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Jesus, an Obedient Son
For many years, best-selling author Michael Phillips assumed he clearly understood the life of Jesus. Though Jesus was in truth his Savior, and even his Lord, Phillips felt challenged to understand more of the remarkable life lived two thousand years ago in Palestine. Then came a crisis in his spiritual pilgrimage when circumstances forced him to open the book of his life in a new way, and delve more deeply into the fundamental why of Jesus' life.
Challenged to discover the New Testament imperative for his life, Phillips takes a fresh look at the Bible to find out what is the essence, the foundation, of spirituality. Boiled down. The raw reality of the gospel. No frills. No excess baggage. No trite little phrases learned in Sunday school or youth group.
He discovers a key that gives validity to an entire life's purpose and perspective as a Christian for right now. Not in some grandiose, far-reaching way . . . but the link between belief and practice, between eternity and now, between Christianity as a world religion, and Christianity as a practical guidebook for going about the business of life in the trenches. For if ever a man walked in harmony between ultimate purpose and the next five minutes, that man was Jesus Christ. And that key to Jesus' life was obedience.
196 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2002
826 people are currently reading
574 people want to read
About the author
Michael R. Phillips
250 books609 followersLibrarian Note: there is more than one author with this name in the Goodreads database.
Michael Phillips has been writing in the Christian marketplace for 30 years. All told, he has written, co-written, and edited some 110 books. Phillips and his wife live in the U.S., and make their second home in Scotland.
Michael Phillips has been writing in the Christian marketplace for 30 years. All told, he has written, co-written, and edited some 110 books. Phillips and his wife live in the U.S., and make their second home in Scotland.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
November 24, 2017
This book was ok which is why I gave it 2 stars. The message was good but I am not a big fan of the way it was written. The first half was told from the point of view of the author being present at the time of Jesus's ministry. The time frame was sort of set in the present day but not exactly so that made the book slightly odd. I had trouble getting beyond Jesus being referred to as Jess and all the other apostles being referred to by various nicknames. It just seemed juvenile to me. The other part I couldn't get around and found distracting was at one point there was a Catholic priest or bishop present (possibly other Christian leaders) talking with or about Jesus. Christians did not exist in Jesus's time.
So overall while I thought the book had some good points there were too many things that were odd and distracting so I would not recommend this book to someone trying to learn more about Jesus. And as I already said the book seemed juvenile to me, but it is supposed to be for adults.
So overall while I thought the book had some good points there were too many things that were odd and distracting so I would not recommend this book to someone trying to learn more about Jesus. And as I already said the book seemed juvenile to me, but it is supposed to be for adults.
June 16, 2018
I’m not sure of what to say
This book basically told the story of Christ from a modern perspective. It made you imagine yourself in that time but more like in our days.
I didn’t like the description because it really did happen NOT in our days. I like historic events and what Jesus did for me isn’t modern, never will. Such love can’t be watered down with the chaos of our modern world. However, for a new Christian, this book will bring to light any misconceptions or misunderstandings of Christianity and why we believe in Christ.
This book basically told the story of Christ from a modern perspective. It made you imagine yourself in that time but more like in our days.
I didn’t like the description because it really did happen NOT in our days. I like historic events and what Jesus did for me isn’t modern, never will. Such love can’t be watered down with the chaos of our modern world. However, for a new Christian, this book will bring to light any misconceptions or misunderstandings of Christianity and why we believe in Christ.
June 9, 2019
Just as thought provoking as I expected, but also as poorly written as I feared. Michael Phillips has an important message for the world, but it must be communicated more effectively.
The message needs to be heard, but it really is an uncomfortable one. Who likes dying? Who likes giving their will to God? Who likes loving their enemies? Phillips is extremely blunt about the difficulties of true discipleship. Following Jesus is not a party. And if it is for you, if it is for me, we need to evaluate whether we're truly growing as children of the Father.
The message needs to be heard, but it really is an uncomfortable one. Who likes dying? Who likes giving their will to God? Who likes loving their enemies? Phillips is extremely blunt about the difficulties of true discipleship. Following Jesus is not a party. And if it is for you, if it is for me, we need to evaluate whether we're truly growing as children of the Father.
