copied the chapter on Exodus and gave it to my students at the Christian school where I teach. Michael Williams goes through each book of the Bible, and somehow manages to capture how Christ fulfills the central themes of each book. But, this is no mammoth scholarly tome. This is an immensely practical book, and each chapter ends with "hook questions" that help to apply the Christological implications of each book in the Bible to our lives.
This book is designed to help students of the Bible recognize the broad theme of each Biblical book and see how it is fulfilled in Christ. Below the title of each chapter is a phrase which summarizes the theme of the Biblical book. For instance, under "Exodus" we find "Deliverance into Presence." After an introductory paragraph, which outlines the historical background of the book. Then, we find the theme of Exodus: "God delivers his people from slavery into his presence." After a paragraph summarizing the highlights of Exodus, we find a memory verse: Ex. 29:46. Williams has selected memory passages from each book which both epitomize the Biblical book, and are ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Williams typically follows the memory verse with a paragraph discussing the spiritual significance and themes of the Biblical book under consideration. Then, we get to Jesus, with "The Jesus Lens" section. Williams shows how Christ fulfills the themes of the books, resolves tensions, answers questions, and provides additional meaning. At this point, we can marvel at the intricate story that God has been writing throughout redemptive history. Williams then moves into pastoral theology, showing how our salvation and spiritual struggles follow the same patterns as the Old Testament narratives.
All good theology must be applied, and so Williams ends each chapter with "Contemporary Implications," relating Biblical themes to our world and our experience. Lastly, Williams provides a few "Hook Questions" which bring these great truths and themes to an intensely personal level. These questions reveal much about our own sinfulness, and how much we fail to live out the grand story that God has written for us. But, Williams ends with a paragraph of pastoral encouragement, reminding us of God's faithfulness and abiding love.
Although each chapter is short, I believe this book should be part of every pastor's, teacher's, and Christian's, library. I say this because I have found that many Christians have no idea how the Old Testament applies to us now (especially the youth I've taught over the years). Williams' book should help fill this lacuna in the contemporary Church.
This book is designed to help students of the Bible recognize the broad theme of each Biblical book and see how it is fulfilled in Christ. Below the title of each chapter is a phrase which summarizes the theme of the Biblical book. For instance, under "Exodus" we find "Deliverance into Presence." After an introductory paragraph, which outlines the historical background of the book. Then, we find the theme of Exodus: "God delivers his people from slavery into his presence." After a paragraph summarizing the highlights of Exodus, we find a memory verse: Ex. 29:46. Williams has selected memory passages from each book which both epitomize the Biblical book, and are ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Williams typically follows the memory verse with a paragraph discussing the spiritual significance and themes of the Biblical book under consideration. Then, we get to Jesus, with "The Jesus Lens" section. Williams shows how Christ fulfills the themes of the books, resolves tensions, answers questions, and provides additional meaning. At this point, we can marvel at the intricate story that God has been writing throughout redemptive history. Williams then moves into pastoral theology, showing how our salvation and spiritual struggles follow the same patterns as the Old Testament narratives.
All good theology must be applied, and so Williams ends each chapter with "Contemporary Implications," relating Biblical themes to our world and our experience. Lastly, Williams provides a few "Hook Questions" which bring these great truths and themes to an intensely personal level. These questions reveal much about our own sinfulness, and how much we fail to live out the grand story that God has written for us. But, Williams ends with a paragraph of pastoral encouragement, reminding us of God's faithfulness and abiding love.
Although each chapter is short, I believe this book should be part of every pastor's, teacher's, and Christian's, library. I say this because I have found that many Christians have no idea how the Old Testament applies to us now (especially the youth I've taught over the years). Williams' book should help fill this lacuna in the contemporary Church.
July 9, 2020
Good intro
This book provides a good intro to every book, and is a good reminder to seasoned Christians to keep the central point of the Bible central.
This book provides a good intro to every book, and is a good reminder to seasoned Christians to keep the central point of the Bible central.
