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The Messiah Series #1
The Mortal Messiah: From Bethlehem to Calvary, Book 1
Volume One of this four volume serious of the life an ministry of Jesus Christ "Come learn of me," the Savior invites. "Learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my Spirit, and you shall have peace in me. I am Jesus Christ; I came by the will of the Father, and I do his will." These words, spoken by the Savior in ancient and modern times, provide the challenge with which Elder Bruce R. McConkie of the Council of the Twelve Apostles, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, begins this four-volume work on the mortal life and ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ. Who was Jesus of Nazareth? What was his mission? What do we know of his birth, his early life, and his ministry? Who were his disciples? What were the conditions in Palestine in the Meridian of Time, when he walked the earth and mingled with men? In his earlier work, The Promised Messiah, Elder McConkie discussed the prophecies concerning the Messiah. Now, in The Mortal Messiah, Book 1, he writes about how the prophecies were coming to pass as the Advent of the Messiah approached the conditions in Palestine and among the Jews at that the birth of the forerunner, John the Baptist, and of Jesus his childhood; his baptism and early ministry.
516 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1979
47 people are currently reading
698 people want to read
About the author
Bruce R. McConkie
123 books65 followersBruce Redd McConkie was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church).
McConkie served in the First Council of the Seventy of the LDS Church from 1946 until his calling to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in 1972, where he served until his death in 1985.
During his service as a general authority, he published several doctrinal books and articles and wrote the chapter headings of the LDS standard works.
McConkie received a Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctor from the University of Utah. He spent his childhood between Monticello, Utah; Salt Lake City; and Ann Arbor, Michigan. He married Amelia Smith (1916 - 2005), daughter of Joseph Fielding Smith.
McConkie served in the First Council of the Seventy of the LDS Church from 1946 until his calling to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in 1972, where he served until his death in 1985.
During his service as a general authority, he published several doctrinal books and articles and wrote the chapter headings of the LDS standard works.
McConkie received a Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctor from the University of Utah. He spent his childhood between Monticello, Utah; Salt Lake City; and Ann Arbor, Michigan. He married Amelia Smith (1916 - 2005), daughter of Joseph Fielding Smith.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
February 22, 2009
I enjoyed this book as a supplement to New Testament reading, adding great insights. If you like this book or Talmage's "Jesus the Christ", I would recommend Farrar's Life Of Christ by Frederic William Farrar and The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah by Alfred Edersheim, both I read for a New Testament class at BYU and loved.
December 3, 2018
This was long and I felt like I got bogged down in some spots. But there were definitely valuable things learned from it.
*After the city of Enoch was taken up into heaven, those who were exceedingly righteous between the time of Enoch and the flood were also taken up into heaven to join the city of Enoch.
*Melchizedek established the city of Salem where there was peace in the land. Jeru-Salem (Jerusalem) and Zion are probably synonymous and Jerusalem means city of peace or sacred Salem.
* He explained the different types of offerings which I'd read about as I studied the Old Testament this year but hadn't understand very well...Sacrifices were offered as a way to commune with deity, to seal man's acceptance of his covenants with God, to reaffirm the Lord's people, as a promise that they would keep these offerings and sacrifices. They were done to restore communion with God when that communion had been broken or disturbed.
**Burnt offerings represented your entire surrender to God...this could be an individual or the community. It was a sacrifice of devotion and service. They were given every morning and evening and also on specific holidays and occasions. They represented the joyousness of complete surrender.
**The sin offering was the most important of all the sacrifices. It atoned for many offenses while a trespass offering was used just for a moment for one sin or one trespass or act. Sin offerings were brought on festive occasions for the whole people but never trespass offerings. The trespass offering symbolized redemption for a single wrong doing while the sin offering symbolized redemption for the whole people. Both offerings applied only to sins done in ignorance, not those done out of a rebellious wilfulness. It only atoned if there were real repentance and was not a joyful event. It represented a necessary but terrible need to return to God after sin. A notable exception was when a red heifer that had never been yoked was used to clean any in Israel who had been made impure by the defilement of the dead. This was offered for everyone and blood was sprinkled outside the camp. It was completely burned with hyssop and with scarlet. Scarlet was the emblem of life because of its red color. Hyssop was a symbol of freedom from sin.
**A trespass offering was given for specific trespasses or sins. It was given when the person sinned ignorantly or confessed his sins freely by his own choice.
**The peace offering was the most joyous. It could also be rendered/translated as an offering of completion. This is a happy ocassion when God condescended to become a guest at the sacrificial meal.
