The Jesus Story

by Bill Perkins, Johnston M. Cheney, Stanley Ellisen

The Jesus Story is a seamless narrative woven from the different perspectives of the four Gospel writers–Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. The Gospels were placed one after another in the part of the Bible called The New Testament. The first three are referred to as the Synoptic Gospels because they describe events from a similar point of view, as contrasted with that of John. Each Gospel was written to a particular audience to portray a unique aspect of Jesus’ life and teaching. When these four reports are combined into a complete flowing narrative, we have the chronological order of every known fact of Jesus’ life. By omitting duplication, the four books fit together perfectly. The result is not a literary curiosity but a more convincing and readable story than any of the four Gospels alone.

This masterpiece, which took 23 years to complete, is true to the original Greek and yet easy to read. As for organization, the story is divided into seven sections—Jesus’s preparation, each of the four years of his ministry, his final week, and his death, resurrection, and ascension. Between these sections the story flows without the distraction of chapter and verse references, subject headings, footnotes, cross-references and commentary. You’ll be able to read the story of Jesus as you would a novel.

313 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 2008

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.

As a writer I try to look under the rock to see what's hidden. Once I see something I have fun writing about it. I especially enjoy discovering how each puzzle peace fits into the picture. I'm a tenacious editor. I suspect I've edited almost every page of every book I've written thirty times . . . or more. I only wish I had more time to make each line better. I love wrapping sentences with God's grace.

Reviews

[Liam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this presentation of the gospels! The experience of reading all of the gospels blended together and interwoven into one story was delightful! The experience was so much richer than simply reading a gospel harmony. And I’m sure my delight in this work was greatly heightened by the beautiful and simple design of the book. Chapter and verse numbers have been completely removed, and the story of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection given in the four gospels can be enjoyed as one seamless narrative. I truly felt like I was reading a novel! I also saw so much that I had not seen before that I found myself having to check if things I read were actually from the gospel accounts (they were!). What a fantastic read!

I’ll be working this one into my Bible reading plan loosely as a sort of fifth gospel from here forward!

Also, you can’t find this book on Amazon as far as I know. The book was first sold on Kickstarter, but now has a website where you can purchase it: http://www.readthejesusstory.com

[Teresa Coelho · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're looking for a clearer understanding of Jesus' life, a narrative that hits the bullseye dead on. This book does a great job. Honestly, I was skeptical when handed this book. But it's a simple blending of all Four books of the Gospel that will inspire your heart to go deeper into the story of God's Good News. Not only is it a beautiful read, but I also use it as a devotion during Holy week and the Christmas story.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish this book was more readily accessible!!! Reading the Gospels in chronological order has opened my eyes to an even deeper understanding of Jesus’ ministry. So many treasures revealed by the grace of the Holy Spirit (and my Bible Study group). I highly recommend finding a copy of this book!

[Daniel Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can’t go wrong with the greatest story ever told! This “blending” of the four Gospels was especially cool to read as just a few months ago I read through the Gospels chronologically. It was cool to see the Scriptures of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John puzzled together as one story.

[Berta · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent blending of the gospels! What more can be said about God’s Word? Essential for the soul. Reading the Gospels blended into a seamless story is a wonderful way to immerse oneself into the life of Christ. This version has interwoven the Gospels in such a way as to include every word without adding more. I would highly recommend this to all!