May 31, 2018
A must read for the serious believer
This book is one I will read again and again. It has so much information to chew on that makes it straight to the heart. It speaks of the reality of what living in Jesus is all about. It made Jesus more precious to me and made His holiness even more holy to me personally. It helped me to see Jesus in a way that is more real to me. I now know He truly does understand my battles with dying to self. I am not there yet where I should be but it has put a yearning in my soul and spirit to seek His life in a greater way, to really get in my spirit His Way and Life. I highly recommend this book for the ones who are serious about living the life God has planned out for us. It is not for the faint hearted and for me it will take a long time to really be able to grasp all that was written. It is a book of strong meat. I hope people will get this book and read it and let it do the work in the heart that will make a difference in their lives.
This book is one I will read again and again. It has so much information to chew on that makes it straight to the heart. It speaks of the reality of what living in Jesus is all about. It made Jesus more precious to me and made His holiness even more holy to me personally. It helped me to see Jesus in a way that is more real to me. I now know He truly does understand my battles with dying to self. I am not there yet where I should be but it has put a yearning in my soul and spirit to seek His life in a greater way, to really get in my spirit His Way and Life. I highly recommend this book for the ones who are serious about living the life God has planned out for us. It is not for the faint hearted and for me it will take a long time to really be able to grasp all that was written. It is a book of strong meat. I hope people will get this book and read it and let it do the work in the heart that will make a difference in their lives.
August 11, 2018
I have questions.
It was interesting to see him try to take the account of Christ’s life and bring it to the 21st century. I do have questions about some of his theology in the later part of the book. “What did Jesus know(of his Christness) and when did he know it? We cannot apprehend exactly what the crossroads in Jesus’ life but Jesus steadily stepped into His Sonship as it was slowly revealed by God’s Spirit within Him” “ Jesus went out into the desert a man, a human, a mortal . . . and he came back a true Son.”
It was interesting to see him try to take the account of Christ’s life and bring it to the 21st century. I do have questions about some of his theology in the later part of the book. “What did Jesus know(of his Christness) and when did he know it? We cannot apprehend exactly what the crossroads in Jesus’ life but Jesus steadily stepped into His Sonship as it was slowly revealed by God’s Spirit within Him” “ Jesus went out into the desert a man, a human, a mortal . . . and he came back a true Son.”
August 19, 2016
He lists specific things Jesus told his disciples to do and also talks how Jesus came to be an example of how we should live our lives. It emphasized that we are to be obedient children of God by submitting our will to His, asking what He wants us to do and then doing it. The first part of the book was written in an interesting way. This is a quick read that is very thought provoking and challenges the reader to search his own heart in regards to following Jesus.
August 29, 2017
Not my cup o'tea
I am not a fan of first-person/inner monologue writing. I tried to read the first 19 chapters, that were written in this style, but had to give up around Chapter 4. Although I skipped to Chapter 20, where the style changed, I just couldn't wrap myself around this book. There is good information here, not as many verses expounded on as I would hope; and no insight that I haven't heard before. It just didn't speak to me.
I am not a fan of first-person/inner monologue writing. I tried to read the first 19 chapters, that were written in this style, but had to give up around Chapter 4. Although I skipped to Chapter 20, where the style changed, I just couldn't wrap myself around this book. There is good information here, not as many verses expounded on as I would hope; and no insight that I haven't heard before. It just didn't speak to me.
January 2, 2017
Powerful
A completely different perspective for me that challenged long held and firm beliefs that I found are not necessarily rooted in scripture. This book has caused me to begin my own search in scripture to know Jesus more fully and completely as the Son of God and the Son of Man.
A completely different perspective for me that challenged long held and firm beliefs that I found are not necessarily rooted in scripture. This book has caused me to begin my own search in scripture to know Jesus more fully and completely as the Son of God and the Son of Man.
August 11, 2016
This is the clearest, most sensible explanation of what Jesus taught, and how we are to live that I have seen to date. The author takes the reader on a journey into the teachings of Jesus as if they were there with the disciples.
October 1, 2016
This was an interesting read, but a little different. Apparently during a dream, the author puts himself into the time of Jesus following Him. He shows us that Jesus was always obeyed His Father’s will, even to death on the cross.
December 26, 2016
The Devine Nature
The author delves in into the devine nature of Jesus Christ and tells the reader what makes him different from every human being who has live and died on this planet.
The author delves in into the devine nature of Jesus Christ and tells the reader what makes him different from every human being who has live and died on this planet.
