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Unexpected Love: God's Heart Revealed in Jesus' Conversations with Women
How would you characterize Jesus in his interactions with women? Gracious? Preachy? Aloof? Kind? Dismissive?
"Unexpected Love "is an essential read for anyone eager to understand Jesus Christ's true heart for women. We ache for a satisfying relationship with him and crave his healing touch. So did the women of the first century. Each approached him with something they wanted. They left with more than they could have imagined.
Writer and teacher Julie Coleman carefully walks readers through the gospel narratives, offering evidence of a perceptive Savior deeply concerned about the women he met. Through vivid descriptions, thoughtful questions, and empowering applications, she brings a fresh perspective to these sometimes puzzling stories.
"Unexpected Love" offers a compelling vision of a Savior who meets us where we are and will take us where we need to go. Discover his passion for women. What you read will impact your own relationship with him. You will fall in love with the dynamic, beautiful, and unexpectedly personal Jesus.
"Unexpected Love "is an essential read for anyone eager to understand Jesus Christ's true heart for women. We ache for a satisfying relationship with him and crave his healing touch. So did the women of the first century. Each approached him with something they wanted. They left with more than they could have imagined.
Writer and teacher Julie Coleman carefully walks readers through the gospel narratives, offering evidence of a perceptive Savior deeply concerned about the women he met. Through vivid descriptions, thoughtful questions, and empowering applications, she brings a fresh perspective to these sometimes puzzling stories.
"Unexpected Love" offers a compelling vision of a Savior who meets us where we are and will take us where we need to go. Discover his passion for women. What you read will impact your own relationship with him. You will fall in love with the dynamic, beautiful, and unexpectedly personal Jesus.
256 pages, Paperback
First published February 5, 2013
10 people are currently reading
256 people want to read
About the author
Julie Zine Coleman
4 books11 followersJulie Coleman loves to teach the Word of God! With contagious enthusiasm, she brings hope and encouragement to her audience through rich biblical teaching. Julie uses humor and personal stories to make her teaching entertaining as well as meaningful. Her warm and insightful messages make her an effective and well-received speaker.
During her 20 year teaching career, Julie received professional recognition including being named Anne Arundel County Teacher of the Year. She holds a Master of Arts degree in Biblical Studies from Capital Bible Seminary. Julie and her husband, Steve, have four grown children and make their home in the Annapolis, Maryland area.
During her 20 year teaching career, Julie received professional recognition including being named Anne Arundel County Teacher of the Year. She holds a Master of Arts degree in Biblical Studies from Capital Bible Seminary. Julie and her husband, Steve, have four grown children and make their home in the Annapolis, Maryland area.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
October 6, 2012
I don’t make it a habit to read books that are geared for, and marketed to, women. In fact, I believe this would be the first. After all, last I checked, I didn’t... um... fit the part! That being said, when I received a copy of Unexpected Love, I was challenged and captivated, and the Word of God was clarified and complemented.
Julie visits nine episodes in the Gospels where Jesus has direct and poignant interaction with women:
1. his mother, Mary (John 2)
2. the hemorrhaging woman (Mark 5)
3. the woman who washed His feet (Luke 7)
4. the woman with the demon-possessed daughter (Matthew 15)
5. the woman caught in adultery (John 8)
6. Martha (Luke 10)
7. the woman at the well (John 4)
8. Salome (Matthew 20)
9. Mary Magdalene (John 20)
Throughout each of the nine chapters, Julie proves herself to be a master storyteller, retelling the Biblical narrative while respectfully embellishing such details as internal dialogue, facial expressions, and gestures.
As a seminary graduate, Julie knows well that for any maxim or saying to impact our lives, it must be based solidly on Scripture. That is best achieved once the student of the Word has dug deep, seeing the passage through the lens of first century thought and the original languages. For this reason, before she delved into the application, she first dug deeper into the passage. Asking (and answering!) questions such as:
Was Jesus being disrespectful of Mary in the way He spoke to her?
What was the hemorrhaging woman’s medical problem?
Why did the Gospel writers intertwine the hemorrhaging woman’s story with the Jairus account?
What is a Pharisee?
And those are just representative of the first three chapters!
Finally, in a section entitled “For Today’s Woman,” Julie then connects the Word to our world – and it’s not *just* for today’s woman! Most of the chapters I found myself having to set the book down and go to God in prayer, whether it was thanking Him for His grace, or asking forgiveness for poor attitudes and motivations! As if that section was insufficient, she then gives some other questions and journaling prompts for the reader’s further reflection. Just in terms of value, this book gives you much bang for your buck!
I was blown away by the amount of Scripture references and footnotes detailing the customs and traditions of the first century world. Julie is never one to shy away from depth, yet does it in such a manner that it is immediately accessible.
I would highly recommend this book for your women’s small group, for your own personal devotional time, or even to the Bible college or seminary student that wishes to augment their knowledge of the Four Gospels and Jesus’ ministry.