*The day of Atonement was the day all of Israel was to look to their God for remission of sins. The most solemn of all sacrifices were made on this day. The high priest, arrayed in white, would stand in the holy place to make an offering of atonement to God. They made a 3 fold sacrifice: first a continual burnt offering, specific offerings of a heifer and sheep and goats for the high priest and for each person. And sin offerings for the high priest and people. For the sin offering, oen animal was killed with its blood sprinkled on the ground. The other was to be sent off into the wilderness to carry away all of the sins of the children of Israel with it. Before it was sent into the wilderness, the high priest made a confession over it and then used the name of Jehovah tree times...then three more times at another point in the ceremony, and then once more...making seven times.Then he spake the name Jehovah 3 more times over the scapegoat and after the name of Jehovah had been spoken 10 times, the multitude would cast their eyes ot the ground and say blessed be the name of Jehovah, the glory of his kingdom is forever and ever.
*All of this is in similitude of Christ, who is the High Priest of Good things to come. Christ entered into the eternal Holy of Holies to make a sacrifice in our behalf so that we might be forgiven on condition of repentance. A covenant is only sealed or in effect after the death of the testator.
*Passover is a symbol of being freed from bondage...the bondage of sin, of greed, of corruption, and of those who wish to enslave us through sin. It's a symbol of being passed over by destroying angel and of having power to withstand temptation. By sprinkling the blood of the Savior on teh doorpost of our heart and the lintels of our souls, we are protected from the evils of the world. We make open confessions of allegiance to Him whose blood has eternal saving power. Our homes become sanctified. Just as the Passover meal was of no avail if it wasn't eaten, so too we must feast upon the Lord's words. Our bitter herbs are confession and sincere repentance.
*True worship is a family affair. For most of the world's history the gospel was taught in families and the Church was a family organization.
*The greater the prophet, the more he is called to endure. The nobler the woman, the greater the burdens she carries.
*The number one truth of eternity is taht God is our Father. It is the beginning of all true religion. The number one truth in eternity is that Jesus Christ is the Messiah, the Redeemer through whose sacrifice eternal life and immortality were brought to pass.
*After the city of Enoch was taken up into heaven, those who were exceedingly righteous between the time of Enoch and the flood were also taken up into heaven to join the city of Enoch.
*Melchizedek established the city of Salem where there was peace in the land. Jeru-Salem (Jerusalem) and Zion are probably synonymous and Jerusalem means city of peace or sacred Salem.
* He explained the different types of offerings which I'd read about as I studied the Old Testament this year but hadn't understand very well...Sacrifices were offered as a way to commune with deity, to seal man's acceptance of his covenants with God, to reaffirm the Lord's people, as a promise that they would keep these offerings and sacrifices. They were done to restore communion with God when that communion had been broken or disturbed.
**Burnt offerings represented your entire surrender to God...this could be an individual or the community. It was a sacrifice of devotion and service. They were given every morning and evening and also on specific holidays and occasions. They represented the joyousness of complete surrender.
**The sin offering was the most important of all the sacrifices. It atoned for many offenses while a trespass offering was used just for a moment for one sin or one trespass or act. Sin offerings were brought on festive occasions for the whole people but never trespass offerings. The trespass offering symbolized redemption for a single wrong doing while the sin offering symbolized redemption for the whole people. Both offerings applied only to sins done in ignorance, not those done out of a rebellious wilfulness. It only atoned if there were real repentance and was not a joyful event. It represented a necessary but terrible need to return to God after sin. A notable exception was when a red heifer that had never been yoked was used to clean any in Israel who had been made impure by the defilement of the dead. This was offered for everyone and blood was sprinkled outside the camp. It was completely burned with hyssop and with scarlet. Scarlet was the emblem of life because of its red color. Hyssop was a symbol of freedom from sin.
**A trespass offering was given for specific trespasses or sins. It was given when the person sinned ignorantly or confessed his sins freely by his own choice.
**The peace offering was the most joyous. It could also be rendered/translated as an offering of completion. This is a happy ocassion when God condescended to become a guest at the sacrificial meal.
*The day of Atonement was the day all of Israel was to look to their God for remission of sins. The most solemn of all sacrifices were made on this day. The high priest, arrayed in white, would stand in the holy place to make an offering of atonement to God. They made a 3 fold sacrifice: first a continual burnt offering, specific offerings of a heifer and sheep and goats for the high priest and for each person. And sin offerings for the high priest and people. For the sin offering, oen animal was killed with its blood sprinkled on the ground. The other was to be sent off into the wilderness to carry away all of the sins of the children of Israel with it. Before it was sent into the wilderness, the high priest made a confession over it and then used the name of Jehovah tree times...then three more times at another point in the ceremony, and then once more...making seven times.Then he spake the name Jehovah 3 more times over the scapegoat and after the name of Jehovah had been spoken 10 times, the multitude would cast their eyes ot the ground and say blessed be the name of Jehovah, the glory of his kingdom is forever and ever.