March 6, 2018
Jesus, an Obedient Son
Michael Phillips brings a fresh perspective to the biblical story of Jesus and challenges the reader to place him/ herself into the story. This simple approach was just the wake-up call I needed at this point on my journey.
Michael Phillips brings a fresh perspective to the biblical story of Jesus and challenges the reader to place him/ herself into the story. This simple approach was just the wake-up call I needed at this point on my journey.
August 10, 2017
Great read. It puts the gospels into a whole different perspective. It is a life changing book.
August 18, 2017
Excellent. I agree, a life changing book.
October 8, 2017
Eye opening
Good book. The writer makes many great points. Makes me know I need to spend more time on my knees talking with God and reading His word, the Bible.
Good book. The writer makes many great points. Makes me know I need to spend more time on my knees talking with God and reading His word, the Bible.
January 27, 2018
This book touched me in its simplicity and truth.
April 22, 2018
Interesting & not what I expected. From first person immersed into the Bible story as a first hand witnessed
January 6, 2020
Jesus: An Obedient Son by Michael Phillips is a deeper look into who Jesus was, what his message is and how we can follow his example today. From the very beginning, Mr. Phillips presents the scenario: What if Jesus didn’t live 2,000 years ago? What if God chose to have him teach in today’s world? What would his ministry look like? How can his message relate to today’s society? To answer these question, Mr. Phillips takes the reader through his ministry, his teachings, his parables, all of which are still relevant today. The Parable of the Soils is a prime example of people’s reactions to Jesus and his message even today. Through the life of Jesus, it is a lesson on how we, his followers, can be obedient sons and daughters of God. To be a follower of Jesus, it is more than just studying his message and knowing the words. The power is in doing them, putting them into action. Essentially don’t just talk the talk, you must walk the walk. Mr. Phillips also talks about three crossroads in our walk with Jesus. First, the answer to his invitation to follow him. Do we say yes or no? Second, the question that he presents to his disciples, “who do you say that I am?” Do we see him as the Son of God, or do we see him as just a great teacher? Third, the ultimate crossroad: “how much are you willing to lay down?” It can be a question of life or death or a question of putting our own wants and desires down for the benefit of another.
A few reviews I read didn’t like how Mr. Phillips how he wrote Jesus in a modern light; however, I found it to be enlightening as well as enjoyable. If Jesus were alive and ministering today, he would be using language that we could understand. He didn’t come to save the educated and the wealthy. He came to save everyone. He came for the individuals and not just the impersonal masses. He came to show us how to be obedient sons and daughters. It is not going to church. It is not in fancy theology. It is not in the right doctrine, music or rituals. All these things help but they aren’t the main thing. Being obedient, seeking his will instead of our own and following his commands, do we truly become a child of God. I highly recommend Jesus: An Obedient Son.
Jesus: An Obedient Son
is available in paperback and eBook
A few reviews I read didn’t like how Mr. Phillips how he wrote Jesus in a modern light; however, I found it to be enlightening as well as enjoyable. If Jesus were alive and ministering today, he would be using language that we could understand. He didn’t come to save the educated and the wealthy. He came to save everyone. He came for the individuals and not just the impersonal masses. He came to show us how to be obedient sons and daughters. It is not going to church. It is not in fancy theology. It is not in the right doctrine, music or rituals. All these things help but they aren’t the main thing. Being obedient, seeking his will instead of our own and following his commands, do we truly become a child of God. I highly recommend Jesus: An Obedient Son.
Jesus: An Obedient Son
is available in paperback and eBook
August 10, 2019
This was a mixed read for me some parts very good others a bit of chore, but the overall point is probably worth the effort. Beginning with a rewrite of the gospel accounts in a modern setting, the book aims to break readers out of the familiarity they feel with the biblical accounts. This is tricky. I do think the intention is good, but I suspect many readers are not familiar enough with the original texts, and the deeper contextual clues to Jesus words, but if accounts like this inspire deeper reading they do more good than harm. There is a risk of the opposite. In this case, I didn't find the retelling particularly profound, and the setting didn't seem to remain persistent in the modern day. But it wasn't long enough or heavy enough to inspire abandonment.
And then there were a further three sections. They were divided into relatively short sections, explaining the rewrite of the gospels, outlining the authors view of the longer arc of conversion, developing the case for sonship/obedience. Perhaps they all need to be there to make the whole, but I came away with only a few points which resonated, hopefully the ones the author was aiming to make.
All up, it was good to read something directed toward Jesus' original words and tackling the implications of both his lordship and humanity directly: obedience and sonship. There are probably theological objections to some of this material, and some of it probably well founded, however, this book makes some useful points even if the read itself is not a compelling one.
And then there were a further three sections. They were divided into relatively short sections, explaining the rewrite of the gospels, outlining the authors view of the longer arc of conversion, developing the case for sonship/obedience. Perhaps they all need to be there to make the whole, but I came away with only a few points which resonated, hopefully the ones the author was aiming to make.
All up, it was good to read something directed toward Jesus' original words and tackling the implications of both his lordship and humanity directly: obedience and sonship. There are probably theological objections to some of this material, and some of it probably well founded, however, this book makes some useful points even if the read itself is not a compelling one.
April 6, 2019
This book is readable and thought-provoking. Even though at first it seemed somewhat irreverent, imagining Jesus and His disciples in the modern world gave an interesting perspective. It helps to understand that as a human Jesus could sin, but He chose not to. He experienced the same temptations we do, but His diety did not make it impossible for Him to sin because He was also human—facing temptation and having to choose between sin and righteousness.
The main reason I didn't rate it higher is that I didn't completely agree with the theology. His contention is that as fully man, Jesus was incapable of knowing who He was as a young child. He grew into His knowledge and understanding of His diety.
It is impossible for us humans to understand what it means to be fully man and fully God. We know that Jesus was fully man and fully God because the Bible tells us so, but how that works is subject to individual interpretation. We may understand when we get to Heaven, but we won't really comprehend as long as we are in our mortal bodies living on earth.
I don't think He could be fully God without knowing He was God, but the author differs. The book did make me think about this in depth and reach my own conclusion.
The main reason I didn't rate it higher is that I didn't completely agree with the theology. His contention is that as fully man, Jesus was incapable of knowing who He was as a young child. He grew into His knowledge and understanding of His diety.
It is impossible for us humans to understand what it means to be fully man and fully God. We know that Jesus was fully man and fully God because the Bible tells us so, but how that works is subject to individual interpretation. We may understand when we get to Heaven, but we won't really comprehend as long as we are in our mortal bodies living on earth.
I don't think He could be fully God without knowing He was God, but the author differs. The book did make me think about this in depth and reach my own conclusion.
November 26, 2024
A mix of Spiritual Growth and Biblical fiction
This was a mix of Spiritual Growth and Biblical fiction. A very different book than I had expected. I was able to take away that Jesus Christ came to Earth with the sole end goal to sacrifice Himself to death on a cross to pay for the sins of the entire world: present and future. His Garden Prayer was Not My Will but Yours to God the Father. I differ in the belief that Christ could have chosen to change His mind. Since He was fully Man and fully God, Jesus Christ would not have chosen an earthly, selfish "turn around and go home instead". I'm so very thankful that Christ made the decision, with the Trinity/Godhead BEFORE coming to Earth. I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book, but it did not in any way affect my review. All opinions are my own.
This was a mix of Spiritual Growth and Biblical fiction. A very different book than I had expected. I was able to take away that Jesus Christ came to Earth with the sole end goal to sacrifice Himself to death on a cross to pay for the sins of the entire world: present and future. His Garden Prayer was Not My Will but Yours to God the Father. I differ in the belief that Christ could have chosen to change His mind. Since He was fully Man and fully God, Jesus Christ would not have chosen an earthly, selfish "turn around and go home instead". I'm so very thankful that Christ made the decision, with the Trinity/Godhead BEFORE coming to Earth. I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book, but it did not in any way affect my review. All opinions are my own.
April 17, 2019
Difficult book to rate. The updated version of Jesus in modern times at the beginning is intriguing and mostly works to place the reader with Jesus. The author then uses that as a launching point for his explanation of what it means to truly follow Jesus. Again, the author has some good points, but I found two glaring issues: Firstly he leans too heavily on the humanity of Jesus and gives too little credence to his being fully God as well as fully human. Secondly, while I understand the importance of obedience, there is no treatment of the essential role of the Holy Spirit in enabling such obedience. I appreciate the author's passion, but it leads to some questionable theology that could be potentially damaging.