Davey Ermold
B.S. in Bible; Th.M. in Theology
Adjunct Professor, Washington Bible College/Capital Bible Seminary
Julie visits nine episodes in the Gospels where Jesus has direct and poignant interaction with women:
1. his mother, Mary (John 2)
2. the hemorrhaging woman (Mark 5)
3. the woman who washed His feet (Luke 7)
4. the woman with the demon-possessed daughter (Matthew 15)
5. the woman caught in adultery (John 8)
6. Martha (Luke 10)
7. the woman at the well (John 4)
8. Salome (Matthew 20)
9. Mary Magdalene (John 20)
Throughout each of the nine chapters, Julie proves herself to be a master storyteller, retelling the Biblical narrative while respectfully embellishing such details as internal dialogue, facial expressions, and gestures.
As a seminary graduate, Julie knows well that for any maxim or saying to impact our lives, it must be based solidly on Scripture. That is best achieved once the student of the Word has dug deep, seeing the passage through the lens of first century thought and the original languages. For this reason, before she delved into the application, she first dug deeper into the passage. Asking (and answering!) questions such as:
Was Jesus being disrespectful of Mary in the way He spoke to her?
What was the hemorrhaging woman’s medical problem?
Why did the Gospel writers intertwine the hemorrhaging woman’s story with the Jairus account?
What is a Pharisee?
And those are just representative of the first three chapters!
Finally, in a section entitled “For Today’s Woman,” Julie then connects the Word to our world – and it’s not *just* for today’s woman! Most of the chapters I found myself having to set the book down and go to God in prayer, whether it was thanking Him for His grace, or asking forgiveness for poor attitudes and motivations! As if that section was insufficient, she then gives some other questions and journaling prompts for the reader’s further reflection. Just in terms of value, this book gives you much bang for your buck!
I was blown away by the amount of Scripture references and footnotes detailing the customs and traditions of the first century world. Julie is never one to shy away from depth, yet does it in such a manner that it is immediately accessible.
I would highly recommend this book for your women’s small group, for your own personal devotional time, or even to the Bible college or seminary student that wishes to augment their knowledge of the Four Gospels and Jesus’ ministry.
Davey Ermold
B.S. in Bible; Th.M. in Theology
Adjunct Professor, Washington Bible College/Capital Bible Seminary
December 20, 2014
The intellectual content in this book is amazing since the author is seminary trained. The writer has an amazing knack for combining the theological implications of Jesus' encounters to the simple act of healing and redemption that he wanted to not only provide to people of His day, but to us as well.
The author's specific, personal stories also contribute to the modern day translation of what those encounters can mean to the modern woman. Even though the audience is for women, men too can learn and enjoy from the structural analysis of why the story was placed where it was in the New Testament. I'm looking for more great writings from this capable author.
The author's specific, personal stories also contribute to the modern day translation of what those encounters can mean to the modern woman. Even though the audience is for women, men too can learn and enjoy from the structural analysis of why the story was placed where it was in the New Testament. I'm looking for more great writings from this capable author.
May 5, 2013
I just received Unexpected Love: God's Heart Revealed in Jesus' Conversations with Women in the mail and couldn't be happier!! I won this copy in the giveaways hosted by goodreads. I believe that God gives use just what we need on his time. I have been called to strengthen my relationship with God by being more involved in reading the Bible. It's been two months and I have been struggling to finish reading the book of Luke. But after reading the encouraging letter that Julie Coleman also included with the book, I look forward to continue trying to be more involved in my relationship with God. I believe this book is going to help me see how much Jesus loved the women he interacted with and not only that, he desires to have a relationship with me and all women.
October 5, 2012
In her newest publication, Unexpected Love: What the Gospels Reveal About God’s Heart for Women, Julie Zine Coleman has packaged many bookstore aisles into one book, which includes historical and present-day lessons, women’s interests, small group study, devotions, scripture and reference, and even psychological self-help. This book reveals critical, valuable truths, and explains why faith is so important to how we connect to God. It offers women of today a myriad of opportunities to see themselves in the lives of others – women and men, from scholars and disciples to the author’s friends and, ultimately, Christ Himself. And to say that this book is only for women would be a disservice, as anyone with a desire to know God more would benefit from the lessons it reveals.
Coleman’s advantage as a writer is her ability to think broadly (no pun intended) and consider many of the questions one might ask when reading familiar biblical teachings. Take the story of Mary and Martha, for example. What woman hasn’t taken an internal fact-checking quiz to determine which of the duo they are? Unexpected Love offers a fresh viewpoint in understanding and seeing the bottom line of it all, boiling situations down to their actual problems – worry, anxiety, reputation, anger, and perfectionism. Coleman asks specific questions that the women themselves might be thinking, and that the reader might wonder, too. can place yourself in their sandals easily. Coleman seems like she can place herself into the sandals of all of these women – how does she do this!? She is a master at investigating points via critical thinking, historical and cultural viewpoints, explaining biblical context, and asking the hard questions up front. What was especially helpful to this reader was the “For Today’s Woman” section of each chapter, which raised many of the same questions and thoughts for me as a 21st century female, and gave me the time to not only “know about God, but to know God” better. Coleman’s “Digging Deeper,” “Food for Thought,” and “Journaling” components also provide multiple examples of Christ’s love and the foundational truth that faith is key to how we interact with our Creator.