*All of this is in similitude of Christ, who is the High Priest of Good things to come. Christ entered into the eternal Holy of Holies to make a sacrifice in our behalf so that we might be forgiven on condition of repentance. A covenant is only sealed or in effect after the death of the testator.
*Passover is a symbol of being freed from bondage...the bondage of sin, of greed, of corruption, and of those who wish to enslave us through sin. It's a symbol of being passed over by destroying angel and of having power to withstand temptation. By sprinkling the blood of the Savior on teh doorpost of our heart and the lintels of our souls, we are protected from the evils of the world. We make open confessions of allegiance to Him whose blood has eternal saving power. Our homes become sanctified. Just as the Passover meal was of no avail if it wasn't eaten, so too we must feast upon the Lord's words. Our bitter herbs are confession and sincere repentance.
*True worship is a family affair. For most of the world's history the gospel was taught in families and the Church was a family organization.
*The greater the prophet, the more he is called to endure. The nobler the woman, the greater the burdens she carries.
*The number one truth of eternity is taht God is our Father. It is the beginning of all true religion. The number one truth in eternity is that Jesus Christ is the Messiah, the Redeemer through whose sacrifice eternal life and immortality were brought to pass.
August 13, 2018
Very insightful look at the early ministry of Christ. Learned a lot about his time in Nazareth and in Judah and Samaria. I am now looking forward to the 2nd Book.
December 9, 2020
I am enjoying this book very much. I can hear Elder McConkie's voice as I read it. Very interesting and informative.
November 25, 2017
This book is the second in Elder McConkie's Messiah books, preceded by the Promised Messiah and followed by the Mortal Messiah Volume 2.
About half of this book focuses on establishing historical and cultural context for Jesus's life and ministry, addressing such topics as Jewish religious sects of the day, Jewish family life, Jewish Scripture at the time, the state of the Jewish Religion, the political climate between the Jews, Romans, and Herod, etc. This context was really helpful in gaining a better understanding of Jesus's life and mortal ministry.
The second half of the book talks about the annunciation and births of John the Baptist and Jesus, what little we know of their childhood and early years, Jesus's Baptism and temptation in the wilderness, and about the first year or so of their ministries. This part of the book was really good and very helpful because it provides an approximate chronology and condenses the various scriptures on the subject into a pretty cohesive narrative. I liked this section of the book the best, but it is all pretty good. Elder McConkie has a style that tends to use a lot of words to expound and explain things, and is very thorough. A lot of good doctrine and testimony.
About half of this book focuses on establishing historical and cultural context for Jesus's life and ministry, addressing such topics as Jewish religious sects of the day, Jewish family life, Jewish Scripture at the time, the state of the Jewish Religion, the political climate between the Jews, Romans, and Herod, etc. This context was really helpful in gaining a better understanding of Jesus's life and mortal ministry.
The second half of the book talks about the annunciation and births of John the Baptist and Jesus, what little we know of their childhood and early years, Jesus's Baptism and temptation in the wilderness, and about the first year or so of their ministries. This part of the book was really good and very helpful because it provides an approximate chronology and condenses the various scriptures on the subject into a pretty cohesive narrative. I liked this section of the book the best, but it is all pretty good. Elder McConkie has a style that tends to use a lot of words to expound and explain things, and is very thorough. A lot of good doctrine and testimony.
May 20, 2020
As I've mentioned before with this series of books, a long haul but worth every minute. If you want to get deep into the Savior's life and doings, The Messiah series is a way to do it. Way too many notes and quotes from this book to share in this small space. This particular book covers Jesus' premortal existence (in a limited degree) and then primarily covers the time period from his birth up to meeting the Samaritan woman at Jacob's Well. McConkie essentially takes a few scriptures, expounds upon them and repeats the process. Much is learned not only about Christ but also his surroundings, cultural norms of the time and backgrounds of the many supporting characters. I chose to read this book (not listen to it) as conventional reading allows me to walk at an easy pace with the author and allow time to pause, ponder and receive a confirming witness of what I'm reading. Now on to Book 2!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2021
As a child Bruce R. McConkie's voice was foreboding as he spoke over the pulpit and his voice boomed. Because I was a child, his words at times were too difficult for me to understand. It was enjoyable to read and comprehend "The Mortal Messiah" book one now as an adult. There are days I could not put it down and days I needed to ponder over what I was reading. He was truly another witness of Jesus Christ. His knowledge of scripture, doctrine, and theological studies is incredible. Beautifully written and inspiring.
June 16, 2017
I originally put this on my "to read" shelf mostly to be pretentious and look intelligent. I never thought I would really read it. But then I did and I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it. While I don't necessarily agree with all the author's inferences and conclusions, it was a nice reminder of the humanity and the divinity of the Savior. And I loved the chapters that put everything into a context that made the life of Christ make more sense.
September 1, 2025
I wanted so much to like this more. I greatly prefer Talmage’s Jesus the Christ. McConkie’s style inhibits reading for comprehension. From organization to syntax, the writing is stilted and approaches the level of obfuscation. To be sure, this is an in depth look at the Lord’s early ministry and the culture where he grew. Unfortunately, frequent tangents and opinions intersperse the valuable material.
October 20, 2021
I enjoyed the parts about Jesus’ life and teachings, I felt like most of the book talked about early Israel and much focus on their wickedness and abominations. Probably more of the teachings on Jesus Christ are in subsequent books, which I will need to read. Elder McConkie has a lot of knowledge and bears strong testimony of the Savior.
July 7, 2020
This was much easier to read than The Promised Messiah. Partially because I had been introduced to the style of writing, but also because it had much more organization and flow than the first. I really enjoyed the background it gave me for Israelite life at the time of Christ's birth.
September 27, 2019
Very deep, lots of good information. Much is his own feelings and conclusions on the subject.
April 19, 2020
I have reading this a long time. It has much depth and true doctrine in it. Wonderful
October 23, 2022
Took a long time to read because I needed to re-read so much of it to establish sequence and comprehension. Hope to read it again someday.
December 15, 2022
I read this as part of my 100 goals for 1000 days project. I read it as part of a goal to read 10 books based on the New Testament. I enjoyed it even if it was a little dry in some parts.
August 28, 2025
This was long but there are so many good things to think about pertaining to Jesus. Thank you Elder McConkie for your time and your example to all of us. I hope to meet you in the next life. ❤️
February 5, 2013
I liked this book, although the things I say below would seem to indicate otherwise. Elder McConkie was a very smart man, and his spiritual insights are, almost without exception, very good. And although I am occasionally irritated with the harsh tone Elder McConkie takes when analyzing (i.e., attacking) views that oppose his, Elder McConkie definitely explains his stance well.
But why, why, why did he rely almost exclusively on archeological and biblical research that was nearly 100 years old at the time he wrote this book? His primary source is Alfred Edersheim, a whose work was written in the 1880's. Elder McConkie also completely ignores most of the issues I find most interesting about the New Testament, even when addressing those issues would support a typical LDS view of the Bible and accepting the views taken by the vast majority of the Born-Again-Christian world actually undercuts some of Mormon theology. For example, Elder McConkie ignores the "Synoptic Problem" (relying on a convoluted chronology prepared by J. Reuben Clark, who, surprisingly, uses December 25, 4 B.C., as Jesus's birthday, which, even more surprisingly, Elder McConkie accepts). Acknowledging the conflicting details of the Gospels (and in particular, the wackiness of some of John's Gospel) would support the conclusion that our Bible, as it currently stands (even with the JST) does not represent the pure, unfiltered Word of God, and that seems to be something Elder McConkie would love to point out to those "spiritually blind" ministers in the "Great and Abominable" church.
The LDS church desperately needs an updated volume on the life of Christ that addresses the current "Historical Jesus" research from a believer's perspective. Jesus the Christ is an AMAZING book, and I've enjoyed the Mortal Messiah series so far, but it would be nice to have an "updated" volume from an LDS Bible scholar.
But why, why, why did he rely almost exclusively on archeological and biblical research that was nearly 100 years old at the time he wrote this book? His primary source is Alfred Edersheim, a whose work was written in the 1880's. Elder McConkie also completely ignores most of the issues I find most interesting about the New Testament, even when addressing those issues would support a typical LDS view of the Bible and accepting the views taken by the vast majority of the Born-Again-Christian world actually undercuts some of Mormon theology. For example, Elder McConkie ignores the "Synoptic Problem" (relying on a convoluted chronology prepared by J. Reuben Clark, who, surprisingly, uses December 25, 4 B.C., as Jesus's birthday, which, even more surprisingly, Elder McConkie accepts). Acknowledging the conflicting details of the Gospels (and in particular, the wackiness of some of John's Gospel) would support the conclusion that our Bible, as it currently stands (even with the JST) does not represent the pure, unfiltered Word of God, and that seems to be something Elder McConkie would love to point out to those "spiritually blind" ministers in the "Great and Abominable" church.
The LDS church desperately needs an updated volume on the life of Christ that addresses the current "Historical Jesus" research from a believer's perspective. Jesus the Christ is an AMAZING book, and I've enjoyed the Mortal Messiah series so far, but it would be nice to have an "updated" volume from an LDS Bible scholar.
February 12, 2013
I have had this book on my nightstand for months and months, just reading a chapter every now and again. I started to read it hoping for some new insights, previously overlooked historical details or just testimonial writing that would really move me. I think the reason it took me so long to finish the book is that I did not find what I was looking for in McConkie's MORTAL MESSIAH. I so vividly remember Elder McConkie's testimony of Christ that he gave at one of the last General Conference sessions that he attended. It was the kind of testimony that gave his listeners "goosebumps." I am sure that the Spirit reached everyone who heard him. I was hoping for that same feeling as I read this book. it did not happen. I hope it was not my fault. I felt that his writing was certainly not as powerful as his spoken testimony. Much of what he wrote in the book was redundant.
July 3, 2012
Having also read the "pre" and "post" Messiah books, it is my opinion that this group, the "mortal Messiah" volumes are the best and most valuable of the Bruce R McConkie's Messiah series of books. There is not as much speculation in these books and they chronicle the life of the Savior very well.
Side note: one thing that McConkie supports is that the Savior was born in December, which I think is a bit odd - but it doesn't detract from the work, as a whole.
There is a lot of repetition in the Messiah books. But taken into consideration when they were written, it helps to understand how that could happen.
Side note: one thing that McConkie supports is that the Savior was born in December, which I think is a bit odd - but it doesn't detract from the work, as a whole.
There is a lot of repetition in the Messiah books. But taken into consideration when they were written, it helps to understand how that could happen.
February 11, 2017
I think that this is the first McConkie book that I have read. His style of writing takes some getting use to. He is very authoritative and doesn't hesitate to use ten words when two would do. That being said a couple of messages are very clear, Jesus Christ is the literal son of God and was not just a man with good teachings. Secondly, Jesus's coming was predicted and anticipated and he should have been recognized by the jewish scholars and leaders of the time. The writing can get bogged down in the detail of every jewish festival and sacrifice but that was helpful to know the customs and culture of the times.
January 31, 2012
Fascinating book. McConkie provides a very in depth look at the mortal life of Jesus Christ. I truly enjoyed that he noted that this is his book and his alone. There are several books out there that cover the life of Christ and in fact talks of one of my favorite book which is "Jesus the Christ" by Talmage.
This first book in the series discusses the everyday life of the people in Jerusalem and most likely what it was like for Christ to grow up and experience.
I am excited to begin reading the next book in the series to see what part of Christ's life is next to study.
This first book in the series discusses the everyday life of the people in Jerusalem and most likely what it was like for Christ to grow up and experience.
I am excited to begin reading the next book in the series to see what part of Christ's life is next to study.
January 2, 2013
Great as a reference book for Mormons, but tough to read all the way through. This book was written to provide a more current treatment of the Articles of Faith of the Mormon Church than that by James E. Talmage in Jesus the Christ.
April 4, 2011
A great book!! An indepth look at the time of Christ's mortal life. This firt volume is very detailed in describing the everyday life of the people in Jerusalem. Written and explained as only a master can. I love the writings of Bruce R. McConkie. I am looking forward to the other 3 volumes.
March 9, 2012
This is a great book for understanding the life, and divinity of Jesus Christ. I learned a lot about what it was like in Jesus' day such as every day life, the politics, the Jewish leadership and customs, and the settings and circumstances of Jesus teachings, and miracles. It was especially wonderful to finish it in the holy land. I highly recommend it!
September 27, 2008
A very thorough and sometimes repetitious book about the saviors life. A wonderful reference for teaching the New Testament. Written very much in the McConkie Style. Very well thought through with lots of "Aha" reactions. The entire series was very much enjoyed.(4 volumes)
August 5, 2012
This book was packed with an amazing amount of info about life in Christ's time. I enjoyed the part of his life he most but here was so much background info that was given it was a long time waiting for that part. It was very interesting but definitely not an easy read.
September 24, 2015
This is an excellent read. McConkey gives detailed and accurate information about the life of Jesus and His contemporaries. He also gives doctrinal insight that would be absent if the book had not been written by an apostle.
February 22, 2011
I've always wanted to read this series. I finally read the first one and I learned a lot.
December 1, 2011
The language of this book is so flowery that the message gets lost in it.
February 25, 2014
Wonderful book about the Savior.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews