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Jesus: The Life and Ministry of God the Son--Collected Insights from A. W. Tozer

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Reflections on Christ, from a beloved spiritual writer

A. W. Tozer was a man of remarkable knowledge, an avid reader of Christian writers and philosophers from throughout the ages. But he meditated on the Bible. He was, like John Wesley, “a man of one Book and a student of many.”

Combine this with his poignant writing style and you have works like this one, high thoughts of God brought low, yet no less moving. 

Jesus: The Life and Ministry of God the Son features selections from Tozer’s writings on the God-man, Jesus Christ. It follows the chronology of Christ's earthly life and explores classic themes of Christology, helping readers better comprehend and appreciate Jesus’ person and work.

When you set out to study Christ, you want to behold His splendor the best you can. That’s why writers like A. W. Tozer are excellent guides: they love the Lord, know Him well, and yet have a way with the written word. They're able to lay the weight of glory on the human heart as few can.

Read Jesus and appreciate anew the Savior of the world and the power of the written word to glorify His name. 

176 pages, Paperback

Published March 7, 2017

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About the author

A.W. Tozer

664 books2,098 followers
Aiden Wilson Tozer was an American evangelical pastor, speaker, writer, and editor. After coming to Christ at the age of seventeen, Tozer found his way into the Christian & Missionary Alliance denomination where he served for over forty years. In 1950, he was appointed by the denomination's General Council to be the editor of "The Alliance Witness" (now "Alliance Life").

Born into poverty in western Pennsylvania in 1897, Tozer died in May 1963 a self-educated man who had taught himself what he missed in high school and college due to his home situation. Though he wrote many books, two of them, "The Pursuit of God" and "The Knowledge of the Holy" are widely considered to be classics.

A.W. Tozer and his wife, Ada Cecelia Pfautz, had seven children, six boys and one girl.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
Profile Image for Debbie.
3,629 reviews86 followers
December 7, 2019
This book is a collection of 17 sermons or essays by A. W. Tozer that are organized by periods of Jesus' life. The first essays tended to focus on the character and work of God and Jesus, and I enjoyed these. Some of the later essays got sidetracked into pointing out the errors of belief in certain Christian (or non-Christian) groups rather than focusing solely on the work of Christ. While interesting in a historical way (especially as some of these errors are still around), I didn't enjoy these as much.

The questions at the end of each chapter generally helped me to think over and process that chapter. Tozer tends to dig deep on a topic. He's not difficult to understand, though he often explained things in a way I'm not used to. I usually needed to stop and think things over as I read it so I could contemplate his full meaning. Overall, I'd recommend this interesting collection, especially to those who enjoy Tozer's writings.

I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
Profile Image for Daunavan Buyer.
404 reviews13 followers
May 8, 2023
Great Book

As usual, Tozer doesn’t disappoint. His writing is both poignant and prophetic, practical and deep, intense and grace-filled. For sure worth picking up.
Profile Image for Nathan Albright.
4,488 reviews161 followers
July 10, 2018
[Note:  This book was provided free of charge by Moody Publishers.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.]

It is perhaps little surprise that the author had enough comments about Jesus Christ and His life and purpose to make enough material to combine from several of his books into a collected volume.  Indeed, it is likely that many such authors have that kind of material [1].  The question, of course, is what one does with that material and how one discusses it.  This book is a case where the author is perhaps not the ideal person for the task he has set for himself.  To be sure, Tozer is strong-minded as far as Evangelicals go when it comes to doctrinal matters, and that is certainly the case here (even where our beliefs differ).  Yet there is something of the graciousness that one would expect in the subject that is a bit missing, and that is missing largely because the author spends so much time being tough on doctrine (and tough on people) that he does not strike one as the best example to be writing about Jesus.

This book of a bit more than 150 pages is divided into seventeen chapters, each of which ends with some reflection questions for the reader.  The author discusses Jesus as the self-existent God (1), as God's express image (2), and as the creator, sustainer, and benefactor (3).  He discusses such matters as the mystery of the incarnation (4), the center of all (6), a miracle worker (7) as well as the people's savior (8).  He speaks of Jesus Christ as the remedy (9), the offering (10), our mediator (11), and he speaks quite eloquently about the resurrection (12), the ascension (13), and the role of Jesus Christ as the high priest (14) who is ever with us (15).  To be greatly appreciated are his comments about the second coming (16) that are pretty strongly worded against amillennialism, before closing, fittingly, with a look at Jesus Christ as the head of a new creation (17).  There are definitely some aspects of Jesus' life and ministry (like Jesus as the Lord of the Sabbath) that are overlooked here, and the author seems to be a bit harsh on people like Philip as being full of calculations. It appears at times as if the author takes his own grievances out on his biblical interpretations.