Coleman is especially good at finding parallel events in the Bible to reinforce her well-educated and thoughtful discussions, and she is adept at using stories from her own life and today’s cultural exchange to broaden our thinking of just how God’s love can change the world – one woman at a time. There was one line in the book that I wrote down and posted on the wall of my office in the cube farm I share with another woman – Coleman states “There is no need to control if you have confidence in the one who holds all things together.” For women who need this reminder – to have confidence in Him – and to remember that he calls us daughter for a reason (because He loves us so!), this book is filled with similar OMG moments to which you will relate.
If you are looking for a book that will help you get closer to God, or to simply learn more about Him (and yourself), Unexpected Love is a well-researched, thorough study that will enrich your soul. It has many components that allow you to choose how deeply to delve into the topics, so it is perfect for anyone at any stage of their Christian journey. Unexpected Love: What the Gospels Reveal About God’s Heart for Women, reminds us all that we are children of the Father, and He absolutely loves us.
Coleman’s advantage as a writer is her ability to think broadly (no pun intended) and consider many of the questions one might ask when reading familiar biblical teachings. Take the story of Mary and Martha, for example. What woman hasn’t taken an internal fact-checking quiz to determine which of the duo they are? Unexpected Love offers a fresh viewpoint in understanding and seeing the bottom line of it all, boiling situations down to their actual problems – worry, anxiety, reputation, anger, and perfectionism. Coleman asks specific questions that the women themselves might be thinking, and that the reader might wonder, too. can place yourself in their sandals easily. Coleman seems like she can place herself into the sandals of all of these women – how does she do this!? She is a master at investigating points via critical thinking, historical and cultural viewpoints, explaining biblical context, and asking the hard questions up front. What was especially helpful to this reader was the “For Today’s Woman” section of each chapter, which raised many of the same questions and thoughts for me as a 21st century female, and gave me the time to not only “know about God, but to know God” better. Coleman’s “Digging Deeper,” “Food for Thought,” and “Journaling” components also provide multiple examples of Christ’s love and the foundational truth that faith is key to how we interact with our Creator.
Coleman is especially good at finding parallel events in the Bible to reinforce her well-educated and thoughtful discussions, and she is adept at using stories from her own life and today’s cultural exchange to broaden our thinking of just how God’s love can change the world – one woman at a time. There was one line in the book that I wrote down and posted on the wall of my office in the cube farm I share with another woman – Coleman states “There is no need to control if you have confidence in the one who holds all things together.” For women who need this reminder – to have confidence in Him – and to remember that he calls us daughter for a reason (because He loves us so!), this book is filled with similar OMG moments to which you will relate.
If you are looking for a book that will help you get closer to God, or to simply learn more about Him (and yourself), Unexpected Love is a well-researched, thorough study that will enrich your soul. It has many components that allow you to choose how deeply to delve into the topics, so it is perfect for anyone at any stage of their Christian journey. Unexpected Love: What the Gospels Reveal About God’s Heart for Women, reminds us all that we are children of the Father, and He absolutely loves us.
February 5, 2013
Summary: Nine chapters on women of the New Testament that had personal, emotional, intimate, life-saving, soul-saving, encounters with Christ Jesus. After they met Jesus their lives would never be the same again. Jesus' encounter with each of these women often healed them off a sickness (whether physically or emotionally or spiritually) removing an oppression from their hearts and minds and lives.
Examples: the woman at the well in John chapter 4, the hemorrhaging woman in Mark chapter 5, the adulterous woman in John chapter 7 and 8, Mary Magdalene in John chapter 20.
Review:
I loved the stories of each of the women. Their stories drew me in with intimacy that touched my heart and made me pause with full attention.
The author is careful to point out Jesus' love for women, his tenderness and patience with them, his understanding of women's insecurities and fears. Jesus understood how women were treated. How often there were double-standards of how society treated women as opposed to men. For example women were servants and beneath men, they were often thought of as unclean.
The lay-out of each chapter is like a Bible lesson. The focal Scripture is given first, then the narrative story, a digging deeper section with a few common questions that are answered about the culture or event or word study. Then, an application for our time is given entitled "For Today's Woman". A few more questions for further thought, ending with a journaling project.
Because the lay-out of the book is like a Bible study, I believe this would be an excellent tool to use in a women's group. This book would also be great for individual use.
Favorite quotes:
"Whatever we have done, God's grace is bigger." page 59
"God's grace is lavish." page 60
"He is looking for a heart ready to trust in his goodness. He wants to look past our surface accomplishments to inside, where our faults and needs reside." page 78
Thank you to Thomas Nelson and Booksneeze for my free review copy in exchange for an honest review.
"Meekness is not weakness. Its power under control." page 171
Examples: the woman at the well in John chapter 4, the hemorrhaging woman in Mark chapter 5, the adulterous woman in John chapter 7 and 8, Mary Magdalene in John chapter 20.
Review:
I loved the stories of each of the women. Their stories drew me in with intimacy that touched my heart and made me pause with full attention.
The author is careful to point out Jesus' love for women, his tenderness and patience with them, his understanding of women's insecurities and fears. Jesus understood how women were treated. How often there were double-standards of how society treated women as opposed to men. For example women were servants and beneath men, they were often thought of as unclean.
The lay-out of each chapter is like a Bible lesson. The focal Scripture is given first, then the narrative story, a digging deeper section with a few common questions that are answered about the culture or event or word study. Then, an application for our time is given entitled "For Today's Woman". A few more questions for further thought, ending with a journaling project.
Because the lay-out of the book is like a Bible study, I believe this would be an excellent tool to use in a women's group. This book would also be great for individual use.
Favorite quotes:
"Whatever we have done, God's grace is bigger." page 59
"God's grace is lavish." page 60
"He is looking for a heart ready to trust in his goodness. He wants to look past our surface accomplishments to inside, where our faults and needs reside." page 78
Thank you to Thomas Nelson and Booksneeze for my free review copy in exchange for an honest review.
"Meekness is not weakness. Its power under control." page 171
January 18, 2013
The author’s empathy for women, encountered by Jesus - then changed forever, will draw seekers, skeptics, and seasoned followers into God’s “unexpected love.” In readable straight-forward language she sensitively developed the details with their historical significance of each narrative making them come alive and placing the reader (me) in the position of conversing with Jesus. Yes, Coleman enabled me to step into the shoes of these women and know God Himself more deeply.
The book’s format develops the cultural context with the narratives of the women, followed by sub-headings entitled “Digging Deeper,” “For Today’s Woman,” “Food for Thought,” and “Journaling.” The “Food for Thought” section provides related Scripture references along with opportunities for self-questioning and making personal applications. Numerous examples broaden the readers’ understanding of specific terminology. Jesus’ conversations with these women magnify Bible truths and God the Father alongside Coleman’s sprinkling of personal anecdotes of people in her life. Personally I love the revelations of Jesus’ sense of humor and personality.
I recommend the book for anyone, not just women – the lessons may be universally applied! The book could easily be a study guide/conversation starter for small group discussion.
For spiritual insight and personal growth, the book is worthy of 5 stars. Thank you, Julie Coleman, for using your gift of teaching to share the person of Jesus Christ with others.
The book’s format develops the cultural context with the narratives of the women, followed by sub-headings entitled “Digging Deeper,” “For Today’s Woman,” “Food for Thought,” and “Journaling.” The “Food for Thought” section provides related Scripture references along with opportunities for self-questioning and making personal applications. Numerous examples broaden the readers’ understanding of specific terminology. Jesus’ conversations with these women magnify Bible truths and God the Father alongside Coleman’s sprinkling of personal anecdotes of people in her life. Personally I love the revelations of Jesus’ sense of humor and personality.
I recommend the book for anyone, not just women – the lessons may be universally applied! The book could easily be a study guide/conversation starter for small group discussion.
For spiritual insight and personal growth, the book is worthy of 5 stars. Thank you, Julie Coleman, for using your gift of teaching to share the person of Jesus Christ with others.
January 28, 2013
Writer and teacher Julie Coleman, carefully walks readers through the gospel narratives, offering evidence of a perceptive Savior, deeply concerned about the women he met. Through vivid descriptions, thoughtful questions, and empowering applications, she brings a fresh perspective to these sometimes puzzling stories.
Julie looks at nine women who had interactions with Jesus. They all needed Jesus. And Jesus was interested in them. In a culture that devalued women, Jesus showed intentional interest in them. He gave them significance. In a section entitled “For Today’s Woman,” Julie connects the Word to our world, gives some other questions, and prompts for the reader’s further reflection.
Unexpected Love offers solutions gleaned from historical‚ cultural‚ and contextual sources‚ resulting in an interpretation that reveals a fresh perspective and surprising truth. It moves the reader past the usual shallow interpretations to find the heart of Christ
I found this devotional an inspiration that reveals God’s heart for women through a captivating study of the gospels. I recommend this book for group study or personal study. Each chapter ends with questions and suggestions for journaling. These could be used for personal or group discussions. This book would make a fine study for a woman's Bible study group.
Free resources, including handouts and lesson plan suggestions, are available for groups using Unexpected Love at the associated website.
I received this eBook from Thomas Nelson in their Booksneeze blogger program for my review.
Julie looks at nine women who had interactions with Jesus. They all needed Jesus. And Jesus was interested in them. In a culture that devalued women, Jesus showed intentional interest in them. He gave them significance. In a section entitled “For Today’s Woman,” Julie connects the Word to our world, gives some other questions, and prompts for the reader’s further reflection.
Unexpected Love offers solutions gleaned from historical‚ cultural‚ and contextual sources‚ resulting in an interpretation that reveals a fresh perspective and surprising truth. It moves the reader past the usual shallow interpretations to find the heart of Christ
I found this devotional an inspiration that reveals God’s heart for women through a captivating study of the gospels. I recommend this book for group study or personal study. Each chapter ends with questions and suggestions for journaling. These could be used for personal or group discussions. This book would make a fine study for a woman's Bible study group.
Free resources, including handouts and lesson plan suggestions, are available for groups using Unexpected Love at the associated website.
I received this eBook from Thomas Nelson in their Booksneeze blogger program for my review.
April 1, 2013
The Bible can be a difficult book to decipher anyway, but in regards to women there are so many stories that just don't make any sense. The tendency then is to either gloss over those difficult passages or take them out of context. Christian women are left with their questions unanswered. This book , Unexpected Love, helps to shed some light on this dilemma.
Nine stories are told of women who came directly into contact with Jesus during his ministry on earth. There is no common thread in their stories other than each one was sought out by Jesus and was never the same after. From Mary Magdalene to the woman at the well, the author breaks each passage down into bite size pieces. Each story begins with the specific scriptural reference and then explained according to historical and societal norms of ancient times. Best of all, the author strives to help the reader apply the truths revealed to our own lives.
The moral of this story is that Jesus seeks us where we are. He is concerned with our lives regardless of station in life, sins of our past, or financial situation. Women were important to him and still are. At a time when women were looked down upon as second class citizens, he broke through the barriers and welcomed all to follow Him.
This book, a free copy I received from Book Sneeze, was truly a joy to read and I found myself amazed more than once by a revelation that I had never realized prior to picking this book up. It was an awesome read on my own for personal edification, but it would also work great as a women's Bible study in a group setting.
Nine stories are told of women who came directly into contact with Jesus during his ministry on earth. There is no common thread in their stories other than each one was sought out by Jesus and was never the same after. From Mary Magdalene to the woman at the well, the author breaks each passage down into bite size pieces. Each story begins with the specific scriptural reference and then explained according to historical and societal norms of ancient times. Best of all, the author strives to help the reader apply the truths revealed to our own lives.
The moral of this story is that Jesus seeks us where we are. He is concerned with our lives regardless of station in life, sins of our past, or financial situation. Women were important to him and still are. At a time when women were looked down upon as second class citizens, he broke through the barriers and welcomed all to follow Him.
This book, a free copy I received from Book Sneeze, was truly a joy to read and I found myself amazed more than once by a revelation that I had never realized prior to picking this book up. It was an awesome read on my own for personal edification, but it would also work great as a women's Bible study in a group setting.
March 25, 2013
In Unexpected Love: God's Heart Revealed in Jesus' Conversations with Women, author Julie Zine Coleman takes you on a journey of women of the new testament and their meetings with Jesus. Coleman begins each chapter with a narrative that takes you deeply into who these women were when they first meet Jesus, bringing them to life in a way that deeply connects the reader to their stories, their trial, hurts, and healing.
Digging deeper into the scripture, Coleman writes a sound description and interpretation of these woman and the life of Jesus. Although these stories take place many, many years ago, Coleman eloquently ties the lives of these woman to how women live today. At the end of each chapter she includes a sub-section called 'For Today's Woman' showing how Jesus' teaching is still neccessary and just as healing today as it was for these women of the New Testament. Coleman continues her thought-provoking journey by including questions at the end of each chapter for the reader to dive deeper in scripture and into their own lives, discovering who they are in God, and how He can continue to work in their lives every moment.
I would recommend this book for any woman who has a love for Jesus, and wants to learn at a deeper level about the women of the New Testament, and on the way learn more about who they are in Christ.
I received this complimentary copy from the publisher through their Book Sneeze Bloggers program. A positive review was not require and the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
Digging deeper into the scripture, Coleman writes a sound description and interpretation of these woman and the life of Jesus. Although these stories take place many, many years ago, Coleman eloquently ties the lives of these woman to how women live today. At the end of each chapter she includes a sub-section called 'For Today's Woman' showing how Jesus' teaching is still neccessary and just as healing today as it was for these women of the New Testament. Coleman continues her thought-provoking journey by including questions at the end of each chapter for the reader to dive deeper in scripture and into their own lives, discovering who they are in God, and how He can continue to work in their lives every moment.
I would recommend this book for any woman who has a love for Jesus, and wants to learn at a deeper level about the women of the New Testament, and on the way learn more about who they are in Christ.
I received this complimentary copy from the publisher through their Book Sneeze Bloggers program. A positive review was not require and the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
March 1, 2013
I've always thought Jesus' relationships with women as they are presented in the gospels are quite remarkable from two standpoints. First, they stand in sharp contrast to the way women were treated in the patriarchal culture of his time. And second, of course, is that churches that supposedly follow Jesus' teachings all too often have devalued women's contributions and treated them as second-class citizens. In this book Coleman takes nine of those encounters between Jesus and women and probes them for meaning--both the meaning at the time they happened and the meaning for us today. I particularly like her "digging deeper" sections in which she explores the context for each passage. Take, for example, the story of Jesus turning water into wine at the wedding at Cana. When his mother brought the problem (running out of wine) to him, Jesus responded in a seemingly derogatory way, addressing her a "Woman." But that's jumping to conclusions. Coleman cites other examples from ancient literature in which the address "woman" implies respect and fondness. Each story also includes a "for today's woman" section in which Coleman tells present-day stories, including some from her own life, a "food for thought" section that asks questions appropriate for a Bible study and a "journaling" section with suggestions for those who use journaling as part of their spiritual practice. Highly recommended for Bible study groups.
April 3, 2013
This was a great book. I was not familiar with this author before choosing this book, but the subject material interested me. I was not disappointed. Julie is an excellent bible teacher. Not only does she make the material interesting, but she provides all the facts, history and cultural information to make the bible stories alive and yet applicable for us today.
Each of her chapters gives a story of a woman who had a face to face interchange with Jesus. Julie gives scripture, relates each story in an understandable format, plus provides information to "go deeper" into the story. At the end of each chapter are thought-provoking questions and journal prompts which allows this book to be a part of a group study, or for more in depth personal study. I would definitely recommend this book to any woman who wants to increase her understanding of Jesus and his relationships with women in his time. It was very much a blessing to me, and I will no doubt read this book again in the future.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers 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 Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255:“Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Each of her chapters gives a story of a woman who had a face to face interchange with Jesus. Julie gives scripture, relates each story in an understandable format, plus provides information to "go deeper" into the story. At the end of each chapter are thought-provoking questions and journal prompts which allows this book to be a part of a group study, or for more in depth personal study. I would definitely recommend this book to any woman who wants to increase her understanding of Jesus and his relationships with women in his time. It was very much a blessing to me, and I will no doubt read this book again in the future.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers 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 Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255:“Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
February 18, 2013
Jesus is the crowning theme of the bible. Sometimes we can easily reduce what we know of his teachings into feel-good sound-bites. You might expect Julie to do that here, especially with the goal of revealing more of Jesus' love for women, specifically. Sounds like a romantic, right? Much better than that, Julie points out the difficult statements from the Gospels, encourages us to really hear -- for the first time, in some cases -- what Jesus is saying. She attaches each conversation to its appropriate context, deepening the meaning. She does paraphrase each story, bringing the narrative to life following direct quotations of scripture, but the chapters are filled with intense and careful scholarship that cracks wide open the encounters I used to take at face value. Even after being raised in church and Sunday school, Julie's insights into Jesus were not stale reruns, they were fresh and new ways of seeing this man who I call my Savior. I love Him with greater understanding, and i appreciate His depth of personal feeling and intentionality so much more after finishing this book. It also comes with fantastic questions for discussion with others and journaling prompts to take life application to the next level.
May 30, 2013
I won this book through a goodreads giveaway, and wasn't sure exactly what to expect. What I found was a well-researched book offering some surprising insights on well-known stories. The author focuses on 9 different women and their interactions with Jesus. The recurring theme throughout the book is that conversations that at first seem baffling or even rude, were really Jesus' way of meeting the women right where they were spiritually, and moving them to the next level. At the same time, Jesus used these encounters to educate the bystanders as well.
The author does a good job of incorporating Biblical scholarship and historical facts into her interpretations of the Bible passages. Each chapter begins with the Bible verses, followed by a retelling of the story that includes some further insights. She then delves into what exactly is happening in the story, followed by an application for today's woman. Each chapter ends with questions for discussion and a topic for journaling, making the book suitable for use as a small-group study or for personal use.
I would recommend this book to others, and definitely saw these familiar stories in a new light after reading it.
The author does a good job of incorporating Biblical scholarship and historical facts into her interpretations of the Bible passages. Each chapter begins with the Bible verses, followed by a retelling of the story that includes some further insights. She then delves into what exactly is happening in the story, followed by an application for today's woman. Each chapter ends with questions for discussion and a topic for journaling, making the book suitable for use as a small-group study or for personal use.
I would recommend this book to others, and definitely saw these familiar stories in a new light after reading it.
November 22, 2020
Really enjoyed the layout of this book!
Each chapter had a retelling of the passage begin studied ~ a passage of scripture in which Jesus has a conversation with a woman. This is followed by a Digging Deeper section in which tough questions are asked of the passage and historical information adds light and insight into the situation. If there isn't a clear answer ~ such as is the case with the question WHO is Mary Magdalene? - a woman about whom much has been speculated but very little actually known - then the author is good to tell what are facts and what is speculation.
The next section of each chapter is For Today's Woman ~ where the truths and principles discovered are applied to our relationships with God through Jesus Christ. Then for those who really want to get personal in their application and understanding, each ch. ends with Food For Thought and a Journaling section.
These features would help this book to be useful for a Ladies small group Bible Study or book study, as well as for personal spiritual growth, not just head knowledge.
I really enjoyed this read and appreciated the work that the author put into the writing of it!
Each chapter had a retelling of the passage begin studied ~ a passage of scripture in which Jesus has a conversation with a woman. This is followed by a Digging Deeper section in which tough questions are asked of the passage and historical information adds light and insight into the situation. If there isn't a clear answer ~ such as is the case with the question WHO is Mary Magdalene? - a woman about whom much has been speculated but very little actually known - then the author is good to tell what are facts and what is speculation.
The next section of each chapter is For Today's Woman ~ where the truths and principles discovered are applied to our relationships with God through Jesus Christ. Then for those who really want to get personal in their application and understanding, each ch. ends with Food For Thought and a Journaling section.
These features would help this book to be useful for a Ladies small group Bible Study or book study, as well as for personal spiritual growth, not just head knowledge.
I really enjoyed this read and appreciated the work that the author put into the writing of it!
May 16, 2013
Unexpected Love by Julie Zine Coleman is a solid read that will stimulate the mind and cause one to do much in the way of deep thinking. Written in a very scholarly and functional voice, this book is a study on biblical essentials, such as understanding the importance of having a relationship with the LORD, considering how we view life circumstances, other people and self from day-to-day, and knowing the significance of the religious practices of old and seeing how they had an impact on thought processes.
The way that this book is formatted is appealing in that it presents Scripture, background and conversational content, food for thought which features discussion questions, and journaling. Particularly, I appreciated the fact that the book could be taken as a whole or broken down per section for feature studies.
Unexpected Love would most certainly be a good place to begin for anyone who wanted to learn how to further study the Word of God.
The way that this book is formatted is appealing in that it presents Scripture, background and conversational content, food for thought which features discussion questions, and journaling. Particularly, I appreciated the fact that the book could be taken as a whole or broken down per section for feature studies.
Unexpected Love would most certainly be a good place to begin for anyone who wanted to learn how to further study the Word of God.
March 26, 2013
Overall, I wasn't very impressed with this book. Most of the information I already knew from years of Bible reading and studies on women of the New Testament, but I did appreciate Coleman's insights into some of the hard-to-understand aspects of these stories. For example, I've always wondered why Martha has been ridiculed all these years for serving instead of sitting, and Coleman explains it as a heart issue. Plus, I learned a good deal about Jewish customs and traditions especially in regards to the treatment of women.
I would recommend this book to a new Christian un-studied in the women of the New Testament, but for seasoned Christians, I would say, skip it. There's a lot of repetition and not much new information. This book can also be used as a Bible study book as it includes great study questions and a journal topic that actually provided some good food for thought.
I would recommend this book to a new Christian un-studied in the women of the New Testament, but for seasoned Christians, I would say, skip it. There's a lot of repetition and not much new information. This book can also be used as a Bible study book as it includes great study questions and a journal topic that actually provided some good food for thought.
March 8, 2013
I was surprised by this book! Jesus' encounters with nine different women from the Gospel narratives are brought to life and examined. Very well written, Coleman deftly blends skillful storytelling with cultural and historical details, as well as practical applications to come up with a very readable, informative, and helpful book. Scriptural and scholarly, but never dry; devotional but never trite, I found it engrossing. A book I will hang on to and visit again.
The insights and encouragement I found in Jesus' discourses with these women filled my heart with wonder. His genuine love and respect for women shines through.
As well as being an excellent book for personal study, Unexpected Love would also be a great book for a women's Bible study group and a helpful resource for any Bible teacher. I highly recommend it.
The insights and encouragement I found in Jesus' discourses with these women filled my heart with wonder. His genuine love and respect for women shines through.
As well as being an excellent book for personal study, Unexpected Love would also be a great book for a women's Bible study group and a helpful resource for any Bible teacher. I highly recommend it.
May 17, 2020
This was a truly lovely book. I learned so much about these women, the Bible, and the first-century world they lived in. But even more than that, I came to know Jesus better through this book.
Julie Zine Coleman has a gift for presenting the facts in a concise, condensed way without unnecessary “fluff” sentences, which makes the pace of the book comfortable. There were also quite a few zinger sentences that made me cringe a bit in a ouch-that’s-totally-true-about-me conviction sort of way.
I highly recommend this book.
Julie Zine Coleman has a gift for presenting the facts in a concise, condensed way without unnecessary “fluff” sentences, which makes the pace of the book comfortable. There were also quite a few zinger sentences that made me cringe a bit in a ouch-that’s-totally-true-about-me conviction sort of way.
I highly recommend this book.
June 5, 2019
This book is pure joy. It is empowering and encouraging while at the same timing gloriously pride-slaughtering. It is emotionally captivating story while at the same time overflowing with purposeful, meticulous scholarship. It is practical and sound and chock full of Scripture. I can’t recommend this one enough to any man or woman longing to gain a better, more intimate understanding of God’s heart through a closer look at these places in His Word. Ten out of five stars. Will read again.
July 17, 2019
Unexpected Love, by Julie Zine Coleman is well researched. I especially liked the questions at the end of each chapter. Every character was vividly portrayed, and Jesus’ love for women was communicated well. Coleman masterfully shows the respect Jesus has for women, and that they have a place in ministry that has not often been recognized due to tradition and teachings. I felt Coleman understood the special role women have. The book is scripturally accurate, readable, and compelling.
December 4, 2020
Retelling of 9 of Jesus' encounters with women in their historical contexts
Read
January 23, 2022Women's Bible Study at HCC with Kay Bergland and Trish Lay.
February 14, 2023
A lot of points I have heard before but this is a great study for beginners. Women matter to Christ and this study focuses on his love and relationship with women.
September 15, 2023
Some really great insights to some of my favorite Scripture passages
January 2, 2014
Unexpected Love by Julie Zine Coleman is a unique book. Ms. Coleman starts each chapter with a conversation from Scripture where Jesus was talking to a woman, and then she re-tells the story in her own words. After that, she takes readers deeper. The middle portion of each chapter is something that you might expect to read if you were a seminary student studying biblical history - jam-packed with facts, but not much spiritual food. She remedies the lack of spiritual nourishment in the end of the chapter with sections titled: For Today's Woman, Food For Thought, and Journaling.
My favorite chapter in this book was the last one. While I don't relate all that well to Mary Magdalene, I did relate to the "For Today's Woman" section of the chapter - that tended to be my favorite section consistently throughout the book - though I enjoyed the journaling sections as well.
I wanted to like this book, I really, really did. But I kind of felt that it was more for scholars than spiritual growth. Overall, I wouldn't count this as a must read book, but I did get a little bit out of it. The introduction was amazing and I wish the rest of the book was up to par with it - that would have made this book a must have for every Christian woman.
My favorite chapter in this book was the last one. While I don't relate all that well to Mary Magdalene, I did relate to the "For Today's Woman" section of the chapter - that tended to be my favorite section consistently throughout the book - though I enjoyed the journaling sections as well.
I wanted to like this book, I really, really did. But I kind of felt that it was more for scholars than spiritual growth. Overall, I wouldn't count this as a must read book, but I did get a little bit out of it. The introduction was amazing and I wish the rest of the book was up to par with it - that would have made this book a must have for every Christian woman.
August 1, 2013
As a guy I wouldn't have normally picked this title to read, but it was gifted to me as a possible book study for one of our girls small groups at our church and so I read it. Therefore, my personal affinity for the direction of the book may be lacking because the book is all about the 9 women that Jesus spoke and interacted with in the gospels and what that shows the modern woman.
Coleman does an excellent job of retelling these stories with some license to make it flow more like a modern narrative would. She also excellently digs up the cultural background to explain the stories, bring new things to light, and add deeper meaning to the significance of these encounters with Jesus. I can see how this would be a good study for a woman's group to go through together.
Coleman does an excellent job of retelling these stories with some license to make it flow more like a modern narrative would. She also excellently digs up the cultural background to explain the stories, bring new things to light, and add deeper meaning to the significance of these encounters with Jesus. I can see how this would be a good study for a woman's group to go through together.
February 13, 2013
Julie Zine Coleman is a gifted Bible teacher. I love her look at nine conversations in the Bible that God had with women. If anyone ever questioned what God's heart was toward woman this book is full of 'unexpected love.' Jesus' interactions with the women were personal and full of care. He did not pass judgement, as the women he interacted with came from all walks of life.
I love the practical applications of this book, the discussion questions and the journal prompts. Women mattered to God. We still matter.
I love how she draws out the way Jesus commended the faith of women who admitted their brokenness. He is interested in us. He loves us, a message of hope.
I love the practical applications of this book, the discussion questions and the journal prompts. Women mattered to God. We still matter.
I love how she draws out the way Jesus commended the faith of women who admitted their brokenness. He is interested in us. He loves us, a message of hope.
May 28, 2013
I won this book through Goodreads. I can't begin to tell you how this book has impacted me. I have read the Bible through more than a couple times. Still, I always felt like I wasn't sure if God could love me as much as the Bible says. The author of this book did such an amazing job pointing out just how patient and loving Jesus was to women. It explained the difference between the meanings of words back then and answered so many questions I have asked myself. I Love this book, it has brought me closer to God and I would recommend this book to a woman or a man. Thanks so much!
August 26, 2013
This is a very good investigation of the interaction of Jesus with women. Coleman argues that God's design was not to have women subjugated. That came as a result of the fall. Redemption frees us from the curse and from the consequences of sin. She reviews nine women who had interactions with women showing that Jesus gave women significance in a culture that devalued them. She applies each lesson to today's women. She includes discussion and journaling questions. This would make a fine book for a women's study. See my full review at http://bit.ly/ZnlVzy.
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