Jesus: A Gospel

by Henri J.M. Nouwen, Michael O'Laughlin (Editor)

The beloved spiritual writer is our guide in this unique retelling of the Gospel. Seamlessly woven from his many writings, Nouwen's Jesus retraces the greatest story ever told from the Annunciation to the Resurrection. As Michael O'Laughlin notes, "Henri was a teacher, a man sent from God, and his ministry was to show people what God is doing in the world and how we might respond." In this beautiful book, in the company of a modern spiritual master, we rediscover the Gospel with new eyes.

Genres: Christianity, Theology, Religion, Christian, Spirituality, Nonfiction

150 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 2001

About the author

Henri Jozef Machiel Nouwen was a Dutch Catholic priest, theologian, psychologist, professor, and spiritual writer whose work profoundly shaped contemporary Christian spirituality. Born in Nijkerk, the Netherlands, in 1932, Nouwen pursued religious studies and was ordained a priest in 1957. His intellectual curiosity led him to study psychology at the Catholic University of Nijmegen and later at the Menninger Clinic in Kansas, where he explored the connection between faith and mental health. Throughout his life, Nouwen remained committed to integrating pastoral care, psychology, and spiritual theology in a way that addressed the emotional and existential needs of believers.
Nouwen held teaching positions at prestigious institutions including the University of Notre Dame, Yale Divinity School, and Harvard Divinity School. He authored over three dozen books and hundreds of articles, with notable works such as The Wounded Healer, The Return of the Prodigal Son, Life of the Beloved, and The Inner Voice of Love. His writing, often rooted in personal vulnerability and spiritual struggle, resonated with readers across denominations. Nouwen openly explored themes of loneliness, identity, intimacy, and the human desire for love and belonging, making his voice especially relatable and influential.
Though he was a gifted academic and popular speaker, Nouwen found his deepest calling later in life through his involvement with L’Arche, a network of communities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. After a transformative stay at the original L’Arche community in France, Nouwen accepted an invitation to become the pastor of L’Arche Daybreak in Richmond Hill, Ontario. There he developed a close bond with Adam Arnett, a core member with severe disabilities, which inspired the book Adam: God’s Beloved. At Daybreak, Nouwen discovered a deep spiritual home and a community that helped him embrace his humanity in profound ways.
Throughout his life, Nouwen wrestled with issues of identity, including his sexuality and his longing for connection, though he remained faithful to his vows. His openness about depression and inner conflict gave depth to his pastoral message, and his ability to turn personal struggle into shared spiritual insight made him one of the most beloved spiritual writers of the 20th century.
Henri Nouwen died in 1996 of a sudden heart attack, but his legacy endures through his writings, the Henri Nouwen Society, and the continued global reach of his message of belovedness, vulnerability, and compassionate community. His books remain bestsellers, widely read in seminaries, churches, and among individuals seeking a more intimate walk with God.

Reviews

[Darcy Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a curated collection of Henri Nouwen's thoughts and Rembrandt's art. Together these two tell the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is a beautiful book. Nouwen's prayer in the Pentecost chapter is a prayer I've prayed myself - but less eloquently than Nouwen. I feel blessed by this book - it has enriched my time of prayer for many days in September and October.

[Greta Smithers · Rating 5 out of 5]

A set of beautiful readings and meditations on the life and purpose of Jesus. This is the sort of book that shapes you into your purpose by making you understand what is asked of you. I absolutely love Nouwen’s writing and his insight into spirituality. This was a wonderful read.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been reading this as a morning devotion for about 8 months and wanted to finish before Easter. Beautifully written and illustrated, spiritually accessible.

[Steve Kimes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a gospel, but a devotional generally about Jesus. I prefer his book Letters to Marc About Jesus.

[Carol Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

So loved this!

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