There is certainly much to appreciate here for many readers.  Reading Tozer's thoughts on anything is enjoyable and insightful, regardless of what the subject may be.  Given the importance of grace, though, to Jesus' ministry, it would seem as if one would look for someone who was more gracious than Tozer to be the one writing the book.  Even so, if you happen to pick up this book looking for generally sound doctrine and some tough-minded statements about Jesus Christ and His role in salvation and in the lives of believers, you will find what you are looking for and will likely enjoy it.  The questions for this book are definitely strong as well, though it is unclear who wrote them, and some of them are well worth thinking about and for some readers perhaps well worth writing about them as blog entries or short reflection pieces.  Whether or not many readers make use of this depends on a lot of factors.  I am not sure how many people will think of Tozer's thoughts on Jesus to be something that would be their cup of tea, especially when there are so many options to choose from--I suppose the sales numbers will have to tell that tale for themselves.

[1] See, for example:

https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2018...

https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2018...

https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2017...

https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2017...
138 reviews6 followers
June 4, 2017
One of the weaker Tozer compilations I have ever read. Love the man, and many, many of his writings and sermons. This one seemed to lack his typical punch and style. Perhaps bc many are transcripts? (And I've often heard he wasn't as much of a preacher as he was a writer)

Chapter 7 was spectacular. Otherwise I could have passed almost entirely on the other chapters.

Tempted actually to give it two stars but don't have the heart to give Tozer that low a rating.

Needless to say, I would NOT recommend starting here if you're just getting into him. Try "Root of the Righteous," almost all of the ~50 articles in that are better than any one chapter in this.
Profile Image for Linda.
646 reviews19 followers
January 6, 2019
By in large I was disappointed with this book. It was not what I expected. There was little about our identification with Christ. I would have liked reading more about this.
I did appreciated the chapter on the resurrection -- that our belief is not in a man left dying on the cross but in One who arose and is alive today.
I also appreciated Tozer's criticism of teachers of the 2nd Coming who are more concerned with the details of Christ's return than they are about the preparedness of their hearers.
Tozer has good things to say. In this book they were few.

Profile Image for Cindy.
288 reviews
August 28, 2020
A compilation of writings on Jesus that gives us an intimate portrait of his life and work.
Profile Image for L.L. Martin.
Author 1 book30 followers
July 12, 2017
In case you are not aware, Moody has a recent series of books where they have grouped together writings from Tozer on various topics. There is much source material – articles, essays, books, sermon transcripts. Tozer was prolific. This book is about Jesus. I won it as a goodreads giveaway.

As with just about anything by Tozer, this book is challenging, convicting, inspiring, and informative – and ultimately Christ exalting in every way. It has 17 chapters in 162 pages, so none are too lengthy, and some as brief as 4-6 pages. While not marketed as a devotional, I think it would make an exceptional devotional, especially since so many of the devotionals out there are sadly fluffy and superficial. The end of each chapter has several questions for personal reflection and life application.

This book covers Christology very well, addressing all the core and critical aspects of Christ. Chapter titles include: The Self-Existent God, The Mystery of the Incarnation, The Center of All, The People’s Savior, The Remedy, Our Mediator, The Resurrection, The Second Coming, The Head of the New Creation.

Earlier this year, I taught a Bible study on Colossians, and if I have opportunity to teach Colossians again, the chapter entitled “The Center of All” would be exceptional for the class to read.

I recommend this book, and I’ll end with a few excerpts:

“Bible-believing Christians stand together on this [the deity of Christ]. They may have differing opinions about the mode of baptism, church polity, or the return of the Lord. But they agree on the deity of the eternal Son. Jesus Christ is of one substance with the Father – begotten, not created (Nicene Creed). In our defense of this truth we must be very careful and bold – belligerent if need be.” page 23

“All that Moses could do was to command righteousness. In contrast, only Jesus Christ produces righteousness. All that Moses could do was to forbid us to sin. In contrast, Jesus Christ came to save us from sin. Moses could not save, but Jesus Christ is both Lord and Savior.” page 33

