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Heart of the Story #2
The Friends Of Jesus
The #1 New York Times best-selling author of The Family of Jesus draws on biblical resources to profile the lives of six of Jesus' closest friends and companions—including Peter, John, Matthew, Judas, Mary Magdalene and Lazarus. (religion — Christianity)
284 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2015
176 people are currently reading
2162 people want to read
About the author
Karen Kingsbury
208 books12k followersKaren Kingsbury, #1 New York Times bestselling novelist, is America’s favorite inspirational storyteller, with more than twenty-five million copies of her award-winning books in print. Her last dozen titles have topped bestseller lists and many of her novels are under development with Hallmark Films and as major motion pictures. Her Baxter Family books are being developed into a TV series slated for major network viewing sometime in the next year. Karen is also an adjunct professor of writing at Liberty University. In 2001 she and her husband, Don, adopted three boys from Haiti, doubling their family in a matter of months. Today the couple has joined the ranks of empty nesters, living in Tennessee near five of their adult children.
See more at: http://authors.simonandschuster.com/K...
See more at: http://authors.simonandschuster.com/K...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews
August 30, 2016
Every summer my church's Ladies Bible Study group becomes the Ladies Book Club. We chose this for our summer read. Although I didn't find the chapters (only six) that long, the others in our group did, so we explored one chapter each week. As the leader of our group, I enjoyed how this fictional writing based on the biblical account made me dig into the Bible and also do some independent research in order to see how Kingsbury came up with the fictionalization of her character's stories. (This is something I wish more readers would do.) There is an accompanying Bible Study/DVD for this book, but we did not invest in it. I can only assume that it might have outlined some of the items I looked up in my study/research. The ladies all enjoyed this book. One drawback to fictionalized accounts based on biblical narratives (in my opinion) is that it can confuse the facts in a reader's mind. For those who don't read and study their Bible thoroughly, this is prevalent. Many times a reader just accepts that the fictional account is true. It seems a big gamble to me, to risk diluting what is already a good story (& I believe a true story) w/speculation. Some say it whets one's appetite for more or makes the story more relatable to those not as familiar w/the biblical account. In my experience, that just usually doesn't happen. Kingsbury did her research & stayed as true to the original as one can when writing about parts of the story not in evidence. Near the end of our summer book club, one of the ladies suggested we watch the movie "Risen" after we finished the book. She had seen it & thought it correlated well w/this book. She was correct. One of the better movies in the Christian genre that I've seen recently. I recommend both.
December 30, 2018
I enjoyed how each story followed each other with regards to the timeline of Jesus' ministry on earth and how it impacted each and everyone individually.
I've read the Afrikaans translation and it was quite disappointing how bad the translation was. This again proved why I would rather stick with the original language.
I've read the Afrikaans translation and it was quite disappointing how bad the translation was. This again proved why I would rather stick with the original language.
July 13, 2023
Emotional read! I love biblical fiction...for some reason I kept passing over this book thinking it was a devotional. I'm so glad I realized it's not. I've been surprised to find that a great deal of biblical fiction is written about other bible figures and I love those stories, but I really love reading about Jesus. This book is made up of 6 short stories about how Jesus touched the lives of those closest to Him. The writing style in each story made me feel like I was there and experiencing what was happening, and definitely brought out strong emotions. Karen Kingsburry did a great job with this one. I read this book out of order and didn't know there's a first book, The Family of Jesus, but I'll be reading that one for sure also!
August 9, 2016
I loved this book! Fiction yes but a great description of who Jesus was as a friend.
April 7, 2019
It's weird how Karen writes these stories without considering all of the Gospels. For example, she writes Jairus as "the two-faced" Pharisee frenemy of Simon the Leper and schemer to murder Jesus, but there's absolutely no evidence of this in the Gospels. Jairus was humble, but she even gives him his own story with this wrong characterization! Caiaphas is a more likely candidate. He actually plotted against Jesus. Edit: after reading the Jairus story and more reflection, I changed my mind. It's a good characterization of the process from high-minded Pharisee to humbled "friend of Jesus".
Luke 8:41-42 NLT
Then a man named Jairus, a leader of the local synagogue, came and fell at Jesus’ feet, pleading with him to come home with him. His only daughter, who was about twelve years old, was dying. As Jesus went with him, he was surrounded by the crowds.
John 11:45-54 NLT
Many of the people who were with Mary believed in Jesus when they saw this happen. But some went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. Then the leading priests and Pharisees called the high council together.
“What are we going to do?” they asked each other. “This man certainly performs many miraculous signs. If we allow him to go on like this, soon everyone will believe in him. Then the Roman army will come and destroy both our Temple and our nation.”
Caiaphas, who was high priest at that time, said, “You don’t know what you’re talking about! You don’t realize that it’s better for you that one man should die for the people than for the whole nation to be destroyed.” He did not say this on his own; as high priest at that time he was led to prophesy that Jesus would die for the entire nation. And not only for that nation, but to bring together and unite all the children of God scattered around the world.
So from that time on, the Jewish leaders began to plot Jesus’ death. As a result, Jesus stopped his public ministry among the people and left Jerusalem. He went to a place near the wilderness, to the village of Ephraim, and stayed there with his disciples.
Another example: Karen writes the dinner scene at Simon the Leper's house as if Martha doesn't know the "immoral woman" who poured perfume on Jesus' feet, but according to John, she's Martha's sister, Mary! Karen wants us to believe that both Mary AND the immoral woman anointed Jesus' feet with perfume and wiped them with their hair, that these are two different women?! No. Jesus' defense of her at Simon's house is probably why Mary was willing to sit at His feet at her house (Luke 10:38-42).
Matthew 26:6-7 NLT
Meanwhile, Jesus was in Bethany at the home of Simon, a man who had previously had leprosy. While he was eating, a woman came in with a beautiful alabaster jar of expensive perfume and poured it over his head.
Mark 14:3 NLT
Meanwhile, Jesus was in Bethany at the home of Simon, a man who had previously had leprosy. While he was eating, a woman came in with a beautiful alabaster jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard. She broke open the jar and poured the perfume over his head.
Luke 7:36-38 NLT
One of the Pharisees asked Jesus to have dinner with him, so Jesus went to his home and sat down to eat. When a certain immoral woman from that city heard he was eating there, she brought a beautiful alabaster jar filled with expensive perfume. Then she knelt behind him at his feet, weeping. Her tears fell on his feet, and she wiped them off with her hair. Then she kept kissing his feet and putting perfume on them.
John 11:1-2 NLT
A man named Lazarus was sick. He lived in Bethany with his sisters, Mary and Martha. This is the Mary who later poured the expensive perfume on the Lord’s feet and wiped them with her hair. Her brother, Lazarus, was sick.
In both "The Family of Jesus" and "The Friends of Jesus", Karen insists on writing about Jesus' mother as if she's been a follower of Jesus throughout His ministry. That's not Scriptural. The Mary who is referred to as "the mother of James" isn't Jesus' mother, but the mother of the apostle James who is part of the Twelve. When the Bible refers to Jesus' mother Mary, she is called "the mother of Jesus".
Matthew 10:1-4 NLT
Jesus called his twelve disciples together and gave them authority to cast out evil spirits and to heal every kind of disease and illness. Here are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (also called Peter), then Andrew (Peter’s brother), James (son of Zebedee), John (James’s brother), Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew (the tax collector), James (son of Alphaeus), Thaddaeus, Simon (the zealot ), Judas Iscariot (who later betrayed him).
Luke 24:10-11 NLT
It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and several other women who told the apostles what had happened. But the story sounded like nonsense to the men, so they didn’t believe it.
Acts of the Apostles 1:13-14 NLT
When they arrived, they went to the upstairs room of the house where they were staying. Here are the names of those who were present: Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James (son of Alphaeus), Simon (the zealot), and Judas (son of James). They all met together and were constantly united in prayer, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, several other women, and the brothers of Jesus.
https://bible.com/bible/116/act.1.13-...
The story of Mary Magdalene is well-written. Karen actually combined all of the Gospels to create a believable chronological narrative of how she was the first to see the empty tomb and Jesus' risen body. However, in Jesus' mother's story in "The Family of Jesus", she is inexplicably depicted as the Mary to first discover resurrected Jesus.
What's right: Each story is a continuation of the last one from a different friend's perspective. They get better as we move through the stories. I received personal revelation while reading so I know that the writings are inspired by the Holy Spirit.
The discussion questions at the end are not as thought-provoking as those in the "Family of Jesus" studies, but Karen mentions that a separate study guide goes into more depth. Overall, it's an interesting read that I would only recommend to people who know the Gospels and Jesus very well. The Point of the book seems to be that Jesus is the Best Friend that we can ever have, so we can only become a good friend to Him and others by learning about friendship from Him.
Luke 8:41-42 NLT
Then a man named Jairus, a leader of the local synagogue, came and fell at Jesus’ feet, pleading with him to come home with him. His only daughter, who was about twelve years old, was dying. As Jesus went with him, he was surrounded by the crowds.
John 11:45-54 NLT
Many of the people who were with Mary believed in Jesus when they saw this happen. But some went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. Then the leading priests and Pharisees called the high council together.
“What are we going to do?” they asked each other. “This man certainly performs many miraculous signs. If we allow him to go on like this, soon everyone will believe in him. Then the Roman army will come and destroy both our Temple and our nation.”
Caiaphas, who was high priest at that time, said, “You don’t know what you’re talking about! You don’t realize that it’s better for you that one man should die for the people than for the whole nation to be destroyed.” He did not say this on his own; as high priest at that time he was led to prophesy that Jesus would die for the entire nation. And not only for that nation, but to bring together and unite all the children of God scattered around the world.
So from that time on, the Jewish leaders began to plot Jesus’ death. As a result, Jesus stopped his public ministry among the people and left Jerusalem. He went to a place near the wilderness, to the village of Ephraim, and stayed there with his disciples.
Another example: Karen writes the dinner scene at Simon the Leper's house as if Martha doesn't know the "immoral woman" who poured perfume on Jesus' feet, but according to John, she's Martha's sister, Mary! Karen wants us to believe that both Mary AND the immoral woman anointed Jesus' feet with perfume and wiped them with their hair, that these are two different women?! No. Jesus' defense of her at Simon's house is probably why Mary was willing to sit at His feet at her house (Luke 10:38-42).
Matthew 26:6-7 NLT
Meanwhile, Jesus was in Bethany at the home of Simon, a man who had previously had leprosy. While he was eating, a woman came in with a beautiful alabaster jar of expensive perfume and poured it over his head.
Mark 14:3 NLT
Meanwhile, Jesus was in Bethany at the home of Simon, a man who had previously had leprosy. While he was eating, a woman came in with a beautiful alabaster jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard. She broke open the jar and poured the perfume over his head.
Luke 7:36-38 NLT
One of the Pharisees asked Jesus to have dinner with him, so Jesus went to his home and sat down to eat. When a certain immoral woman from that city heard he was eating there, she brought a beautiful alabaster jar filled with expensive perfume. Then she knelt behind him at his feet, weeping. Her tears fell on his feet, and she wiped them off with her hair. Then she kept kissing his feet and putting perfume on them.
John 11:1-2 NLT
A man named Lazarus was sick. He lived in Bethany with his sisters, Mary and Martha. This is the Mary who later poured the expensive perfume on the Lord’s feet and wiped them with her hair. Her brother, Lazarus, was sick.
In both "The Family of Jesus" and "The Friends of Jesus", Karen insists on writing about Jesus' mother as if she's been a follower of Jesus throughout His ministry. That's not Scriptural. The Mary who is referred to as "the mother of James" isn't Jesus' mother, but the mother of the apostle James who is part of the Twelve. When the Bible refers to Jesus' mother Mary, she is called "the mother of Jesus".
Matthew 10:1-4 NLT
Jesus called his twelve disciples together and gave them authority to cast out evil spirits and to heal every kind of disease and illness. Here are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (also called Peter), then Andrew (Peter’s brother), James (son of Zebedee), John (James’s brother), Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew (the tax collector), James (son of Alphaeus), Thaddaeus, Simon (the zealot ), Judas Iscariot (who later betrayed him).
Luke 24:10-11 NLT
It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and several other women who told the apostles what had happened. But the story sounded like nonsense to the men, so they didn’t believe it.
Acts of the Apostles 1:13-14 NLT
When they arrived, they went to the upstairs room of the house where they were staying. Here are the names of those who were present: Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James (son of Alphaeus), Simon (the zealot), and Judas (son of James). They all met together and were constantly united in prayer, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, several other women, and the brothers of Jesus.
https://bible.com/bible/116/act.1.13-...
The story of Mary Magdalene is well-written. Karen actually combined all of the Gospels to create a believable chronological narrative of how she was the first to see the empty tomb and Jesus' risen body. However, in Jesus' mother's story in "The Family of Jesus", she is inexplicably depicted as the Mary to first discover resurrected Jesus.
What's right: Each story is a continuation of the last one from a different friend's perspective. They get better as we move through the stories. I received personal revelation while reading so I know that the writings are inspired by the Holy Spirit.
The discussion questions at the end are not as thought-provoking as those in the "Family of Jesus" studies, but Karen mentions that a separate study guide goes into more depth. Overall, it's an interesting read that I would only recommend to people who know the Gospels and Jesus very well. The Point of the book seems to be that Jesus is the Best Friend that we can ever have, so we can only become a good friend to Him and others by learning about friendship from Him.
June 13, 2017
This was a great inspirational story of 6 of Jesus's closest friends. This cast of character's traveled with Jesus and assisted him with his daily ministry. Learning more about his friends helped me to understand more of their experience with him. Among them there was one who questioned him, one who doubted him and one who betrayed him. In each case they have a compelling story to tell.
It makes me aware of how we also can struggle at times with our friends, those who we spend time with and know us best. This story will draw you closer to Christ and closer to the Scriptures if you let it sink in and realize how we are all different and yet down deep, all the same.
It makes me aware of how we also can struggle at times with our friends, those who we spend time with and know us best. This story will draw you closer to Christ and closer to the Scriptures if you let it sink in and realize how we are all different and yet down deep, all the same.
April 23, 2025
I enjoyed the male and female narrations every other chapter as we are introduced to six characters in the Bible that Jesus called friend. Engaging.
The fleshing out of the characters made them become alive both before and after their encounter with Jesus and not just words on a page. The humanity behind their struggles and their interaction with Jesus and others.
I'm not sure if all the Biblical quotes were necessarily correct but we get the point.
The fleshing out of the characters made them become alive both before and after their encounter with Jesus and not just words on a page. The humanity behind their struggles and their interaction with Jesus and others.
I'm not sure if all the Biblical quotes were necessarily correct but we get the point.
January 10, 2019
Great book!! I love how Karen makes the Bible characters I read so much about growing up, more relatable and personable. Made me feel like I was actually there seeing and feeling everything.
December 28, 2020
Despite a degree of literary license, this is an interest read about some of th4 followers of Jesus,
November 4, 2024
I listened to this book. I was surprised that I recognized one of the narrators-Kirby Heyborne. There are six chapters in this book, Friends of Jesus. The leper, Jarius, the woman with the issue of blood, Simon, and others. It is told in Biblical fiction.
July 10, 2015
Six very different people. Yet all had an encounter with one man who would change their lives forever. They would be the same in some aspects but vastly different because of that one encounter and in many cases a continued relationship as being friends of Jesus.
In the book, The Friends of Jesus by Karen Kingsbury, we get an up close and personal look at the very lives of six people who were forever changed in remarkable ways by those who encountered Jesus. From Simon, once a man of political power and influence, brought low and left abandoned by his family and friends when he became a leper. It was only through his faith in Jesus Christ, that would offer him a new life and a new faith. Martha, sister of Mary and Lazarus, was one of Jesus' closest friends, who would have her own faith challenged and tested when her brother dies while waiting for Jesus. She learns what the meaning of belief truly is. Jarius, a man who had one of the highest places of authority in the council of the high priests. As they are making preparations to arrest Jesus, he learns his daughter is dying. He has to make a decision to be with his daughter during her final hours, or trust and hope that the Jesus they have been debating truly has the power to heal.
Mary Magdalene, is probably one of the most notable women from the Bible, aside from Mary, Jesus' mother. Hers was a life spent looking for answers in all the wrong places for happiness until she was seized by the power of seven demons. Her life would have remained an internal prison if not for the love and compassion from Jesus to dedicate the rest of her life to serving Him. Peter, the rock on whom Jesus would ultimately build His church upon is finding redemption and meaning to his life even after following Him for three years and would deny him three different times. For John, often called the one Jesus loved, learns how the first in the kingdom of God, will be the least and learn a life of what serving Jesus will truly mean.
I received The Friends of Jesus by Karen Kingsbury compliments of Howard Books, a division of Simon and Schuster Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review, outside of a free copy of this book and the opinions are my own personal. For anyone who loves a connection between the people who encountered Jesus in the Bible, you will absolutely love how Karen, deligates a separate chapter for each of these characters and how they seem to link together in the ways Jesus worked not only in their lives from an external perspective but a lasting internal one as well. For me the biggest eye opener was the statement from Gamaliel, one of the oldest Pharisees on deciding the fate of Jesus claimed, "Leave Jesus alone! Let Him go! For if His purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from the Father, you will not be able to stop Him. You will only find yourselves fighting against God." This is evident in the life of Christianity, it has never stopped, no matter what they threaten and the message is a timeless now as it was then. Well worth 5 out of 5 stars. Discussion questions are included at the end which would make for a great personal Bible study or for book clubs.
In the book, The Friends of Jesus by Karen Kingsbury, we get an up close and personal look at the very lives of six people who were forever changed in remarkable ways by those who encountered Jesus. From Simon, once a man of political power and influence, brought low and left abandoned by his family and friends when he became a leper. It was only through his faith in Jesus Christ, that would offer him a new life and a new faith. Martha, sister of Mary and Lazarus, was one of Jesus' closest friends, who would have her own faith challenged and tested when her brother dies while waiting for Jesus. She learns what the meaning of belief truly is. Jarius, a man who had one of the highest places of authority in the council of the high priests. As they are making preparations to arrest Jesus, he learns his daughter is dying. He has to make a decision to be with his daughter during her final hours, or trust and hope that the Jesus they have been debating truly has the power to heal.
Mary Magdalene, is probably one of the most notable women from the Bible, aside from Mary, Jesus' mother. Hers was a life spent looking for answers in all the wrong places for happiness until she was seized by the power of seven demons. Her life would have remained an internal prison if not for the love and compassion from Jesus to dedicate the rest of her life to serving Him. Peter, the rock on whom Jesus would ultimately build His church upon is finding redemption and meaning to his life even after following Him for three years and would deny him three different times. For John, often called the one Jesus loved, learns how the first in the kingdom of God, will be the least and learn a life of what serving Jesus will truly mean.
I received The Friends of Jesus by Karen Kingsbury compliments of Howard Books, a division of Simon and Schuster Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review, outside of a free copy of this book and the opinions are my own personal. For anyone who loves a connection between the people who encountered Jesus in the Bible, you will absolutely love how Karen, deligates a separate chapter for each of these characters and how they seem to link together in the ways Jesus worked not only in their lives from an external perspective but a lasting internal one as well. For me the biggest eye opener was the statement from Gamaliel, one of the oldest Pharisees on deciding the fate of Jesus claimed, "Leave Jesus alone! Let Him go! For if His purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from the Father, you will not be able to stop Him. You will only find yourselves fighting against God." This is evident in the life of Christianity, it has never stopped, no matter what they threaten and the message is a timeless now as it was then. Well worth 5 out of 5 stars. Discussion questions are included at the end which would make for a great personal Bible study or for book clubs.
January 2, 2017
The Friends of Jesus is the follow up to Kingsbury’s The Family of Jesus and is book 2 in the Life-Changing Bible Study series.
The Friends of Jesus takes a deeper look into the friendships Simon the Leper, Martha, Jairus, Mary Magdalene, Peter and John had with Jesus … each person with his/her own chapter. Kingsbury uses the scriptures as a basis to tell the story of each friend in a more story like fashion … more like the fictional novels we’re used to reading from Kingsbury. There are fictional components included. However, with this book and the first book, The Family of Jesus, I felt as if I were walking along side each character. They were made more human in my eyes through Karen’s story telling. She has a way with a story and has drawn me deeper into the word and given me a greater appreciation for the Bible through these stories.
What lesson did I walk away with after reading The Friends of Jesus? Jesus loves me no matter what … no matter how much I mess up! Simon the Leper, Martha, Jairus, Mary Magdalene, Peter and John all had issues. Most were prideful and arrogant … believing they deserved more than others around them. All of us know what that feels like …wanting to be the best. Jesus loved each of his friends anyway, despite their faults … just as he loves us despite ours.
The book ends with “Questions for Individual Reflection or Group Discussion” for each chapter. If you’re not able to participate in the Bible study video series and workbook available from Lifeway with a group, I believe these questions will lead you a bit deeper into the book and the lives of these 6 people.
Should you read this book? Yes! Fans of Kingsbury will love it. New to the Bible? Grab this book! I think it will have you reaching for a Bible to learn more.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
The Friends of Jesus takes a deeper look into the friendships Simon the Leper, Martha, Jairus, Mary Magdalene, Peter and John had with Jesus … each person with his/her own chapter. Kingsbury uses the scriptures as a basis to tell the story of each friend in a more story like fashion … more like the fictional novels we’re used to reading from Kingsbury. There are fictional components included. However, with this book and the first book, The Family of Jesus, I felt as if I were walking along side each character. They were made more human in my eyes through Karen’s story telling. She has a way with a story and has drawn me deeper into the word and given me a greater appreciation for the Bible through these stories.
What lesson did I walk away with after reading The Friends of Jesus? Jesus loves me no matter what … no matter how much I mess up! Simon the Leper, Martha, Jairus, Mary Magdalene, Peter and John all had issues. Most were prideful and arrogant … believing they deserved more than others around them. All of us know what that feels like …wanting to be the best. Jesus loved each of his friends anyway, despite their faults … just as he loves us despite ours.
The book ends with “Questions for Individual Reflection or Group Discussion” for each chapter. If you’re not able to participate in the Bible study video series and workbook available from Lifeway with a group, I believe these questions will lead you a bit deeper into the book and the lives of these 6 people.
Should you read this book? Yes! Fans of Kingsbury will love it. New to the Bible? Grab this book! I think it will have you reaching for a Bible to learn more.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
June 22, 2015
The Friends of Jesus are those that walked with him during his 3 year ministry. Simon the Pharisee who saw his need for a Savior that was different from whom he thought the Messiah should be. Mary and Martha who learned to trust Jesus and put their faith in his works during their brother’s sickness, death and ultimately when Jesus raised him from the dead by calling out his name Lazarus. I have been taught that if Jesus did not call out his name, many more that who were dead would have been raised along with Lazarus. Peter who denied Christ 3 times, Christ did not deny Peter and called him to the ministry of making Christ known. Jairus another Pharisee who was full of pride and judgement of others, daughter was healed by Christ was transformed to man of humility.
Each of their stories is told in their own voice as they struggled with belief in Christ and their struggle with pride, fear, and unbelief. You will see yourself in these stories but more importantly you will see Jesus and his great love for us.
A Special Thank You to Howard Books and Netgalley for ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
Each of their stories is told in their own voice as they struggled with belief in Christ and their struggle with pride, fear, and unbelief. You will see yourself in these stories but more importantly you will see Jesus and his great love for us.
A Special Thank You to Howard Books and Netgalley for ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
July 18, 2021
I've read Karen Kingsbury's fiction in the past, but it was stories related to the Baxter family--a family of her creation. In this book, she takes 6 people who encountered Jesus (Simon the Leper, Martha, Jairus, Mary Magdalene, Simon Peter, and John the Apostle) and using scripture as a base, develops fictional stories of what might have happened around that base.
What I liked:
*there was a point to each story--a lesson learned by each person and by others who surrounded him/her.
*the people and their stories did interact with each other (a person in a later story would be familiar with things that happened in an earlier story)
*It does make you think
What I didn't like:
*With so much license taken, it's hard to know if it is scripturally sound. This isn't unique to this book for me--I've said this same thing about other fictionalizations of Biblical people's lives.
I've grown tired of the repetition of the series that involves the Baxter family and their related fictional world. This at least is something different from Kingsbury, so there is that.
What I liked:
*there was a point to each story--a lesson learned by each person and by others who surrounded him/her.
*the people and their stories did interact with each other (a person in a later story would be familiar with things that happened in an earlier story)
*It does make you think
What I didn't like:
*With so much license taken, it's hard to know if it is scripturally sound. This isn't unique to this book for me--I've said this same thing about other fictionalizations of Biblical people's lives.
I've grown tired of the repetition of the series that involves the Baxter family and their related fictional world. This at least is something different from Kingsbury, so there is that.
September 10, 2015
I've struggled with what to say about this book. First of all, I enjoyed the book immensely and will be sharing it with my bible study group this week. Second, I think if you read this book it will help you truly understand what it was like being with Jesus and what he desires for us today. Karen Kingsbury took the stories from the Bible and enhanced them with fictional details. This is not a process she took lightly. She goes into more detail at the beginning of the books but suffice it to say she embellished while remaining biblically accurate. You will see yourself in some if not all of the characters. For me it was Peter. I tend to speak first and think later. This is usually not a good trait to have, unless you are boldly declaring Jesus and not focused on the consequences. I think anyone who reads this book will be moved. Just as I said with the Family of Jesus, the Friends of Jesus would make a great witnessing tool. I look forward to other books in the series.
June 21, 2015
Thanks to the publisher and author for providing an advanced reader for an honest review.
I have never read the first book in the series, The Family of Jesus, now any other Kingsbury novel, but after reading this one I will definitely be reading more.
As with other great Christian fiction books, Kingsbury takes facts from the Bible and fills in the blanks to create an interesting narrative that flowed well. The books main point is that even some of Jesus' most loved friends and disciples were not perfect. In fact some of the most well known and famous Bible characters, Peter and John, had issues, but Jesus loved them anyway and used them for God's purposes. This series can be used as a group Bible study or alone. Group Bible study videos can be purchased at Christian stores near you or online.
I have never read the first book in the series, The Family of Jesus, now any other Kingsbury novel, but after reading this one I will definitely be reading more.
As with other great Christian fiction books, Kingsbury takes facts from the Bible and fills in the blanks to create an interesting narrative that flowed well. The books main point is that even some of Jesus' most loved friends and disciples were not perfect. In fact some of the most well known and famous Bible characters, Peter and John, had issues, but Jesus loved them anyway and used them for God's purposes. This series can be used as a group Bible study or alone. Group Bible study videos can be purchased at Christian stores near you or online.
January 18, 2016
My favorite book so far this year!
Six very different people, all brought together by one person, Jesus. I would highly recommend this book, but only if you have a strong Biblical upbringing and know the Bible and your Bible Stories well. I say this because Kingsbury took the stories from the Bible but enhanced them with fiction details, so you need to know what is true from the Bible, verses what is Kingsbury writing.
The book focuses on six of Jesus' closet and most influential friends. The chapter on Mary Magdalene and her devotion to Jesus was by far my favorite, but all the chapters were excellent.
This book took me back in time and I felt like I was there with these Biblical people, walking and learning from Jesus.
I highly recommend this book if you are a Christian and want to understand Jesus' friends better.
Six very different people, all brought together by one person, Jesus. I would highly recommend this book, but only if you have a strong Biblical upbringing and know the Bible and your Bible Stories well. I say this because Kingsbury took the stories from the Bible but enhanced them with fiction details, so you need to know what is true from the Bible, verses what is Kingsbury writing.
The book focuses on six of Jesus' closet and most influential friends. The chapter on Mary Magdalene and her devotion to Jesus was by far my favorite, but all the chapters were excellent.
This book took me back in time and I felt like I was there with these Biblical people, walking and learning from Jesus.
I highly recommend this book if you are a Christian and want to understand Jesus' friends better.
December 18, 2015
I can identify with almost all of the characters in this book and the growing of their belief as they learn to apply it to their lives. Over time they change and grow. I am also a work in progress and can point to how I am different from when I first learned about choosing God and who I am today.
Jesus leads and forgives with absolute truth (he is the walking standard of righteousness for us) and with love that saves and does not condemn. I must learn to walk that way too. In this book, we learned how Jesus was a true friend and how he called out righteousness in those he knew and touched. I know that it is a good book when I continue to contemplate what I read long after I finish and when parts of it come back to me as I read other scripture.
Jesus leads and forgives with absolute truth (he is the walking standard of righteousness for us) and with love that saves and does not condemn. I must learn to walk that way too. In this book, we learned how Jesus was a true friend and how he called out righteousness in those he knew and touched. I know that it is a good book when I continue to contemplate what I read long after I finish and when parts of it come back to me as I read other scripture.
August 8, 2015
I liked how each of the 6 stories built on each other in the timeline, but then, through memories, each person was able to 'tell' their own story and interactions with Jesus. I also liked how each story had a 'lesson in friendship' that we are able to learn from the Saviour. Books that teach in this way, pointing us towards Scripture are very important.
That said, there were a few points in the stories where I felt her interpretation of the history was a little wonky: Jairus being a ruler of the Temple instead of just ruler of a local synagogue. Perhaps it's my interpretation of the history that's wonky though. Either way, the history isn't the important part, following the teachings of Christ is! :)
That said, there were a few points in the stories where I felt her interpretation of the history was a little wonky: Jairus being a ruler of the Temple instead of just ruler of a local synagogue. Perhaps it's my interpretation of the history that's wonky though. Either way, the history isn't the important part, following the teachings of Christ is! :)
September 28, 2015
The book made the Bible feel so alive to me. Sometimes when I read the Bible I have trouble picturing in my mind what life was like for Jesus and His family and friends. I loved reading about each of the characters in this book and I connected with them in ways that I didn't think were possible. I also was reminded to help those who are less fortunate and to always share who Jesus Christ is and to let nothing stand in my way because Jesus Christ is the greatest friend anyone can have.
September 27, 2022
This was between 3 and 4 stars. I did thoroughly enjoy it (4 stars), but I have some difficulty with the genre.
I found it to be very readable, and very realistic. Some of it was familiar, of course.
I had borrowed this one from my mom (she hadn't gotten to it yet), but she will appreciate that it's in large print. I had tried to select a book that would just do for my bedtime reading when I hadn't expected to spend the night there, but I ended up being interested enough that I took it with me.
In general, I don't like books that try to guess the inner motivations of real, historical people. If people often misunderstand me in my own time, they're even more likely to misunderstand me from a distant age, and that feels too much like slander to me.
Admittedly, they're all dead (or almost all dead ; ) and those that knew the merely human characters are dead, too. But I can't help imagining how awkward it would be to run into some of them in the hereafter, and having them say, "You thought WHAT about me?!!" And then, not just wondering these things and mentioning them to a few, but broadcasting such views of them to thousands of people in the form of these books? Is there such a thing as a libel-suit in heaven?
Somehow I doubt it, but we still want to treat them, as Jesus said, as we ourselves would want to be treated, and here, I am imagining it would be with respect. I imagine she thinks she is treating them with respect, even while occasionally giving them negative motivations, scenarios, etc. I would suggest even greater respect.
I also wonder if sometimes these people's emphasis would be different than the ones she gave them, that some of these things happened, but that their thoughts were fixated on a different part of it. I'm not sure that Simon the Leper or Jarius would've thought about it in the context of friendship, but perhaps one of honor or integrity or respect. Jesus did call the disciples that did what He commanded friends, but would people of the times who had seen Him less often and more publicly think the same thing? I'm not sure they were looking for friendship exactly, even if they would have welcomed it. And Jesus, who entrusted Himself to no man, may have been cordial, compassionate, helpful, gentle, etc without exactly being a friend in the context of the times.
Karen Kingsbury also said in her intro that she "ran this by experts" to see if they agreed that this was possibly the way things happened, but she missed a few nitpicky things that were different, in her quest to say "Nothing written here will go against Scripture." The nitpicks are probably not worth mentioning, but it bothered me that no one caught them.
I appreciate the high bar that she takes in respecting scripture, and would suggest an even higher bar of not daring to add to it. She didn't suggest that her writings were adding to scripture, but readers will mingle the Biblical account with these novellas in their mind, unable to distinguish between the two after some time has passed. Some of it was much too specific to surmise from scripture. Rev.22:18 has a rather somber warning against adding to scripture, although some people take it as just a warning against adding to the book of Revelation. I would treat the Bible as a whole with that amount of reverence.
So, I thoroughly enjoyed the writing (4 stars), but would I recommend it (my other 4 star requirement)? Eh, probably not. I'd give this one a shrug and a pass. Better books exist out there to spend your time and money on. I'm not so opposed to the book that I'd worry about my mom reading it next, but it's just a shrug. I think she'll like it, or at least consider it a "medium" level of enjoyment.
I found it to be very readable, and very realistic. Some of it was familiar, of course.
I had borrowed this one from my mom (she hadn't gotten to it yet), but she will appreciate that it's in large print. I had tried to select a book that would just do for my bedtime reading when I hadn't expected to spend the night there, but I ended up being interested enough that I took it with me.
In general, I don't like books that try to guess the inner motivations of real, historical people. If people often misunderstand me in my own time, they're even more likely to misunderstand me from a distant age, and that feels too much like slander to me.
Admittedly, they're all dead (or almost all dead ; ) and those that knew the merely human characters are dead, too. But I can't help imagining how awkward it would be to run into some of them in the hereafter, and having them say, "You thought WHAT about me?!!" And then, not just wondering these things and mentioning them to a few, but broadcasting such views of them to thousands of people in the form of these books? Is there such a thing as a libel-suit in heaven?
Somehow I doubt it, but we still want to treat them, as Jesus said, as we ourselves would want to be treated, and here, I am imagining it would be with respect. I imagine she thinks she is treating them with respect, even while occasionally giving them negative motivations, scenarios, etc. I would suggest even greater respect.
I also wonder if sometimes these people's emphasis would be different than the ones she gave them, that some of these things happened, but that their thoughts were fixated on a different part of it. I'm not sure that Simon the Leper or Jarius would've thought about it in the context of friendship, but perhaps one of honor or integrity or respect. Jesus did call the disciples that did what He commanded friends, but would people of the times who had seen Him less often and more publicly think the same thing? I'm not sure they were looking for friendship exactly, even if they would have welcomed it. And Jesus, who entrusted Himself to no man, may have been cordial, compassionate, helpful, gentle, etc without exactly being a friend in the context of the times.
Karen Kingsbury also said in her intro that she "ran this by experts" to see if they agreed that this was possibly the way things happened, but she missed a few nitpicky things that were different, in her quest to say "Nothing written here will go against Scripture." The nitpicks are probably not worth mentioning, but it bothered me that no one caught them.
I appreciate the high bar that she takes in respecting scripture, and would suggest an even higher bar of not daring to add to it. She didn't suggest that her writings were adding to scripture, but readers will mingle the Biblical account with these novellas in their mind, unable to distinguish between the two after some time has passed. Some of it was much too specific to surmise from scripture. Rev.22:18 has a rather somber warning against adding to scripture, although some people take it as just a warning against adding to the book of Revelation. I would treat the Bible as a whole with that amount of reverence.
So, I thoroughly enjoyed the writing (4 stars), but would I recommend it (my other 4 star requirement)? Eh, probably not. I'd give this one a shrug and a pass. Better books exist out there to spend your time and money on. I'm not so opposed to the book that I'd worry about my mom reading it next, but it's just a shrug. I think she'll like it, or at least consider it a "medium" level of enjoyment.
January 4, 2019
As you know, I enjoy Biblical fiction and seeing how different people imagine Biblical characters and the times. This series is interesting to me because its imagining the people closest to Jesus. I didn't feel this was quite as good as the first one, The Family of Jesus, but still interesting.
We get six stories from different friends of Jesus: Simon the Leper, Martha, Jairus, Mary Magdalene, Peter, and John. I've never really thought of Simon and Jairus as "friends" of Jesus, necessarily, but they were interesting additions.
We got to see three stories before Jesus' death, three stories of healing and raising from the dead. We get one story during His crucifixion, and two stories after His death and resurrection. So we get to see all different sides of Jesus.
But although this series is about Jesus, He himself doesn't appear all that much in the stories. Some of the stories were told in flashback of what Jesus actually did for them. But also, we get to see the lasting impression Jesus had on these people's lives, and how their encounters with Him lasted long after the event.
I think Mary Magdalene's story was my favorite. But Peter and John's stories were pretty interesting, as we see that they aren't exactly the perfect people we might think the disciples as being. But all in all, this was a pretty fast read, and I enjoyed it.
I received a copy from the publisher, this did not affect my honest opinion.
This review first appears on The NerdHerd Reads
We get six stories from different friends of Jesus: Simon the Leper, Martha, Jairus, Mary Magdalene, Peter, and John. I've never really thought of Simon and Jairus as "friends" of Jesus, necessarily, but they were interesting additions.
We got to see three stories before Jesus' death, three stories of healing and raising from the dead. We get one story during His crucifixion, and two stories after His death and resurrection. So we get to see all different sides of Jesus.
But although this series is about Jesus, He himself doesn't appear all that much in the stories. Some of the stories were told in flashback of what Jesus actually did for them. But also, we get to see the lasting impression Jesus had on these people's lives, and how their encounters with Him lasted long after the event.
I think Mary Magdalene's story was my favorite. But Peter and John's stories were pretty interesting, as we see that they aren't exactly the perfect people we might think the disciples as being. But all in all, this was a pretty fast read, and I enjoyed it.
I received a copy from the publisher, this did not affect my honest opinion.
This review first appears on The NerdHerd Reads
November 20, 2018
I listened to this as an audiobook, so probably didn’t get as much out of it as I would have reading the book. The stories of these 6 people in Jesus’ life (including many of their friends, as well) are interesting. The fictionalized accounts seem true to the biblical accounts, enhanced by cultural research. As some others have said, I especially enjoyed the account of Simon the leper, as it depicts how spiritually desperate we all are, and makes you imagine how devastating leprosy (and thus, our sin) is. Listening these propels your imagination right into the daily life of Jesus, and for that, it is worthwhile. It also makes you think through the details more thoroughly when you read the Scriptural accounts.
October 7, 2024
The Friends of Jesus is an inspiring and heartfelt read that beautifully brings biblical stories to life. What I loved the most was how Karen Kingsbury stayed true to scripture, yet managed to weave together several individual stories that all tie into one overarching theme—how Jesus changed the lives of those around Him. Each story felt personal, relatable, and written in a modern language that makes the teachings accessible to today's reader. Kingsbury’s ability to make these timeless lessons feel fresh and real is truly remarkable. A must-read for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of Jesus’s impact through the eyes of those who knew Him!
February 7, 2025
3.75 stars ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
This book was good and opened my eyes to some different perspectives I’d never considered but agree with…. But… I didn’t agree with every possibility or idea. And I didn’t *always* enjoy the writing style… I think I would’ve done it differently, personally.
At some times I felt like she took a little too much creative freedom, though I liked how she described certain problems in more depth for context than other authors do (like leprosy for example, or demonic possession)
All in all, this was a good quick read but I would recommend you know the gospels well before reading this to be able to discern what’s fact and what’s fiction 💕
This book was good and opened my eyes to some different perspectives I’d never considered but agree with…. But… I didn’t agree with every possibility or idea. And I didn’t *always* enjoy the writing style… I think I would’ve done it differently, personally.
At some times I felt like she took a little too much creative freedom, though I liked how she described certain problems in more depth for context than other authors do (like leprosy for example, or demonic possession)
All in all, this was a good quick read but I would recommend you know the gospels well before reading this to be able to discern what’s fact and what’s fiction 💕
February 21, 2021
2.5 ⭐️ I liked the premise of the book, dramatizing the stories of 6 people and their relationship to Jesus. I enjoyed the first story of Simon the Leper and of Jairus. The other four just seemed to drag on so meticulously and slowly. So really, it’s Kingsbury’s wiring style I do not enjoy. She is repetitive and teases things out well past dramatic suspense. I lost track of how many times she used the word picture of dust mixing with tears/sweat...🙄 I won’t be reading anymore of her stuff anytime soon (aka probably never 🤷♀️).
February 19, 2025
This book opened my eyes as to how I want to live the rest of my life — like Jesus! I saw some character flaws in myself that made me ashamed of myself. Taking care of a spouse with dementia can become frustrating, make you angry, etc. I need to be more patient and stop thinking about what this is doing to me. This disease is radically changing the man I fell in love with and my focus needs to be on him and what he is going through. I’m thankful to God for putting me in the role of caregiver — for a second time. Guess I didn’t learn much the first time.
April 30, 2019
Because of my bad experience with the first book in this series, I delayed reading this book. However, since I’ve committed to reading all of her books this year, and I already had it checked out from the library, I gave in and started it.
I really enjoyed the first few stories. I loved the creative license she took to bring the stories to life and have more meaning. Perhaps it is because there was not much information given us about those characters in the Bible.
I really enjoyed the first few stories. I loved the creative license she took to bring the stories to life and have more meaning. Perhaps it is because there was not much information given us about those characters in the Bible.
September 15, 2019
As I continue on my spiritual path, I have a desire to learn more about the people and the stories of different faiths. I listened to this book in just a few hours while working. Ms. Kingsbury tells great stories and these made me want to learn more about the 6 "friends of Jesus." I saw my own shortcomings and habits in these people's stories and isn't that ultimately the point lesson of the lesson?
February 10, 2020
This book is a realistic, but fictional account of what might have happened to a few characters surrounding Jesus life. It interweaves what is known about a few characters in Jesus' life from the bible, and fills in what we do not know about those people, with realistic but fictional details of their lives. It was a fantastic read, and not long, about 6 hours or so. If you like the bible or the historical fiction genre, this is a book for you.
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