The Wrong Messiah: The Real Story of Jesus of Nazareth

Longest Week Trilogy

by Nick Page

He came from the wrong social class, the wrong place and the wrong profession. He ate with the wrong people, championed the wrong causes and attracted the wrong kind of supporters. He even spoke with the wrong accent.

In fact everything about Jesus of Nazareth was wrong. How could this odd-job man be God's Messiah?To the authorities he was a dangerous rebel; to the pious he was scandalously unorthodox. Even his family thought he was mad. But somehow this builder from 'up north' - this outrageous, unorthodox, rebellious teacher and miracle worker - changed the world.

In this illuminating new biography, Nick Page strips away centuries of misrepresentation and myth to reveal the real personality portrayed in the gospels. Drawing on a wealth of historical and archaeological research, the result is a startling and vivid new portrait of Yeshua ben Yosef - Jesus of Nazareth.

Challenging and thought-provoking, THE WRONG MESSIAH will change the way you view the man who in so many ways seemed utterly wrong, but who history has proved triumphantly to be right.

Genres: Christian, Religion

320 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2011

About the author

Nick Page lives in Oxfordshire, UK, with his wife Claire, their three daughters and a dog called Bill.

As well as writing books, he works with a number of campaign groups and NGOs. He is also a popular speaker for churches, church weekends and other events. events, etc.

His main focus is on church history – particularly the early church. Recent work includes A Nearly Infallible History of Christianity, and the Longest Week trilogy.

As well as writing many books for adults (or at least those who think they are adult) he has also written many books for children.

Reviews

[Gerald Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book of a trilogy this does not disappoint. Looking at what the Jewish Messiah would look like, Jesus does not seem to match up with the prophecies. From Nazareth, son of a builder, how could he possibly overthrow the Romans. He was not the Messiah the people were expecting, he had no ambition to be crowned King. This book looks at the life of Jesus and what he claimed and did not claim. Gives some good background to some of the parables including the Jews/Samaritan antagonism. I wasn’t aware of how much time that Jesus had spent in Samaria apart from the story of the woman at the well. Some great facts, including that ordinary Roman soldiers generally weren’t from Italy but were usually recruited locally and probably were from Samaria( Jews wouldn’t fight on the Sabbath so were excused from army service). It also gives a very good insight into what life was probably like in Judea 2000 years ago and ties in with what the author wrote in book one ( even though he wrote this first). I’m looking forward to completing the trilogy which looks at how the early church grew. Nick Page is rapidly becoming my favourite author.

[Hugh Dunnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really fascinating theology book dressed up as popular history - quite a page-turner.
The author obviously has a genuine faith which comes across in his writing, and he appears also to be human with a sense of humour... The other plus-point for me is that the author has aimed this book at Christians which makes a change from the usual 'real historical Jesus' books out there. It also has the feel of being written not just for Christians but for non-theologians by an (admittedly very learned) non-theologian. Although good fun and written in a very informal style throughout, the author does have the ability to present serious or important points in a sensitive manner when it matters. Interesting, surprisingly fun, and informative.

[Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I like about Nick Page's books is their accessability. They are well written and structured. You also find yourself, as your read, as though you are on a journey. Its very easy to follow the narrative.
The other thing I like about Page's books is that they well researched. You only have to look at the back of this book to discover this. Page is clearly very well read. As I have read this book, and his others in this trilogy, I have made numerous notes. I can imagine myself dipping into this book when I preach on the gospels. I highly recommend this book.

[Ben Jeapes · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the Bible, the life of Jesus is told in four sometimes complementary, sometimes contradictory gospels which were never meant to be read as straight history anyway. As a result the character of Jesus tends to be a rather two-dimensional construct based on the Bible readings we hear each Sunday. Nick Page brings him alive, using the gospel accounts, plus the geography of the territory, plus historical accounts of people and politics, plus what just seems most likely, to present the life of Jesus as a living, breathing, purpose-driven individual, from birth at Bethlehem all the way to his date with the cross. A very helpful supplement to the gospel accounts.

[Ron W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nick Page details how an obscure carpenter from Nazareth could never have been the Messiah the Pharisees were looking for. He just about got a cross in every box. But, the cross that was most important was the one he hung from to redeem mankind. Page does a magnificent job in following Jesus around on his travels all the way to his death and resurrection, and how he managed the rub the right people the wrong way - for he was the wrong Messiah. Page also writes in a lighthearted manner while still doing the gospels justice and respecting the characters within. It was great.

[Dr A J S White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though provoking

It is rare to find a book that both educates and entertains. This is one such. Well researched and referenced it made me (a Christian) rethink my notions about Jesus and his ministry. I believe it can be recommended to anyone interested in this remarkable man and may convince agnostics or even unbelievers that he was and is exactly who he claimed to be.
I can’t wait to get my teeth into more of Nick Page’s writing.

[J.G. Cully · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nick Page once again fills in some of the blanks in the story of early Christianity. In this book, he concentrates on the Gospels and expertly weaves both the biblical account and the historical to give a complete picture of the life and times of Christ and his followers. The detail is well research and easy to grasp, and certainly helped explain many of the stories around Jesus and his followers. A must read.

[Rob Eastwood Dewing · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the title and that is the thing that sustains this book - though I wish that he had actually made more of this idea. It tries to walk the difficult line between a learned and a popular book and generally does, but the danger of being so sweeping is there are lots of places where you want more. The first part of the book looking at Jesus' birth had the most to grab me.

[Prabhu Guptara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Challenging reading.

Communicates information in a most interesting way.

On the subject, made me think again about (almost) everything I thought I knew

[Don · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book about Jesus from a very different but enlightening angle set in knowledge of the area and times. Strongly recommend to all

[Ben Trigg · Rating 4 out of 5]

For me, a little slower going than his previous 'The Longest Week' - but remains informative enough. Could have done with just a little more pace, but maybe I'm just a flake... Overall I enjoy Nick Page's output a great deal!