March 12, 2012
The title of the book says it all—Williams writes to show how one can read the bible in such a way as to find Jesus in every book in the canon. This sort of Christocentric hermeneutic is certainly nothing new or novel, but Williams feels that “the fact that all of scripture testifies about Jesus” has been somewhat obscured by other details that tend to be the object of the bible reader’s study. His aim, then, is to provide a snapshot view of each biblical book, wherein he offers enough thematic ties to formulate a theme for that book and ultimately how each canonical book points to Jesus.
Each canonical book/chapter is comprised of several parts. First, he offers a quick introduction of the book in question. Bear in mind it’s not an introduction that you would find in a commentary or other more specialized work, but something much more generalized, at least in the chapter on Genesis. Other chapters throughout the book briefly summarize the story up to that point either chronologically or thematically and segue to the contents of the book itself. These brief glimpses at the landscape of the biblical story are helpful in that they are concise and show the reader how various books relate to others (the book of the twelve is a good example).
Each chapter has a graphic inserted just after the introductory paragraph that indicates what Williams’ believes to be the theme of the book. For Genesis, the theme is said to be “God separates out one through whom he would bless all nations” (13). This aspect of Williams’ book will likely serve as the spawning ground for most of readers’ disagreements. I will agree with Williams’ that the idea of separation is an important theme early on in Genesis, but I am not convinced that it is the theme. Williams’ notes the acts of separation in the first creation account (vv1:1-28) and the subsequent separation of people, i.e. Seth from Adam and Eve’s other children (5:3-32), the line of Abraham from all other people (12:1-3), etc, but does not discuss how the remainder of the story plays out except in a brief summary (clearly the nature of the book prevents such extended discussions). Each chapter also includes memory passages/verses that reinforce the proposed theme.
The subsequent sections are “The Jesus Lens”, “Contemporary Implications”, and “Hook Questions”. The “Jesus Lens” sections obviously tells how the canonical book in question points to Jesus, which in Genesis (acc. to Williams) is accomplished by showing “Jesus is the one to whom all God’s separating was always meant to lead, and Jesus is separate from all others in his ability to bring the promised divine blessing to the nations” (15). I must say that I was surprised that the so-called “proto-evangelium” of Gen 3:15 was not mentioned, given that many see in that verse the beginnings of what Christ would ultimately accomplish. The “Contemporary Implications” section is exactly what it sounds like—a brief attempt to show the contemporary relevance of these ancient texts and their pointing to Jesus. Williams maintains the theme of the canonical book here and ties it together by showing how God’s work of separation continues in the life of modern believers. The final part of each chapter is “Hook Questions,” questions provided for readers to engage personally and/or in a group setting, presumably for those who wish to pursue matters beyond the initial discussion of the chapter. These questions will be helpful to varying degrees depending on a number of factors, some being more helpful than others.
On the New Testament side, I chose to read and comment on Williams’ treatment of Romans. The theme proposed is “Through Christ, God brings his chosen ones from death to life”. While this is certainly a concept Paul discusses in Romans, I’m not convinced that it would serve as the theme of the book. This is due mostly to my own view of Romans, which is to say I see it as Paul’s explication of what the gospel is and how it is effected in the life of sinners and how they, upon regeneration, are to live the gospel. This is certainly not at odds with Williams’ proposed theme—much of what the gospel is in Romans concerns what God does to reconcile sinners to himself, i.e. bringing them from death to life, but one is hard pressed to condense the whole of Romans to this one idea.
And therein lies the main concern I have with this book and others like it—the attempt to condense canonical books to a singular theme is often difficult, if not sometimes impossible. Many books of the bible are quite complex and defiantly resist simplified categorization, thematic or otherwise. To do so concerns me because too often people (especially many modern bible readers) are more concerned with simplifying the scriptures so that they can make more expedient use of it. It’s a common approach in many churches today to hurry up and get to the application—what does this mean for me today? While I believe the scripture is certainly relevant for readers of all eras, we must not bypass the difficulties and complexities of scripture just to get to why it’s important today. Cart before the horse, anyone? This approach can easily lead to bad interpretations which inevitably leads to bad theology.
However, let me be clear in what I do not wish to suggest—that Williams’ book will lead to this end. Yes, it could for some, those who fit the mold I mentioned above, but for those whose desire is to read the scripture from a bird’s-eye perspective, to get a snapshot of the bible’s story, Williams’ book will help you in that. I agree with Williams and others who believe the whole of scripture finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ and that we should read the it accordingly, but I also believe the fullest and most faithful way to read the scripture Christocentrically (or through the Jesus lens) is to understand each book and each section of scripture as it was understood by its original hearers and readers, to whatever extent we are able. I am confident that Williams would agree with this and he does an admirable job of telling the greater story that all scripture, as a whole, is meant to tell. He has written a very readable book (at times even humorous) and it will serve well those who wish to see how the scripture tells of Jesus, whether by a whisper or a shout.
Each canonical book/chapter is comprised of several parts. First, he offers a quick introduction of the book in question. Bear in mind it’s not an introduction that you would find in a commentary or other more specialized work, but something much more generalized, at least in the chapter on Genesis. Other chapters throughout the book briefly summarize the story up to that point either chronologically or thematically and segue to the contents of the book itself. These brief glimpses at the landscape of the biblical story are helpful in that they are concise and show the reader how various books relate to others (the book of the twelve is a good example).
Each chapter has a graphic inserted just after the introductory paragraph that indicates what Williams’ believes to be the theme of the book. For Genesis, the theme is said to be “God separates out one through whom he would bless all nations” (13). This aspect of Williams’ book will likely serve as the spawning ground for most of readers’ disagreements. I will agree with Williams’ that the idea of separation is an important theme early on in Genesis, but I am not convinced that it is the theme. Williams’ notes the acts of separation in the first creation account (vv1:1-28) and the subsequent separation of people, i.e. Seth from Adam and Eve’s other children (5:3-32), the line of Abraham from all other people (12:1-3), etc, but does not discuss how the remainder of the story plays out except in a brief summary (clearly the nature of the book prevents such extended discussions). Each chapter also includes memory passages/verses that reinforce the proposed theme.
The subsequent sections are “The Jesus Lens”, “Contemporary Implications”, and “Hook Questions”. The “Jesus Lens” sections obviously tells how the canonical book in question points to Jesus, which in Genesis (acc. to Williams) is accomplished by showing “Jesus is the one to whom all God’s separating was always meant to lead, and Jesus is separate from all others in his ability to bring the promised divine blessing to the nations” (15). I must say that I was surprised that the so-called “proto-evangelium” of Gen 3:15 was not mentioned, given that many see in that verse the beginnings of what Christ would ultimately accomplish. The “Contemporary Implications” section is exactly what it sounds like—a brief attempt to show the contemporary relevance of these ancient texts and their pointing to Jesus. Williams maintains the theme of the canonical book here and ties it together by showing how God’s work of separation continues in the life of modern believers. The final part of each chapter is “Hook Questions,” questions provided for readers to engage personally and/or in a group setting, presumably for those who wish to pursue matters beyond the initial discussion of the chapter. These questions will be helpful to varying degrees depending on a number of factors, some being more helpful than others.
On the New Testament side, I chose to read and comment on Williams’ treatment of Romans. The theme proposed is “Through Christ, God brings his chosen ones from death to life”. While this is certainly a concept Paul discusses in Romans, I’m not convinced that it would serve as the theme of the book. This is due mostly to my own view of Romans, which is to say I see it as Paul’s explication of what the gospel is and how it is effected in the life of sinners and how they, upon regeneration, are to live the gospel. This is certainly not at odds with Williams’ proposed theme—much of what the gospel is in Romans concerns what God does to reconcile sinners to himself, i.e. bringing them from death to life, but one is hard pressed to condense the whole of Romans to this one idea.
And therein lies the main concern I have with this book and others like it—the attempt to condense canonical books to a singular theme is often difficult, if not sometimes impossible. Many books of the bible are quite complex and defiantly resist simplified categorization, thematic or otherwise. To do so concerns me because too often people (especially many modern bible readers) are more concerned with simplifying the scriptures so that they can make more expedient use of it. It’s a common approach in many churches today to hurry up and get to the application—what does this mean for me today? While I believe the scripture is certainly relevant for readers of all eras, we must not bypass the difficulties and complexities of scripture just to get to why it’s important today. Cart before the horse, anyone? This approach can easily lead to bad interpretations which inevitably leads to bad theology.
However, let me be clear in what I do not wish to suggest—that Williams’ book will lead to this end. Yes, it could for some, those who fit the mold I mentioned above, but for those whose desire is to read the scripture from a bird’s-eye perspective, to get a snapshot of the bible’s story, Williams’ book will help you in that. I agree with Williams and others who believe the whole of scripture finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ and that we should read the it accordingly, but I also believe the fullest and most faithful way to read the scripture Christocentrically (or through the Jesus lens) is to understand each book and each section of scripture as it was understood by its original hearers and readers, to whatever extent we are able. I am confident that Williams would agree with this and he does an admirable job of telling the greater story that all scripture, as a whole, is meant to tell. He has written a very readable book (at times even humorous) and it will serve well those who wish to see how the scripture tells of Jesus, whether by a whisper or a shout.
February 13, 2024
A great and concise interpretation of each book of the Bible. Great for beginners!
March 24, 2012
Recent years have seen been an increase in quality books addressing the Christ-centered nature of Scripture. Following in this tradition, Dr. Michael Williams wrote How to Read the Bible through the Jesus Lens. Written in the tradition of the best-selling How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth series, this book aims to help readers to read the Bible through “Jesus lens” which will help Christians to “keep our reading, understanding, teaching, and preaching properly focused on God’s grand redemptive that centers on his own Son” (9). The Jesus lens “ensures that our exegetical bowling balls stay within the lane and don’t go crashing over into areas where they can cause a lot of damage to the faith of believers and to our ability to use the Bible fruitfully in our service to God” (9).
How to Read the Bible through the Jesus lens is very well-written and easy to use. Each chapter contains some introductory comments on the book, a memory verse, the “Jesus lens”, explores the contemporary implications, and then concludes by giving hook questions. This approach is similar to that of God’s Glory In Salvation Through Judgment A Biblical Theology, by Dr. James H. Hamilton Jr. While Hamilton’s book is more academic in nature, Williams’ serves as a lay-level introduction to how each book of the Bible points readers to Christ.
Christians who struggle to understand the Christ-centered nature of Leviticus, 1 & 2 Samuel, Kings and Chronicles will find How to Read the Bible through the Jesus lens a helpful companion on how to understand the way in which Christ is at the heart of every book in His Word. Williams’ explanation of Leviticus will help Christians struggling to read through the entire Bible as he points out that the sacrifices in Leviticus, “With their emphases on acknowledging, celebrating, deepening, and restoring our relationship with god, reveal aspects of a coming ultimate sacrifice when we view them through the lens of Christ” (22).
While the book seeks to explain the Scriptures and does so faithfully, its greatest strength is Dr. Williams’ pastoral approach. While over the years I’ve read many books in this genre, as I read this book I felt I was being shepherded to better understand the person and work of Christ in all of Scripture. At various points in my Christian life, like many Christians, I’ve struggled to read through Leviticus and other parts of the Bible, but during such times How to Read the Bible through the Jesus Lens will be a resource I turn to in my reading of the Word to better understand how Jesus is at its center.
How to Read the Bible through the Jesus Lens is a good introduction to the Christ-centered nature of Scripture. For further study one should consider checking out Hamilton’s God’s Glory In Salvation through Judgment or any of the work by Graeme Goldsworthy. This book would make a great gift for the new Christian, and also a great resource for the advanced Bible student to get a quick overview of the Christ-centered nature of Scripture. Whether or not we are new or mature Christians, we would all do well to read How to Read the Bible through the Jesus Lens and learn how Christ is at the center of redemptive history and the Word of God.
Title: How to Read the Bible through the Jesus Lens: A Guide to Christ-Focused Reading of Scripture
Author: Michael Williams
Publisher: Zondervan (2012)
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Zondervan as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
How to Read the Bible through the Jesus lens is very well-written and easy to use. Each chapter contains some introductory comments on the book, a memory verse, the “Jesus lens”, explores the contemporary implications, and then concludes by giving hook questions. This approach is similar to that of God’s Glory In Salvation Through Judgment A Biblical Theology, by Dr. James H. Hamilton Jr. While Hamilton’s book is more academic in nature, Williams’ serves as a lay-level introduction to how each book of the Bible points readers to Christ.
Christians who struggle to understand the Christ-centered nature of Leviticus, 1 & 2 Samuel, Kings and Chronicles will find How to Read the Bible through the Jesus lens a helpful companion on how to understand the way in which Christ is at the heart of every book in His Word. Williams’ explanation of Leviticus will help Christians struggling to read through the entire Bible as he points out that the sacrifices in Leviticus, “With their emphases on acknowledging, celebrating, deepening, and restoring our relationship with god, reveal aspects of a coming ultimate sacrifice when we view them through the lens of Christ” (22).
While the book seeks to explain the Scriptures and does so faithfully, its greatest strength is Dr. Williams’ pastoral approach. While over the years I’ve read many books in this genre, as I read this book I felt I was being shepherded to better understand the person and work of Christ in all of Scripture. At various points in my Christian life, like many Christians, I’ve struggled to read through Leviticus and other parts of the Bible, but during such times How to Read the Bible through the Jesus Lens will be a resource I turn to in my reading of the Word to better understand how Jesus is at its center.
How to Read the Bible through the Jesus Lens is a good introduction to the Christ-centered nature of Scripture. For further study one should consider checking out Hamilton’s God’s Glory In Salvation through Judgment or any of the work by Graeme Goldsworthy. This book would make a great gift for the new Christian, and also a great resource for the advanced Bible student to get a quick overview of the Christ-centered nature of Scripture. Whether or not we are new or mature Christians, we would all do well to read How to Read the Bible through the Jesus Lens and learn how Christ is at the center of redemptive history and the Word of God.
Title: How to Read the Bible through the Jesus Lens: A Guide to Christ-Focused Reading of Scripture
Author: Michael Williams
Publisher: Zondervan (2012)
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Zondervan as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
February 29, 2012
Here's a volume providing an overview of each book of the Bible with the special emphasis on how that book presents Jesus Christ to us. Quite a catchy emphasis, wouldn't you agree? If you agree that the Person of Jesus Christ with His great mission of redemption is the key of the entire Bible as I do, then this is a worthwhile subject to pursue. Perhaps some books of the Bible reach for a more generalized subject matter and required some stretching on Mr. Williams part to give us the view through the Jesus lens, but the book has real value.
The publisher (Zondervan) asked that I focus on one segment of the Biblical corpus in this review, and I chose the Gospels since that has been a special point of emphasis in my studies for 4 or 5 years now. I thought his explanation of Mark and Luke were superior to those for Matthew and John. I might not personally agree with his ultimate opinion of each Gospel's main theme, but his are worthy of consideration. Books of the Bible, and particularly the Gospels, have such depth that there will never be overwhelming consensus. What we readers need are those key and unique features of the book that will help us wrestle with our own conclusions about the book's theme. Things like Matthew focusing on 5 key sermons, or Mark being geared toward Roman citizens, or Luke being fascinated with the problem of sin, or John highlighting the need to believe. These helpful discussions you will find in this book.
This book covers each book of the bible in around 4 pages. In every case there is a discussion of the theme and some specific "Jesus Lens" comments. These are quite good and are followed by "contemporary implications" and "Hook Questions" that are not quite as valuable. How would you pick the main contemporary implications of an entire book? I fear that would only give us the chance to say anything and yet nothing.
Still, this book is helpful. Don't let the length fool you. It helps with perspective to look at some things from the big-picture viewpoint rather than just long, detailed, scholarly tomes.
Currently, a trend exists in many places to say that the redemptive aspect of every passage is what must be preached or we are just engaging in "moralistic preaching." This is, of course, overdone as such an approach might make us miss what the Lord is actually saying in a passage. I can agree, however, that I should never let Jesus Christ get too far from my thinking in expounding a passage of Scripture or in personally studying it. It is in this vein that this book succeeds.
In my library there is a place for books that help me get the big picture of a Bible book that I am beginning to study, and this volume will take its place there as one that I will always consult. What better recommendation could I possibly give it?
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
The publisher (Zondervan) asked that I focus on one segment of the Biblical corpus in this review, and I chose the Gospels since that has been a special point of emphasis in my studies for 4 or 5 years now. I thought his explanation of Mark and Luke were superior to those for Matthew and John. I might not personally agree with his ultimate opinion of each Gospel's main theme, but his are worthy of consideration. Books of the Bible, and particularly the Gospels, have such depth that there will never be overwhelming consensus. What we readers need are those key and unique features of the book that will help us wrestle with our own conclusions about the book's theme. Things like Matthew focusing on 5 key sermons, or Mark being geared toward Roman citizens, or Luke being fascinated with the problem of sin, or John highlighting the need to believe. These helpful discussions you will find in this book.
This book covers each book of the bible in around 4 pages. In every case there is a discussion of the theme and some specific "Jesus Lens" comments. These are quite good and are followed by "contemporary implications" and "Hook Questions" that are not quite as valuable. How would you pick the main contemporary implications of an entire book? I fear that would only give us the chance to say anything and yet nothing.
Still, this book is helpful. Don't let the length fool you. It helps with perspective to look at some things from the big-picture viewpoint rather than just long, detailed, scholarly tomes.
Currently, a trend exists in many places to say that the redemptive aspect of every passage is what must be preached or we are just engaging in "moralistic preaching." This is, of course, overdone as such an approach might make us miss what the Lord is actually saying in a passage. I can agree, however, that I should never let Jesus Christ get too far from my thinking in expounding a passage of Scripture or in personally studying it. It is in this vein that this book succeeds.
In my library there is a place for books that help me get the big picture of a Bible book that I am beginning to study, and this volume will take its place there as one that I will always consult. What better recommendation could I possibly give it?
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
March 7, 2012
“And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself” (Lk. 24:27, ESV). Oh how I wish I were one of the two men with Jesus on the road to Emmaus after His resurrection. I would have gladly taken Jesus stern remarks in the previous two verses to hear Jesus explain to me ever so clearly how all of the Old Testament spoke of and towards Him.
While abuse can occur in this regards, there can be no serious denial of the fact that the authors of all 66 books of the Bible are a consistent witness to the reality that Jesus is at the heart and center of all of Scripture. While the Old Testament is pointing forward and the New Testament is looking back at the cross, it is the person on the cross that makes it so significant. It is Jesus that runs through Scripture and his name is whispered and shouted from every book.
While there are a number of books presently that address the issue of Jesus in all of Scripture, there are none so simple and striking as Michael Williams newest book How to Read the Bible Through the Jesus Lens: A Guide to Christ-Focused Reading of Scripture. In less than 300 pages Williams covers each book of the Bible in four pages as he draws our attention to how each book reveals its Jesus centeredness. This is the Jesus lens.
Each chapter begins by stating the books main theme and then in two or three paragraphs gives a brief overview of the book showing how this theme is woven throughout the book. Within this section one verses is suggested as the main verse than encapsulates the theme of the book.
Following the overview is The Jesus Lens section. In just one to two paragraphs Williams clearly shows the reader how the central theme of the book is connected to Jesus. Williams does not look in to find what is not there but rather, as Jesus did with the two men on the road to
From here Williams takes a walk from the text to today by showing us the contemporary implications of this Christ-focused reading of Scripture. Because Scripture was written to people in their own world and contemporary setting and Jesus is its focus, it goes without saying that what was relevant concerning Jesus to the original hearers and recipients is in fact relevant to everyone after them.Emmaus, explains how each book points to and back to Jesus.
Finally, closely tied to the application section, each chapter closes with Hook Questions. These questions are designed to get the reader thinking about how to connect the Christ-centered message and implications of each book into their own lives.
At the end of the book there is a helpful chart of all 66 books of the Bible with each books theme, Jesus-focus, implications and hook questions. Reading through these few pages will make the Jesus-focused lens of Scripture all the more clear.
While abuse can occur in this regards, there can be no serious denial of the fact that the authors of all 66 books of the Bible are a consistent witness to the reality that Jesus is at the heart and center of all of Scripture. While the Old Testament is pointing forward and the New Testament is looking back at the cross, it is the person on the cross that makes it so significant. It is Jesus that runs through Scripture and his name is whispered and shouted from every book.
While there are a number of books presently that address the issue of Jesus in all of Scripture, there are none so simple and striking as Michael Williams newest book How to Read the Bible Through the Jesus Lens: A Guide to Christ-Focused Reading of Scripture. In less than 300 pages Williams covers each book of the Bible in four pages as he draws our attention to how each book reveals its Jesus centeredness. This is the Jesus lens.
Each chapter begins by stating the books main theme and then in two or three paragraphs gives a brief overview of the book showing how this theme is woven throughout the book. Within this section one verses is suggested as the main verse than encapsulates the theme of the book.
Following the overview is The Jesus Lens section. In just one to two paragraphs Williams clearly shows the reader how the central theme of the book is connected to Jesus. Williams does not look in to find what is not there but rather, as Jesus did with the two men on the road to
From here Williams takes a walk from the text to today by showing us the contemporary implications of this Christ-focused reading of Scripture. Because Scripture was written to people in their own world and contemporary setting and Jesus is its focus, it goes without saying that what was relevant concerning Jesus to the original hearers and recipients is in fact relevant to everyone after them.Emmaus, explains how each book points to and back to Jesus.
Finally, closely tied to the application section, each chapter closes with Hook Questions. These questions are designed to get the reader thinking about how to connect the Christ-centered message and implications of each book into their own lives.
At the end of the book there is a helpful chart of all 66 books of the Bible with each books theme, Jesus-focus, implications and hook questions. Reading through these few pages will make the Jesus-focused lens of Scripture all the more clear.
December 18, 2015
This is a frustratingly elementary book, in the worst way.
At its best, it is condescendingly simple and reductive in both its content and language. By narrowing its focus to the "Jesus lens" alone, combining such with an assumption that the reader has never even read the book each chapter summarizes, the richness and depth of scripture becomes a parroting repeated description of a simple evangelical salvation message, over and over, even if that message needs to be nearly read into the pages. Whole books, like Luke, are reduced to this simple message, while other nuanced messages, like the rich and radical challenge to social justice in Luke's gospel, are completely ignored. Meanwhile, this PhD author frequently tries to write like a hip millennial, with painful consequences. Though I understand what he was trying to do, I often found the tone downright insulting.
At its worst, the book shaves off all the sharp edges of our wild and untameable scripture, making the violently confrontational and enigmatic book of Jude into a simple slap on the wrist, or making the high poetry of Ephesians virtually indiscernible from the earthy practical theology of Colossians. In so doing, I believe this book could actually do damage, by inoculating the reader to the true wonder, terror, and awe of these ancient and sacred words. By providing something like a Coles Notes version of scripture, yet with a specific hermeneutical perspective imposed upon it, the new reader is not empowered to see Jesus in scripture, but given blinders to anything but the simplest of evangelical salvation messages. I fear that a new reader may become satisfied, or worse bored, by this pablum, and rather than feel excited to read scripture once done, feel they no longer have a desire to read further.
I do recommend the book from which this book was inspired, How To Read The Bible for All Its Worth.
Furthermore, I believe that the intention of this book was good, and in fact that it is very important. It is for this reason that I feel that a poor job of this important work is such a tragedy. If someone truly is brand new to scripture, and is looking for a source that is both rich and elementary in its illumination of Christ in scripture, I would most recommend the children's book, The Big Picture Story Bible. This beautifully illustrated work, is rich, deep, and is both simple, while also having an eminent respect of its reader's ability to understand its greater meanings. With an economy of words, and creativity without mere cleverness, it elevates scripture and draws from the reader a desire to read, know, and understand more of the story of Jesus on its every page.
But as for this book, skip it.
At its best, it is condescendingly simple and reductive in both its content and language. By narrowing its focus to the "Jesus lens" alone, combining such with an assumption that the reader has never even read the book each chapter summarizes, the richness and depth of scripture becomes a parroting repeated description of a simple evangelical salvation message, over and over, even if that message needs to be nearly read into the pages. Whole books, like Luke, are reduced to this simple message, while other nuanced messages, like the rich and radical challenge to social justice in Luke's gospel, are completely ignored. Meanwhile, this PhD author frequently tries to write like a hip millennial, with painful consequences. Though I understand what he was trying to do, I often found the tone downright insulting.
At its worst, the book shaves off all the sharp edges of our wild and untameable scripture, making the violently confrontational and enigmatic book of Jude into a simple slap on the wrist, or making the high poetry of Ephesians virtually indiscernible from the earthy practical theology of Colossians. In so doing, I believe this book could actually do damage, by inoculating the reader to the true wonder, terror, and awe of these ancient and sacred words. By providing something like a Coles Notes version of scripture, yet with a specific hermeneutical perspective imposed upon it, the new reader is not empowered to see Jesus in scripture, but given blinders to anything but the simplest of evangelical salvation messages. I fear that a new reader may become satisfied, or worse bored, by this pablum, and rather than feel excited to read scripture once done, feel they no longer have a desire to read further.
I do recommend the book from which this book was inspired, How To Read The Bible for All Its Worth.
Furthermore, I believe that the intention of this book was good, and in fact that it is very important. It is for this reason that I feel that a poor job of this important work is such a tragedy. If someone truly is brand new to scripture, and is looking for a source that is both rich and elementary in its illumination of Christ in scripture, I would most recommend the children's book, The Big Picture Story Bible. This beautifully illustrated work, is rich, deep, and is both simple, while also having an eminent respect of its reader's ability to understand its greater meanings. With an economy of words, and creativity without mere cleverness, it elevates scripture and draws from the reader a desire to read, know, and understand more of the story of Jesus on its every page.
But as for this book, skip it.
June 30, 2013
A well-written overview of each book of the Bible, from Genesis through Revelation. Each book was summarized using the same format: Theme Of The Book, Memory Passage, The Jesus Lens, Contemporary Implications, and finally, Hook Questions. I so enjoyed reading and also thinking about this book. The Contemporary Implications and Hook Questions were very thought-provoking for me. I have used portions of this book to initiate conversations within my small group of teenagers. I will share this book with others and it has earned a spot on my re-read list.
April 16, 2013
For the most part, it is a good resource to walk us through the different books of the Bible and how they point us to Christ.
However, some parts were overly contextualized and because of that confusing (like references to caffeine and zombies). The part that was most troublesome to me was the chapter on the book of Luke. The author wrote that Christ was immune to sin and called him the divine man. I don't think that a description like that of Jesus can give much hope for salvation to us. If he was just pretending to be a man and could never sin, I don't know how that can be hope for us.
However, some parts were overly contextualized and because of that confusing (like references to caffeine and zombies). The part that was most troublesome to me was the chapter on the book of Luke. The author wrote that Christ was immune to sin and called him the divine man. I don't think that a description like that of Jesus can give much hope for salvation to us. If he was just pretending to be a man and could never sin, I don't know how that can be hope for us.
July 16, 2019
Ok I will be honest and say that I only grazed in this book. It is a reference book not a reader as such. But as a basic introduction to the books of the Bible, you cannot do it in any better way than to relate the message of each book to the ultimate fulfillment in Jesus. It would be a great companion to a read through the Bible plan.
October 8, 2016
Great resource, for students and teachers of the Bible alike. While I don't always agree with all of Dr. William's summaries and emphases, his desire to promote a Christ centered reading of the scripture is instructive. For novices and veterans, his contribution to this discussion is welcomed!
December 6, 2014
I guess I can imagine some contexts in which this book would be useful, but it was more frustrating than anything else to me. It seemed overly simplistic and seemed to gloss over many of the complexities of the Bible.
December 31, 2012
Very helpful. I read this slowly throughout the year as a companion to daily Bible readings.
October 19, 2013
Excellent resource, loved the table in the back of the book.
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August 11, 2014Will be used as a primary teaching text for next Discipleship class 'Soldiers's Call to Know the Bible', starting May 5th at Dixon Correctional Center
January 7, 2015
A very good book for those who are just starting to read the Bible and need some guidance.
August 18, 2015
Just like the other volumes in the "How to" series, this one is very good.
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