On the Incarnation… “How is it possible that God could join the Creator to the creature? If you do not engage in deep thinking, it may not seem so amazing, but if you have given yourself to frequent thoughtful consideration, you are astonished at the bridging of the great gulf between God and not God.” page 48

“Do you see it, my friend? Resurrection is not a day of celebration – it is an obligation understood and accepted! Because Jesus Christ is alive, there is something for us to do for Him every day. We cannot just sit down, settling back in religious apathy.” page 108

This review was originally on my blog: https://lightenough.wordpress.com/201...
Profile Image for Julie D..
585 reviews21 followers
June 3, 2017
This book had me seeing Jesus in a deeper and more intimate way. Tozer always has a way of pointing out the beautiful, profound things in the Word of God so that we know who He truly is.

I love how Mr. Tozer describes Jesus and the Word of God. He points out that Jesus was there from the very beginning - before creation - with God. He was there when God created mankind and before. He helps us to understand Scripture and points out what God's Word truly says about Jesus. He is our Savior, yes, but He is so much more.

Mr. Tozer lived between 1897 and 1963, however, the problems he points out with churches and believers could have been written today. There is nothing new under the sun as far as man trying to bring God and Jesus down to our level or to interpret things improperly. I also found it interesting that Mr. Tozer was talking about how some regard the Old Testament not as important as the New Testament. I hear this even now and this is a problem that the believer needs to change. The Old Testament points to Jesus and is relevant to understanding God.

Each chapter focuses on a virtue of Jesus and brings us into the Scriptures regarding it. There are also questions at the end of each chapter to reflect on. I like these questions because they ask us what our beliefs are and helps us to correct misconceptions or back up truth.

Tozer can be a bit daunting to read at times. He's a very intelligent man and his vocabulary is great. I found myself having to re-read a few of the passages again to truly understand what he was saying. However, having said that, it's because of his clear intelligent understanding and teaching on this that helps us to know Jesus.

I learned so much from this book and highly recommend it. I give it 5 out of 5 stars.

*This book was provided to me for my honest review by Moody Publishers
Profile Image for Yibbie.
1,402 reviews54 followers
December 10, 2016
Any book, as edifying as this book, will be deeply encouraging and motivating. Tozer had such a wonderful way of teaching truth. Every chapter was relevant. Perhaps, because it wasn’t so much Tozer as the Word of God being clearly expounded that made it so very good, it was relevant.
Each chapter teaches about one aspect of Jesus. Some so large that not all the books in the World can adequately explain them, and some so personal that no tongue can explain fully what they mean to us. Some chapters left me in wondering amazement at Jesus’ wonder, power, and authority. Some chapters left me awestruck and wondering at His love, mercy, and grace.
The biggest thing that struck me was that you really aren’t left thinking about Tozer at all. You think about Jesus. The style is clear, concise, learned, but not too hard. It’s just very well done.
The editors put it together in a very pleasing and understandable order. The questions they included led to even deeper thought on each of the chapters.
There was some confusion caused by the editors using one version of the Bible and Tozer using another. That was most evident in chapter 2. It worked itself out but would have been avoided by the editors using the KJV.
Please let me encourage you to read it. I was greatly blessed by it and believe you will be too.
Thanks to NetGalley and Moody Publishers for the chance to read this ARC for free and review it.
Profile Image for Evelyn  Lilyana.
217 reviews10 followers
March 19, 2020
This is a collection of Tozer writings on the character and personhood of Jesus. He addresses the attributes of Jesus as the Son of God, the messianic prophecies that identify Him as the Messiah, the importance of His crucifixion and resurrection, and His character as part of the Godhead. These seventeen chapters each talk about an aspect of Jesus as He relates to our Christian faith.

While I enjoyed most of the book and found some great quotes to highlight, I was expecting more on the character of God. Tozer spends the first few chapters on that but gets sidetracked in the last couple of chapters where he talks mainly about the misconceptions and wrong teachings Bible teachers and pastors promote about Jesus. I don't fault Tozer on this but rather whoever compiled these essays. This is a problem I have seen in various other Tozer volume compilations. This is the reason why I'm taking away 1 star.

The content, in general, is really good. I always enjoy reading Tozer, he has a unique style of writing that leaves you to ponder and meditate long after you have finished a book. This book is especially beneficial for new believers who are hungry to learn about Jesus.

I received a copy of this book from Moody in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
Profile Image for Fiona Rajan.
39 reviews
August 14, 2024
Amazing as usual. I absolutely love that this book was complied. Knowing Jesus is the most important part of a Christian’s walk. You can know everything in the Bible and recite it like the Pharisees, but if you don’t know Jesus and who He actually is and Who He is to you and what He’s done for you and how He is the living Word of God that holds every atom in this universe together and how without Him, the whole universe, the whole of mankind and even the Bible itself will crumble, and if you don’t know why He came into this world, and why He emptied Himself of all His glory and why He taught and commanded the things He did and most importantly what He accomplished on that cross, and what He is doing now as the ascended Christ, what He has made available for us, and what His ministry means for us, oh gosh if you don’t know this, please please read this book!
You will not only learn the purpose of the promised atonement but also the purpose of you, and what Christ has done for you and will do in you when you repent and put your faith in Him.
This compilation book is an absolute treasure and a treat for your soul! Indulge away!
I think it won’t be enough to read this once. It is written in a bite size, devotional kind of way, so maybe read it once a year and meditate on what you’ve read. It is brilliant!
Profile Image for Jennifer.
1,408 reviews8 followers
August 26, 2025
I have read many Tozer books, and I think this might be my favorite one. This book contains 17 chapters containing selected writings on the person of Jesus. I loved the order of the book and how the chapters built on one another -- from creation to Jesus as the head of the New Heaven and New Earth. A couple of my noted quotes:

"It was never in the mind of God that a privileged priesthood of simple, imperfect men would attempt, following the death and triumphant resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, to repair the veil and continue their office of mediation between God and man. The letter to the Hebrews makes that fact very plain. When Jesus rose from the dead, the Levitical priesthood, which had served Israel under the old covenant, became redundant."

"The Bible makes it plain that any church that is a genuine New Testament Church is actually a communion, and not an institute. The dictionary says that a communion is a body of Christians having a common faith. Sharing and participation are other terms used in the definition of communion .... The basic question in our coming to the Lord's table is this, "Have we come together to recognize the presence of our divine Lord and Savior?"

"
Profile Image for Jeanie.
3,088 reviews1 follower
May 6, 2017
The redemptive work of Christ is the work of his birth, his death, and his resurrection to the right hand of God.

If you are a fan of Tozer, you will be encouraged by his insight in the work of Christ. Tozer does not go on rabbit trails but with clarity and focused teaching to scripture a student of Christ will benefit from Tozer's work.

Some teachers I follow do not teach or leave out the work of Christ to the nation of Israel. Tozer does not. He believes strongly in the future glory of Israel and how the Lord will and still uses the nation of Israel to bring the whole world to himself.

Tozer is also not about self-improvement, social, etc gospel but how God changes our moral situation. God suffered so we may cry out have mercy on us...that is what changes our moral situation.

Tozer writes as he writes to a friend. With warning, encouragement and the truth of the Gospel. he brings to light the work of Christ so that we may be transformed and know the deep love of God thru the Gospel.

A Special Thank You to Moody Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
Profile Image for Unathi.
115 reviews
July 19, 2023
Before starting my workday, I dedicate about 30 minutes to reading time accompanied by coffee, my journal, and my Bible. Life moves quickly, and it is easy for work to consume all my time, leaving me too exhausted by the end of the day to contemplate its meaning. However, taking the time to read a chapter a day and reflect on it has been an enriching experience for both my intellect and faith. Although I slightly disagreed with one instance I read, where the general concept of an individualistic Jesus was presented, I found that personalizing our experiences with our Lord in the community yields sweeter results for our walk with Christ.

I plan to read this book again, but at a much slower pace, as I feel there is still so much more for me to learn and ponder. For now, I am left with the beautiful illustration of the thirsty deer by the river, which serves as a wonderful image of God's presence. The deer can drink its fill, but it cannot own the river or drink it dry.

I am looking forward to revisiting this book and reviewing it with fresh eyes.
Profile Image for Kristina Aziz.
Author 4 books25 followers
June 9, 2017
As many of these books I read, you would think I just join a theology class already. On that line of thinking, if I wanted to be preached to I would go to church. If you're writing a book, you need to be aware that you are at once reaching many people and one person. I want to learn about Christianity and God, not be called 'bretheren'.

Between the preaching, there were some interesting ideas, not the least among them the meaning of 'in the beginning'.

There's a lot of hemming and hawing and "Well answer my question and I'll answer yours" but let's be fair, it's a tough subject to tackle for chapter one.

Ultimately, this book is not my cup of tea. But the cover certainly is--I'm a sucker for a god cover.


I received this book free through a Goodreads Giveaway.
Profile Image for Jessie Young.
416 reviews12 followers
July 6, 2018
This is a must read. Not only does it help us understand Jesus but it helps the reader understand themselves in relation to Christ. It presents a lot of widely held thoughts and breaks them down through use of the scripture. Read it slowly so you can digest everything there is in this book. It's excellent.
I received a digital copy of this book from netgalley and the publisher. I was in no way obligated to write a review. Receiving a copy in no way influenced my review. All thoughts are my own.
Profile Image for Ella J..
646 reviews18 followers
May 6, 2024
My rating: 4 stars

I have heard/ read so many A.W. Tozer quotes, but this is the first book by him that I've read. I am glad to say I enjoyed it!
This book convicted me and encouraged me. I loved the different topics that Tozer covered in relation the character of Jesus. His passion for Jesus and His word was so evident throughout the entire book.

I don't completely agree with every theological statement (the ones in chapter 7 in particular I'm not sure are completely sound, but even the author himself admitted that not all would agree with him). Despite that I still really did enjoy this book and would recommend it to any who want to delve into a book that studies the character of Christ!
Profile Image for Sandra.
71 reviews
October 24, 2019
Any works coming from the pen of A. W. Tozer are excellent companions to the Bible. This short work has clarified several questions I had concerning Jesus, his incarnation, his life and his second coming. This book is easy to read and understand. You will know it to be the truth once you get into it. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. I won this in a goodreads giveaway. You cannot lose.
31 reviews
March 6, 2021
My first Tozer book since “Knowledge of the Holy,” and unfortunately it felt poorly developed... composed of many partially-constructed ideas, quite a few of which, when followed to their logical conclusions and understood inferences, I disagreed with. And my lowly disagreement doesn’t warrant a low rating. It just wasn’t well-written, and on the whole, I felt that the picture of Christ presented was one that relished his humanity, almost at the expense of his deity.
Profile Image for Steve.
312 reviews
June 21, 2017
A great collection of insights by a true spiritual giant. Most chapters in the book run between 10 and 15 pages, so there its easy to digest and reflect on what Tozer is saying. Almost everything about Jesus is covered. Clearly a little dated since Tozer has been dead for over 50 years, but still worth reading
567 reviews28 followers
February 23, 2018
A series of insightful and easy to read reflections on Scripture. Tozer has a way of presenting timeless truths; the problems in his lifetime (1897-1963) continue to ring true today. These essays are a little easier to digest than some of his writings, so this would be a great introduction to this author.
2,354 reviews105 followers
May 4, 2017
This is a Goodreads win review. This is an excellent book of sermons and essays about the Ministry of Jesus. It has questions at the end of each chapter. I would like to do this book in a Bible study.
257 reviews
November 30, 2017
Not sure how to adequately give justice to the wisdom of Tozer's words. If you don't read the book, please at least read Chapter 16 on waiting for Jesus's appearing. I think the "church" in America would be far better off if more Christians were like Tozer, or willing to learn from him.
Profile Image for Norm Konzelman.
126 reviews4 followers
April 10, 2018
All of AW Tozer's writing is worth hearing/reading.
You know if you listen to audio books how critical the readers role is. The reader of this version does a good job, but it just seems missing the fire I normally sense from a book by Tozer.
Profile Image for ellie beekman.
134 reviews1 follower
February 26, 2021
only a little over my head but really good for gaining an understanding about jesus WITHOUT the pressure of many christian books to adjust behaviors. there’s a little of that but mostly it’s just acquainting you with the truth of jesus and who he is and what he’s about.
Profile Image for Heather Gmiterek.
130 reviews
April 24, 2024
I don’t know why I waited so long to read a Tozer book but it did not disappoint. Beautifully written, easy to understand and full of truth, beauty and goodness. His love and awe for God is delightfully contagious.
Profile Image for Halle.
1 review2 followers
February 16, 2019
Great book! So profound and eye opening! I love this book!
Profile Image for Mike Neglia.
68 reviews7 followers
January 6, 2020
Just a collection of sermons that someone found and hobbled together. I think at this stage all of Tozer's best stuff has already been published. The resurrection chapter was quite good though.
Profile Image for Ruth.
439 reviews6 followers
May 21, 2021
This is a collection of writings that focus on Jesus. There are a few reflection questions at the end of each writing. The book presents a stunning portrait.
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