The Heart of Jesus: How He Really Feels about You

by Dane C. Ortlund

Concise Edition of Dane Ortlund’s Book Gentle and Lowly, Edited for Young Readers, New Christians, and Seekers

When Christians struggle with sin, they can easily feel that God is close to giving up on them. But in Matthew 11, Jesus describes himself as “gentle and lowly in heart,” longing for believers to find rest in him. The good news of the gospel flows from God’s deepest love for his people. 

In this concise book adapted from the bestselling Gentle and Lowly by Dane Ortlund, readers will encounter Jesus’s tender heart for sinners and sufferers. Written for a wide audience—including younger readers, new Christians, and those just beginning to explore the Christian faith—it features easy-to-read terms and helpful explanations. The chapters are also short enough to read at bedtime, around the dinner table, or during lunchtime. The Heart of Jesus dives deep into Bible passages that speak of who Christ is, comforting and sustaining readers with the affections of Christ for his people.

Adapted from Gentle and  Smaller chapters and sentences are ideal for younger readers and busy families, as well as those who might have difficulty reading a longer book Provides a Unique  Confronts readers’ typical thoughts on God’s heart  Explores passages throughout the whole Bible to give readers a full picture of God’s heart for sinners

Genres: Christian, Theology, Christian Living, Nonfiction, Faith, Christianity, Christian Non Fiction

128 pages, Paperback

Published August 20, 2024

About the author

Dane C. Ortlund (PhD, Wheaton College) is chief publishing officer and Bible publisher at Crossway. He serves as an editor for the Knowing the Bible series and the Short Studies in Biblical Theology series, and is the author of several books, including Gentle and Lowly and Edwards on the Christian Life. He is an elder at Naperville Presbyterian Church in Naperville, Illinois. Dane lives with his wife, Stacey, and their five children in Wheaton, Illinois.

Reviews

[•✿ Mår¥ Låmß ✿• · Rating 5 out of 5]

This whole book would be highlighted ✍🏽

[Mikejencostanzo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dane Ortlund’s "The Heart of Jesus" is a remarkable feat of theological condensation. Imagine your absolute favorite treat, its essence intensified into a single, delightful bite—that's what Ortlund has achieved. Drawing from the extensive, invaluable writings of Puritan Thomas Goodwin on Christ's affection, he offers a shorter, accessible version akin to a teen booklet, sharing the same rich core. (Also, for those familiar with “Gentle and Lowly” by Dane Ortlund, this is a further condensation of that material.)

This book unpacks the deep, tender heart of Christ for His people with clarity and power. My only slight reservation is the book's understated, pastel cover, which, while perhaps elegant, might not immediately capture the attention of younger readers, potentially causing them to miss this transformative work.

~ Jen

[Kortnea · Rating 5 out of 5]

A concise version of one of my favorite books Gentle & Lowly. I read this one very slow to soak in these truths. The chapters are short, which helped me to savor the truths about Jesus’ heart. Highly recommend. Will be a book I come back to often.

[Elisha Bronner · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 🌟

Only because I absolutely LOVED Gentle and Lowly, and while this captures the main points from that book, there was just something about that book the first time I read it. So so thankful it exists!

This book was really wonderful though. While I knew it was about the heart of Christ, I did not expect (or remember, from Gentle & Lowly) the chapters about the heart of the Father. Such such such great & needed reminders.

I am grateful for the length of this book, as it makes it one I can easily come back to, and the ability to read the chapters in short sittings also helps. This was a great book, but I think anyone who wants to read this should just go ahead and read Gentle and Lowly.

[Susy C. *MotherLambReads* · Rating 5 out of 5]

“𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘴 𝘤𝘳𝘶𝘮𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘪𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦, 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭 𝘴𝘵𝘶𝘤𝘬, 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘴: 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘪𝘴 𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘭𝘺. 𝘚𝘰 𝘨𝘰 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘪𝘮. 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭 𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘥𝘦𝘧𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥, 𝘩𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦, 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳, 𝘪𝘴 𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘭𝘺 .

𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘶𝘪𝘴𝘩 𝘪𝘴 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘦. 𝘎𝘰 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘪𝘮. ‘𝘐𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵, 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥.’”

A simple, clear, and concise look of the well known Gentle and Lowly. This book is specifically for teens and younger readers. It goes right to the heart of a young person that needs to see God’s love no matter what! They can rest in him regardless of anything going on!

I am pressing this book into the hands of my teens and then all the teens I know. I wonder how my heart and life would have been different if I had grasped this early on?

👉🏽 𝗜 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿: all young readers who love Jesus and long to serve him.


💬*𝙈𝙮 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙤𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙚𝙭𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠.*⁣
💬𝘔𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸𝘴 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘵:𝘩𝘵𝘵𝘱𝘴://𝘸𝘸𝘸.𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘮.𝘤𝘰𝘮/𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘭𝘢𝘮𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘴/

Thank you Crossway for this book!!

[Taylor Sheffield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Concise, refreshing, delightful.

"That God is rich in mercy means that your regions of deepest shame and regret are not hotels through which divine mercy passes but homes in which divine mercy abides...it means on that day when we stand before him, quietly, unhurriedly, we will weep with relief shocked at how shallow a view of his mercy-rich heart we had" (88).

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a concise version of Gentle and Lowly. I read this with a teenager as a bible study and it would also be great for evangelism/new believer. I really enjoyed it and appreciated the simple truths of the gospel for myself.

[Emily Waits (emilylovesreading_) · Rating 5 out of 5]

{Thank you to @crosswaybooks for my gifted copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.}

“Gentle and Lowly” by this author is one of my favorite books. I was thrilled when I learned that Dane Ortlund was writing this concise version of that book, geared towards younger readers, seekers, and new Christians.

I read this short, powerful book in a single day and loved it. The chapters are each only a few pages long but absolutely packed with deep theological truth about the heart of Christ for sinners. Dane Ortlund has an incredible ability to explain deep and complex theological ideas in a way that is both easy to read and understand. This book is no different. I was interested to see if he would be able to fully convey all that he had been able to in Gentle and Lowly in this format. I believe he was successful!

This book was full of scripture. I loved that the author also included writing from the Puritans, such as Thomas Goodwin, throughout.

I love Ortlund’s works and am thrilled about this newest title! Highly recommend!

[Rachel Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me cry happy and sweet tears several times!! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I would recommend it to anyone. It’s just a great reminder of how loving and kind Jesus is and His heart for people!

[Tanner Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This makes me have FOMO for not reading "Gentle and Lowly."

Ortlund says the Christian life is comprised of two things.
1. Come to Jesus
2. See point 1

Christ's heart was magnified in this book; that is a massive understatement.

[Libby Valerio · Rating 5 out of 5]

A soothing balm to the soul ✨

[Heidi Gorecki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this up to go thru as a devotional with our 3 teenage kids and it has been such a great experience for them, and me. It breaks down much of the content in Gentle and Lowly into an easily digestible and broken down format.

I loved that my kids could learn such amazing insight into the heart of Jesus and highly recommend this for families. I’ve already seen its impact in their conversation and questions they ask following the chapters. It’s been so encouraging as a mom, wanting my kids to truly grasp Jesus’ heart for them personally, in a better way than I ever did when I was their age or even most of my adult life.

[Lindsey Schubert · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t realize this was a condensed version of G&L when I first ordered it, but I’m so glad I read it anyway! I have been wanting to reread G&L for a while, but this I was able to read in 24hrs and feel just as encouraged and strengthened by the truths presented as I did when I first read G&L. This is definitely great to keep in mind for new believers or even those walking through a tough time who don’t have much capacity for reading something longer. So thankful for this little book.

[Naomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Gentle and Lowly but found it hard to recommend to some people because they found it too dense. So I'm thankful this has the same substance but in a more approachable format and length for some readers. I listened to the audiobook for this one, read by the author, and it was well done.

[Lindsey Carver · Rating 3 out of 5]

Listened to this audiobook since I had to drive to crossville and back twice yesterday. Super quick 2 hr audiobook and I didn’t realize this book is a condensed version of gentle and lowly until I started it lol which I have already read. Definitely a great read for someone who needs reminders about the truth of Gods love and heart for his people

[emily spilman · Rating 5 out of 5]

i absolutely loved this little book. this book is just over 100 pages with 18 short chapters (i read about 1 chapter every few days) & it was such a perfect way to set the tone for my devotions. its essentially a condensed version of gentle & lowly with each chapter focusing on an aspect of who christ is. it was comforting, it was encouraging, & it was exactly what a i needed. everyday, simple reminders of who christ is. id recommend to anyone.

[My Little Happy Nook · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️

This was a somewhat condensed/somewhat altered version of Gentle and Lowly, and I enjoyed this read as a review of the other. This was a very encouraging and uplifting read that reminded me of Jesus’ heart towards his people.

[Annika Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

went to re-read Gentle and Lowly and stumbled upon this concise version and am so glad that I did! such a great reminder of the truth of God’s heart for us… will likely be coming back to this again at some point!

[shelby :P · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was so good. a life changing book honestly. thank you God 😭😭🩷🩷🩷

[Laura Robinson (naptimereaders) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short book packed with so much truth.

This is the perfect book to hand to a seasoned believer for a baby Christian. I really felt the authors heart for the Father through the words penned in this book.

This will be a book I hand out to everyone. It has rich theology through each small chapter.

[Jaycee Stone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very encouraging and just precious reminders of Christ and his heart. Read this if you can!

“Jesus loves to the end”

[Ellie (elliehojreads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Crossway for my gifted copy in exchange for an honest review!

Synopsis:
Essentially a mini-version of Gentle and Lowly.

My thoughts:
Loved it! It's concise, brief, and a great starting point for new and seasoned believers! It's so encouraging and restoring to read about God's heart for his people and his deepest love for us. I'm always so blessed by Ortlund's words.

Read if you like:
• short/concise nonfiction
• Gentle and Lowly
• deep, rich biblical theology

My rating:
5/5 stars

[Jessie Gal-Chis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Small, short chapters with deep, rich topics.

I re-read the first chapter alone several times, its contents really impacted me. I wish everyone could read that one short chapter, I’ve never heard such a simple explanation of the Heart of Christ.

[Joshua Freeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

How can you give a book on the tender and perfect heart of Jesus anything other than 5 ⭐️? Gentle and Lowly Lite, super easy to digest and a quick read. This is one of those books worth revisiting every year to remember on his beautiful and wonderful heart.

[Grace Catherine Beckham]

I adore this book. Having read Gentle & Lowly during college, it was refreshing and instructive to see the ways Ortlund synthesized his work for a target audience of younger people or new believers. The book is well written and honest, drawing on and expounding the work of the Puritan writers in ways that are both relevant and digestible without diluting the rich—and sometimes affronting—truth within. The conclusion was particularly compelling, as it spurred readers not to action or intense application but to simply rest in its beauty… to bask in the love and person of Jesus and let it steep ever stronger into our wayward and suffering hearts.

I am currently reading through Gentle & Lowly with three freshman girls and it has been a blessing to our time together, their relationship with Jesus, and my own ministry. Both editions powerfully invite the reader to behold the inescapability of Christ’s love amidst our sin, as well as the attractive relationship at work between those two forces, which is often a paradigm shift for students (especially those who have grown up in church). Regarding students who might be struggling with eating disorders or body image distress, this book has much to offer. (It was through this lens that I read this book for a class.)

I often imagined my own ailing self (and the parts of me that are still being healed)... how deeply these convictions would disrupt my own fears that Jesus saw me as more untouchable or disappointing because of my struggle with sin. Students need a biblical picture of a Jesus who does not withdraw but presses in… who is not afraid of their sin or suffering… who knows the depths of what it means to be them… who willingly moves into the chaos of their broken hearts. In the confines of an eating disorder, it can be so easy to feel as though Jesus would want nothing to do with you—”After all, I’m choosing to live against God’s good design.” But this is the very opposite of what Jesus is like. To co-opt the image shared in class: Jesus is so with the sufferer that He’d hold her hair back in the bathroom. These truths have so much power.

The biblical principles showcased in Jesus’ life and ministry—the heartbeat of who He is—are incredible models of the clinical and ministerial practice of presence, being with the person in a non-anxious way. In Jesus (and this book) we see models of unyielding redemption, hope, and resurrection, of a caretaker and advocate who refuses to give up on even those in the worst possible circumstances for them. We can learn from this in how we show up for those we are serving, how we listen to them, how we show our heart for them. Ultimately, in my ministry with students, what lies before me is the task of presencing and teaching Jesus’ heart to them by the way I love, listen, and speak the truth. I long to seek their good and healing in a way that shows God as “able to redeem the ugliest parts of our past into the most beautiful parts of our future,” the Jesus who will “in no wise cast out” those who come to Him (75, 24-25).

I am curious to consider how I could employ this book with non-Christian students I am meeting with to introduce them to Jesus and the Scriptures. Moreover, how are we changed as we come to Him? What does our being with Him look like in what Ortlund describes? How could we model relationally and invitationally the truth of a Jesus who will cast none out, inviting people to “Come and see”?

[Cicely V. Ford Ford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gentle & Lowly by Dane Ortlund has to be one of the most beautifully written books reflecting who Jesus is, why He died for us and why He loves us. The Heart of Jesus, in hindsight, is a stripped down version of Gentle and Lowly which would be an enriching resource for someone leading a youth ministry with the goal of getting teens to know and understand Christ in a way that is digestible. Drawing from Matthew 11 and a wide range of biblical passages, Ortlund gently unfolds the reality that Jesus’s heart is not one of judgment or distance, but one of deep, tender affection, compassion, and unending love for sinners and sufferers .

What I found especially moving about this edition is how it pairs theological richness with clarity. I have almost the entire book highlighted, tabbed and dog earred. Short chapters and straightforward language never undermine the depth of its message. It’s the kind of book you can read quickly and still feel a meaningful encounter with the Savior’s heart. This book offers a refreshing breath of gospel hope—it reminds us that our Savior’s heart is not only near, but joyfully oriented toward us.

Ortlund deep dives in several passages throughout the book that Jesus is incapable of separating Himself from us even in our lowest moments because the very nature of who He is defines selflessness. The reason I gave this book 4 stars and not 5 is because there were many instances where I felt Ortlund was veering off into His own thoughts/opinions in a way that didn’t align with the overall theological tone of the book.

To believers, beginning believers, I highly recommend.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stellar book. It's essentially Dane Ortlund's abridged "Gentle and Lowly". It was a great reminder of the main ideas of gentle and lowly a d did make me think about re-reading it.

Both books are very powerful and super helpful for people who are distant from God, question if God loves them or ever did love them, isn't confident in their relationship with God. This book won't solve all of your anxieties and quell every worry you have, but it's a great step towards that, and he references lots of other authors and books that would aid in understanding God's love.

Only reason I gave it 4 stars is a point of contention I have with his belief that the point of existence, and the point of us and restoring us to himself in heaven, is for God to show His amazing and awesome love and for us to come into that love and experience it.

While I don't entirely disagree, I also believe that our existence is to glorify God. And we glorify God most when we enjoy Him and are loved by Him the most. I know it's a slight distinction, but I think it's important.

Final rating- 9/10 would recommend and read again

[Naomi]

So, I found this book at target and I thought it seemed super sweet. I’m a Christ follower, but I’m not very religious or doctrinal about it. Jesus is the foundation for how I want to live my life, serve, love, forgive, etc. I’m more of a mystic and universalist. I love and respect people of all faiths, or lack of. When I bought this book, I had never heard of the author before, but it had good reviews. It’s very short at only 108 pages. It started strong for me and there are some beautiful quotes. While I love and appreciate how much emphasis the author puts on the unconditional love of Jesus, I also have a keen eye for spotting a “religious spirit”. Some of his wording began to feel “off” about halfway. I paused to look up the author and sure enough, Dane Ortlund is a 5 star Calvinist. I thought I could finish this, but I just couldn’t take this book to heart when I found out fundamentalism was involved. I have past religious trauma. My free time is too precious. DNF. No hate to the author or those who are strictly religious. Each of our walks is unique to us. Just not my cup of tea.

[Pat Baird · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m reminded of the historical genre of the Puritan age called casuistry. It was essentially a Morrill theological take on issues of the heart. Titles like The Bruised Reid, Mortification of Sin, All Things For Good, etc.

Dane Ortland’s Gentle and Lowly and this abridged volume are probably the closest things that we have to that historical genre today.

And the Lord’s great Providence. I have the privilege of leading a group of 20 college students through this book 2 days from now and I’m very excited. This book is so approachable and so well written. Ortland writes about vast theological realities, but simply applies them to the believers life.

I love how saturated this book as a scripture and it’s constant use of Puritanical writing.

Practically speaking, I love how concise this is. I would have no problem handing this book to a new believer, non-reader, or even a senior in my church.

This would be a great discipleship tool for the future.

The only issues I had with the book were the occasionally in accurate and confusing phrases about the nature of Christ. Jesus Christ is 100% gentle and lowly…. But he’s also Lord of lords, King of kings and is coming to judge the wicked. Ortland briefly acknowledges this, but I would’ve enjoyed a little bit more.

4/5

[Tam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having absolutely loved Gentle and Lowly, I was excited to read this new concise version. Designed to be accessible to a broader reading audience, it retains all the comfort of the original in fewer pages and simpler sentences.
Once again, Ortlund takes us through a number of Bible verses which show how Christ is far more gentle and patient with us than we dare to hope, and how his loving heart towards us does not change in the way that our fickle hearts do. His gentle tone as he lays out these wonderful truths further adds to the encouragement they give.
After a quick flick back through some of the same chapters in Gentle and Lowly, I can confidently say that Ortlund has done a masterful job of selecting which material to keep and how to make it more easily readable.
I recommended Gentle and Lowly to many people, and it will be a joy to recommend The Heart of Jesus even more widely.
Thanks to NetGalley and Crossway for the chance to read this ARC.