Behold the King of Glory: A Narrative of the Life, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ

Retelling the Story #2

by Russ Ramsey, Nancy Guthrie (Foreword)

Enter into the greatest story ever told.

In this carefully researched retelling of the story of Jesus, Russ Ramsey invites us to rediscover our wonder at Christ's sinless life, brutal death, and glorious resurrection.

Featuring forty short chapters recounting key episodes from Jesus's time on earth, this book expands on the biblical narrative in a fresh and creative way--giving us a taste of what it would have been like to walk next to Jesus and experience his earthly ministry firsthand.

Genres: Christian, Devotional, Faith, Nonfiction, Christianity, Christian Living, Religion

235 pages, Paperback

First published January 31, 2015

About the author

Russ Ramsey and his wife and four children make their home in Nashville, Tennessee. He is a pastor at Christ Presbyterian Church and the author of Struck: One Christian’s Reflections on Encountering Death (IVP, 2017), Behold the Lamb of God: An Advent Narrative, and Behold the King of Glory: A Narrative of the Life, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. He is a graduate of Taylor University (1991) and Covenant Theological Seminary (MDiv, 2000; ThM, 2003). Follow Russ on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Reviews

[Robin Langford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid Lent devotional that reads like a story. I really connect with Ramsey’s writing style.

[Gerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of the gospels never gets old. Mathew, Mark, Luke and John wrote the most riveting story ever told. In this book the author writes the same story in a chronological manner, taking the best accounts from the different gospels and most crucially includes the background information that is vital if one is to understand the various characters, social norms, political atmosphere that these events were taking place. No one can add to the gospel narrative and I appreciated how the author avoided the temptation to add too much and just presented the story as they were originally told and puts the context. Over the course of 40 chapters he charts the birth, ministry, death and resurrection of Jesus. What a story it is; The Story. Amazing book.

[Dan Wolgemuth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a masterfully written book that shifts the spotlight onto the life and teaching and love and compassion and justice and sacrifice of Jesus. It does so without fictional liberty, but with amazing clarity. Russ Ramsey is a powerful writer. Gifted and anointed. This is a great example of that.

[Maeve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lent book!! Will totally use again next year. We read with our small group and it gave so much color to the story of Easter

[Charity Craig]

I read this book in the weeks leading up to Easter, following Jesus's ministry from his baptism to the empty tomb. The historical context this book weaves in really brought the story to life. It was the perfect accompaniment for Lent.

The author was clear that he wasn't try to rewrite scripture. Rather, he was simply imagining what it was like for those who were part of Jesus' story in a volatile time in history. The Bible references are clearly marked and offered for each chapter, and it was a great resource for cross referencing the Biblical account, especially since the author said in the introduction that he wasn't able to include everything from the New Testament. Because the various Gospel accounts were interspersed, the author did the hard work for his readers of layering the various perspectives when the same stories were included in each Gospel. I have the other two books in this series, too, and am excited to dive in.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher, but the review is my own opinion.

[Aberdeen · Rating 4 out of 5]

(This isn't really historical fiction but it's not really non-fiction either?? Hard to tag this one.)

Ramsey strikes what must be an extremely hard balance between basic restating of facts and overindulging in speculation. Although sometimes I felt like he rushed certain stories and over-emphasized others, overall everything flowed smoothly. He did great job including historical and political context that adds meaning to some of the stories. As with his Advent book, this one helped me grasp anew the wonder of this story and of Jesus' love for me, and really, what better praise can you give to a book?

Here's one part of the story he pointed out that I had never thought about before: the scent of the perfume Mary poured over Jesus would have lingered on him for many days, so when he was on trial and eventually on the cross, that royal aroma would have followed him. It's just such a cool detail that deepens the story.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved reading this more than I expected, especially during the Lenten season and alongside a study of the prophets. Russ Ramsey's retelling helped me see the familiar story of Jesus' life, ministry, death, and resurrection with fresh eyes. It helped me connect the narrative timeline in ways I hadn't previously, and gave me fresh perspectives to consider. Creative, moving, and faithful to the text. I'm already planning to read his Advent retelling this December.

[Renee Doty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Russ Ramsey’s book The Advent of the Lamb of God, so I was glad to discover that his book marking the forty days of Lent was just as good. I need the discipline of having a daily reading throughout the weeks leading up to Easter to feel tethered to reminders of why I believe what I believe. The process of engaging with Ramsey’s creative retelling helped me contemplate the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus in new ways despite the story itself being deeply familiar.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I kept this on my bedside table through out this entire spring and read a chapter several nights a week. It is a retelling of the gospels and is excellent especially if you want to pause and read them in a new light.
He has written three and I hope the book of Acts retelling still to read!

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very nice Lenten devotional.

[Brie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice book to read through Lent.

[Emily Aubrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a good book to read through as a devotional throughout Lent. Some days are more engaging than others, but as we came to Holy Week as a church, I realized all the cultural context and other details I had been gleaning from the book were really shaping my mind into a deeper understanding of the passion. Because of that, I bumped it from 4 stars to 5.

[Adam Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been reading this book as a part of my quiet time for the past couple of months and I highly recommend it. Ramsey harmonizes the gospels and tells the story of the ministry of Jesus as just that: a cohesive story. As I read it I began to see how much of my biblical imagination has a theatrical quality to it: I think about it as scenes or vignettes (parables, miracles) instead of a moving, living story about real people. I believe that but sometimes I see now how I slip into just these scenes instead of the whole story. Ramsey fills in details between these scenes and walks us through all the gospels. But in doing so he doesn't stray far from Scripture. The book is littered with footnotes to point you to the Scriptures he's quoting, paraphrasing, or referencing. The result is a very engaging journey right alongside Christ during His ministry. The book is intended to be a devotional during the Lenten season so if you're looking for something to add to your pre-Easter experience you would do well do pick up this book.

[Jonathan Crabb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gets better every time I read it. Jesus is fascinating and utterly compelling. Praise his name.

I bought this last year to read through at Lent, but never got around to it. This Holy Week, I read all the way through and what an experience it was. Ramsey's threads the stories of the Gospels into one cohesive whole. Being able to see the larger themes play out and even more seeing Jesus as a man who had passions, frustrations and a purpose was great. This is absolutely a yearly read from here on out.

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

Russ Ramsey teaches with such fresh words. He is an anecdote for those who have heard all the Bible stories before. This book brings Jesus into focus. It helps restore the wonder of Jesus's life.

[Kerr Howell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every once in a while, a book comes along that doesn’t just inform—it forms. The Passion of the King of Glory by Russ Ramsey is one of those rare treasures. I used this book during Lent to prepare my heart and mind to more deeply love Jesus, and I can say without hesitation: it did just that. Ramsey doesn’t merely recount the gospel events—he breathes life into them. Through masterful storytelling and poetic prose, he takes the reader by the hand and walks them through the final weeks of Jesus’ life, giving texture to the dust of Galilee, color to the crowds in Jerusalem, and weight to the wooden beam carried up the hill of Calvary.

What makes this book so profound is the way it moves the gospel into narrative form without losing any theological depth. Scenes like Jesus weeping over Jerusalem, the last meal with His friends, and even the betrayal in the garden are written with such reverence and insight that they feel brand new—like you’re seeing them again for the first time. One of my favorite moments is Ramsey’s reflection on Jesus’ silence before Pilate—not as weakness, but as strength restrained, a King willingly misunderstood to rescue those who could never save themselves.

This book is the perfect companion for Lent or any season where your heart longs to see the gospel not just as doctrine but as story—God’s breathtaking rescue woven through human history. If your desire is to behold Jesus more clearly, love Him more deeply, and follow Him more closely, The Passion of the King of Glory will help you do just that. Read it slowly. Let it stir you. Let it prepare you for glory.

[Carol · Rating 1 out of 5]

The Passion Of The King Of Glory is a book of tales. The author made tales of things that happened with JESUS in the Bible....In the front of the book the author warns he will take some things in the Bible and add a word or two to better the story but then I started reading and I was disappointed. He made up everything. The Scripture verses that should have been used for the words that was spoken by CHRIST and others that was actually used by them - he even made those words up like with the Roman - the one whose son was ill and dying - instead of what the Scripture has him saying he has him saying that the nobleman answered JESUS saying "I want my son to live. That's what I want. I want him not to die. But I can't stop the death that is coming - so please help me - come to Capernaum. Please. save him." none of that was said - it could have been what he was thinking but that is not what the Scriptures have him saying - what the Scripture does say is that you are not to add or take away from the words of this Book - Bible - and this definitely is adding to this Book. I received a copy of this book from the Publisher and Netgalley; all of these opinions expressed in this review are all my own.
if you would like to read more of my Christian book reviews go to christianlybookreviewers.blogspot.com

[Chloe Fulton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read at a very slow pace, this 40 chapter book has helped me journey through lent. This is a book that perhaps would work even better as audiobook as Russ Ramsey writes in such a beautiful amd compelling way. He is a masterful story teller who has respectfully written a narrative account of the gospels.

I've read this one before, but this time I was struck by the sociopolitical relationship between the pharisees and Rome. Yes, they were concerned with upholding the scriptures and punishing cases of blasphemy, but they were perhaps equally, if not more concerned with maintaining the status quo of their special relationship with Rome. Were they so focused with protecting the limited freedom they had been granted by Rome that they failed to see that the Word had become flesh to live among them? This is seen so clearly when they cry 'we have no king but Caesar'.

Let us not be so concerned with protecting what has become comfortable and familiar that we don't recognise when God is at work and is doing something new.

[John Swanson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A well written "novelization" of Christ's time on earth. I still struggle with Ramsey's use of poetic license in writing these stories. Yes, they are almost completely based on Scripture. But Ramsey takes a step even further away than "The Message" as a means to make the Gospel accessible to readers. I do give him credit for saying in the preface that this book is not meant to be Scripture. I just struggle with the idea of trying to make Scripture more appealing or entertaining for a mass audience while staying so close to real scripture. My biggest complaint is that he puts thoughts into people's heads that he would have no way of knowing. He is guessing at best.

[Erik Rostad · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book covers the life of Jesus and mostly pulls from the Gospel of John. My favorite aspect of Russ' writing is how he connects the human drama surrounding the life of Jesus through the stories, parables, and actions of others. There are no one-offs in this book. Each parable connects to a previous encounter and each action relates to a previous story. It's beautifully woven together in a way that enhanced my understanding, opened connections I had never seen before, and provided a deep hope. It opened my eyes to the life of Jesus, the political atmosphere, and how relatable each of these stories, parables, encounters, suffering, and glory are to our time.

[Mads Doss · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book throughout Lent and alongside the actual Biblical account. Ramsey illuminates the Gospel passages with cultural context, but he sticks close to the actual Biblical text. There are some moments when he presumes what someone was thinking, but these presumptions are never far reaching nor alter the truth of the Bible.

What I liked most about this book is that it tells the same story I’ve heard a thousand times in a new way and, therefore, breathes life back into the words my ears have heard a hundred times before. The intensity of the passage on Christ’s cruxifixction deeply affected me in a way Jesus’s death hasn’t for some time.

[Brittnee Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Jesus. I love the story of what He did for us.
Nothing can take away reading all Jesus did for us in the Bible, but the perspective in which the author wrote the story was something special.

The Gospel written in this fiction-esque style truly brought the story alive in a new way. The writing was not always my favorite, it is a wonderful take on Jesus’ life and willing sacrifice for us. I would recommend this book to everyone who is born again, or wanting to meet Jesus for the first time.

[Brianna Christian]

Ok, so this was based on what I was able to read before the library wrenched it out of my hands. I already love Russ Ramsey's writing voice, and it's clear the guy knows how to tell a story. The narrative flowed well and was highly engaging. Would I give this book to a new believer? No, because you need to read things first from the source many times, but I do think it's extremely helpful for those who've read the stories via the Bible a billion times. His creative liberties are extremely selective and his Scripture references are numerous and exemplary. The book is in my cart!

[Marlo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this understanding that the author had applied imagination to the scripture stories to make them come alive. To that I say "Amen!" I loved it. I appreciated the fleshing out of the accounts, trying to picture in a fresh way the times and the people living when Jesus walked the earth. I know these stories by heart, but sometimes I don't read them with my heart. I plan to read it again for Lent next year.

[Andrew Wolgemuth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our family read this aloud together through (and a little bit past) Lent this year, and it was a delight. Russ's writing is sharp and clear, true to the biblical account, and moving. The tension builds as the story leads to Christ's crucifixion, familiar characters take on human depth, and Jesus's incredible love and mission shine beautifully.

(full disclosure: the agency of which I'm a partner represents Russ and this book)

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

in church last week, the visiting pastor cautioned us against skimming over the familiar stories because "I already know what happens," and Russ Ramsey's retelling of the Passion brought a fresh retelling of the familiar events of Holy Week for me, including historical notes and other perspectives to the words I've read my whole life.

[Maya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great lent devotional! Just like the advent one, it has short chapters, that retell the story of Jesus' life, death and resurrection through imagining what people must have felt and though when encountering him, weaving in Scripture with historical background as well. Can't wait to read the third book of the series!

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book! The story telling method really brought the life of Christ to life. I also learned many things that I didnt know were in Scripture (when I doubled checked the Bible I realized those little details were actually there and I had never noticed before :). I am looking forward to reading the other books in this series!

[Cassiejoan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably 4.5 stars. I really enjoyed reading this for the lent season this year. I really enjoy Russ Ramsey's narrative retellings in his books. I would read this again for Lent and will possibly use it as a family book in the future.

[Aaron · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Lenten reading for 2019. A third-person narrative of the story of Jesus over the course of 40 days. Fleshes out the gospel accounts with some background details and inner motivations. Last chapter captured my imagination. Worthwhile change-of-pace read for Lent.