April 6, 2019
I enjoyed reading this book. Took a little bit imagination to read the story of Jesus as a modern day event. Writing this way may me think a lot more about Jesus and his followers, but made me think more about the story of Jesus and more easy to understand. I like the simplicity and the author talking at times about himself and his time of failures and his yearning to do God's will. I would have liked author to share more of his life. His emphasis on sonship and daughtership opened my eyes a bit more. Would recommend this book to any Christians wherever they are situated in their Christian life.
March 21, 2021
I definitely would not recommend this book. I really was bothered with every reference to Jesus as Jess and the nicknames given to the apostles as the author places himself in the setting of the earthly life and ministry of Jesus trying to discover who Jesus really is. Some good thoughts to be found, but far more confusing and weak illustrations presented in this Jesus discovering journey. Great emphasis is placed upon the free-will of man and the good and obedient life that Jesus lived serving as our example to follow. It was a free kindle edition downloaded several years ago. I decided to read it, but will not keep it or recommend it to another.
November 8, 2025
Good book!!
This book asks us to forget everything we know about the Bible and Jesus, so we can look at Him and His teaching through fresh eyes-- at first I wasn't sure where this was going to take me. We have to be very careful when listening to make sure what is written aligns with Scripture, but I do feel like I've seen things about Jesus that I never really thought about before when reading this book and I see a work that can be furthered in my own life.
It's a good read and I'm glad I sat down to go over it.
This book asks us to forget everything we know about the Bible and Jesus, so we can look at Him and His teaching through fresh eyes-- at first I wasn't sure where this was going to take me. We have to be very careful when listening to make sure what is written aligns with Scripture, but I do feel like I've seen things about Jesus that I never really thought about before when reading this book and I see a work that can be furthered in my own life.
It's a good read and I'm glad I sat down to go over it.
April 15, 2019
Moderately entertaining
The bottom line - this is a long Christian tract with a unique approach. In the first half the story is told. Jesus appears today and the Gospel story plays out in modern times, some of it a real stretch but interesting. The second half is all about the reasons to become a follower of Jesus, i.e., a Christian by his definition. Altogether, not a bad gift if you are looking for something to give a non- believer besides one of those cheesy tracts.
The bottom line - this is a long Christian tract with a unique approach. In the first half the story is told. Jesus appears today and the Gospel story plays out in modern times, some of it a real stretch but interesting. The second half is all about the reasons to become a follower of Jesus, i.e., a Christian by his definition. Altogether, not a bad gift if you are looking for something to give a non- believer besides one of those cheesy tracts.
April 27, 2019
Life Changing
This book excited me from the first paragraph. Best writing I've read in a long time. Most importantly, I was humbled and a desire to follow Christ grew in my heart like never before. If you want to know how to follow Christ and understand, not my will but Your will be done, then I highly recommend this book to you!
This book excited me from the first paragraph. Best writing I've read in a long time. Most importantly, I was humbled and a desire to follow Christ grew in my heart like never before. If you want to know how to follow Christ and understand, not my will but Your will be done, then I highly recommend this book to you!
November 9, 2021
I appreciate what Mr. Phillips endeavored to do, bringing the Gospel story into the current era and infusing it with "immediacy."
However, some of his theology seems a bit sketchy, which is why I reduced the rating from 5 stars to 4. I would probably not recommend this to a "seeker," or someone who was not yet mature in his/her faith.
However, some of his theology seems a bit sketchy, which is why I reduced the rating from 5 stars to 4. I would probably not recommend this to a "seeker," or someone who was not yet mature in his/her faith.
January 11, 2022
Challenge accepted
I wasn't sure what to think in part one. This book began not as i expected. Michael Phillips one me two new ways to study Scripture then challenged me to reconsider my definition of the highest calling. I will be recommending this to anyone who refuses to grow stagnant in their walk with Christ.
I wasn't sure what to think in part one. This book began not as i expected. Michael Phillips one me two new ways to study Scripture then challenged me to reconsider my definition of the highest calling. I will be recommending this to anyone who refuses to grow stagnant in their walk with Christ.
March 20, 2022
The life of Jesus is so precious to me, I was hoping I'd really love this book, but it got cheesier & cheesier the more I read...from the nick-names of Jesus & his followers, to Jesus being shot to death. I have to wonder if this comes under the warning in Revelation about not adding to or taking away from God's Word. I did not finish this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews