Thousands sought Jesus during his life. Only a few followed him to Calvary. What will you do? No Greater Love is a biblical pilgrimage that reveals Christ’s amazing love for us. Best-selling author Edward Sri guides you through the last hours of Christ's life. You will walk step-by-step with Jesus from the Garden of Gethsemane to the Mount of Calvary. Every step of the way, Old Testament prophecies, messianic expectations, biblical symbolism, and historical context shed light on the mystery of Christ's suffering and death. Experience a deeper understanding and appreciation of God’s immeasurable and unconditional love as you draw closer to Jesus than you ever have before.
Dr. Edward Sri is a nationally-known speaker on Scripture and Catholicism and the author of several best-selling books. Besides teaching at the Augustine Institute, Sri is a visiting professor at Benedictine College and a contributor to the popular apologetics series, Catholic for a Reason. Sri is also a founding leader with Curtis Martin of FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students).
He also is the creator and host of a new 18-part video series on the Catholic faith for parish adult faith formation called Symbolon (Augustine Institute), and he serves the general editor of a Opening the Word: Journey through the Sunday Readings (Augustine Institute).
Dr. Sri leads pilgrimages to Rome and the Holy Land for lay people each year.
He resides with his wife Elizabeth and their six children in Littleton, Colorado.
Education STD, Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (Rome) STL, Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (Rome) MA, Franciscan University of Steubenville
I read No Greater Love in tandem with the Bible study of the same name. The book, workbook, and videos complement one another well, but I think as a standalone, the book still has a lot to offer.
The chapters aren't overly long or dry, despite including a lot of Biblical citations. In the chapters devoted to Jesus' seven last words, the books is particularly helpful in going beyond a scholarly discussion to how Christ's passion, as revealed in the Scriptures, is applicable to life.
I've read and heard the Gospel accounts of the Passion numerous times, but I was surprised at how many details I'd glossed over, never fully understanding their significance.
This was a great resource for Lent. I've never gone into Easter with so deep a knowledge and appreciation for the Paschal sacrifice.
I began to read No Greater Love for a group Bible study during Lent but for reasons I couldn't finish it with the group which made following along with the workbook redundant so I only read the application section for each topic. This was the first Catholic Christian nonfiction book I have read ever and I thoroughly enjoyed it, especially some of the reflection questions included at the end of each chapter and the footnotes of references in the Bible to read. I recommended this to anyone looking to learn more about the passion of Christ and what it means to the Christian faith though someone not familiar with Catholicism may have to research some of the terms and ideas to understand the topic better. This was also the first Edward Sri book I have read and I do appreciate his clarity and reader-friendly writing style. The writing is not pretentious and he doesn't assume much about the reader other than a basic understanding of Catholicism as I mentioned before. I am happy to say what with all of the looking up of Bible verses and working through some of the questions my prayer life and faith have been given a caffeine boost of sorts. I look forward to wherever my discovery will lead me but I can say that this book was a positive stepping stone along the way.
This is the perfect Lenten read. Dr. Edward Sri does such an amazing job of mixing the historical and scriptural truth of the Gospel with relating Christ's Passion to our daily struggles. I loved how often the Greek was translated to give a broader contextual understanding of the Passion narratives and Jesus' last words. I have never felt closer to the narrative until reading this. When I hear or read of Christ's Passion and Crucifixion, I usually feel like a bystander since Christ was the one who did the suffering, but also an active participant as it was my sins which sent Him to Calvary. But Dr. Sri assures us that Christ's mission was for us to develop an intimate relationship with God and that God's primary driving force was love not wrath.
One point which Dr. Sri repeats and I desperately needed to hear was about God's faithfulness to us. When we are feeling distanced from God, I feel that we think that our lack of faith makes God disappear entirely. The truth is that God never leaves us and that's something I need to remember more often. Also in the midst of the coronavirus, I can't help but remember his words about the "unexpected crosses" which test us more than any arbitrary thing we give up or plan for Lent ourselves.
I was fortunate enough to attend a retreat being held for catechists in my diocese which was led by Dr. Sri, and actually got this book signed by him! This was only my second favorite talk I heard that weekend - my favorite being his discussion about Mary - so I can't wait to read more of his work in the future.
Un livre essentiel qui decrypte la passion du christ. Quelle lecture ! Un livre qui vous fera aimer Jésus. Passionnant !!! J'ai pour ma part toujours été fasciné par la figure du christ, ce livre a transfiguré cette fascination en amour.
A must read...fabulously written this book reveals all the symbolisms, all the secrets behind the ultimate sacrifice of a man who still keeps influencing the world history, a man who never saw his faith, his true love to mankind changed. This book will make you love Jesus endlessly. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I read part one last year 5/5. Part two, I finished it this year 4/5. Part one simply walks with you through the holy week’s events. I specifically really liked the chapters on Peter and on the Gesthemane garden. Both changed a lot in me. And the whole book was very informative, especially part one, that’s why I liked it more. A highly recommended read.
Dr. Sri delivers an incredibly insightful read. Catholics hear gospel readings of the passion every year during Holy Week, so we’re familiar with it, but Dr. Sri takes it to another level. He really helps give context to scripture by drawing parallels with other parts of the Bible, explaining deeper translations of Greek words that are used in the narratives, and connecting Christ’s passion to things we may think about or experience today.
I’d highly recommend this to any Catholic reader, really during anytime of the year. I learned a lot of history and context from this book and I’m glad I read it.
For me, this was an absolute 5-star read. I experienced Christ's passion in a deeper, more intimate way. I understood His words and His pain more clearly than ever before. It took me a while to finish this book because I'd read a section and then take time to reflect on what I'd read. I would highly recommend this book to those searching for more during their Lenten journey.
I LOVED this book! It put the Passion in an entirely new light. Today, while praying the Way of the Cross, I experienced depth, warmth and emotion like never before. I read it while viewing the study. They can be appreciated together or separately. Well done, Dr. Sri!
Read for a young adult Lenten book study. I got a lot out of this book. Edward Sri’s clear and concise writing allowed me to not only learn but also reflect on my own understanding while reading. Something I know I am guilty of is “glossing” over familiar Bible passages, so taking the time to dive into the depths of the Passion Narrative proved enlightening. This has been an excellent reminder that the ancient Jewish audience would have gotten a lot out of things that we think are passing details because of their familiarity with the language and the Old Testament. I also enjoyed that Sri didn’t focus on the individual scenes of the Passion as just that, individual scenes. Rather he kept in mind the continuous narrative and how even in that single event things are tied together from beginning to end.
This is definitely simplified for the “average” Catholic reader, so Sri did not go as in depth as I would have liked. But I also have to recognize I’m not an “average” reader since I have a degree in Catholic Theology!
(4.5⭐️) Great read in general but especially for Lent/Holy Week. Edward Sri breaks down in great detail a lot of the scriptural (cross)references that are made throughout the Passion narratives and how they are foretold in the Old Testament. There are some questions at the end of each chapter for journaling though they were more “check your understanding” type with some reflection mixed in there. I was most impressed by the accessibility and the scriptural breakdown in this book.
Such great insights into the Passion and the meaning behind every seemingly small detail. Great digestible analysis and focus on Jesus’ fulfillment of prophecy and explanation of (OT) Scriptural references
Such a good Lenten read! Would read it another year. So many cool Biblical connections and breakdowns of phrases or things I didn’t understand as deeply as I thought.
A fine book that not only steps the reader carefully and thoughtfully through Holy Thursday and Good Friday with interesting commentary but also does not neglect the spiritual aspects of the various events highlighting them with reflection questions at the end of its fairly short chapters (22 in all).
The final section, with even shorter chapters on each of the last seven "words" of Jesus from the cross, really highlights the prophetic and spiritual aspects of Christ's suffering presenting them for our consideration today as to how to apply them to our own lives.
A companion workbook and DVD are available as well. While these can certainly round out the reader's experience, the book stands well on its own.
An excellent read, particularly to help in one's Lenten preparation for Holy Week.
One of the most insightful and hopeful reads on the Passion of Christ I have ever read. Edward Sri uses many historical examples and theological teachings to illustrate the passionate, bold, and deep love of Jesus Christ for His whole Church. He demonstrates how the love of Christ was not just a single act on the cross, but a thoroughly and thoughtfully planned out love story, told throughout history, and culminated on Calvary.
As Holy Week approaches, Catholics begin to turn their minds towards those fateful hours leading up to Jesus’ death on the Cross. In order to orient us towards the events of His passion, Dr. Edward Sri has produced a wonderful short book called No Greater Love: A Biblical Walk Through Christ's Passion. In this book, Sri provides a guided tour of Christ’s Passion. He unpacks each pivotal moment in the final hours before Jesus’ death, and shows how each event is laden with meaning and relevance to our everyday lives, which he invites us to reflect upon through some helpful reflection questions that he includes at the end of each chapter.
This book is divided into two main parts. The first part focuses on the sequence of events in the Passion narratives, beginning with the Last Supper and ending with Jesus’ death on the Cross. Such events as Jesus’ betrayal and arrest, Peter’s three-fold denial of Jesus, and the trial before Pilate are unpacked in seventeen individual chapters. Each chapter helps to situate the events in their context, explaining their background through cross-referencing with different Scripture passages, and showing the significance of every word and action that each character takes. For example, when the high priest rends his clothes, Sri points out that he is violating Leviticus, which forbids the high priest to do this. This, combined with their attempt to find false witnesses against Jesus, shows their willingness to violate the Law in order to accomplish their plans
The second part focuses on the seven last words of Jesus, with each word taking up its own chapter. Sri shows how each of these last words is connected to other parts of Scripture, especially the Psalms. Knowing these connections helps to appreciate the full impact of each word, as well as explain the apparently enigmatic nature of some of the statements. It helps to know, for example, that when Jesus says “My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?,” Jesus isn’t losing hope in God, but is invoking Psalm 22, which ends in a hopeful note about the Psalmist’s deliverance, showing that He too continues to trust that such deliverance will come at the end. Sri also shows how each one word highlights deep theological truths. For example, when the thief expresses his contrition, and Jesus says “today, you will be with Me in paradise,” we see God’s desire to forgive us and take us back to Himself, no matter how far we have fallen.
There is an infinite depth of meaning that can be discovered from reading about our Lord’s Passion, but this short book by Sri points us to some of the most important aspects of these events that we must know about. Even if one thinks that he knows the story well, one can still discover new truths just beneath the surface of the text, which he helps us to uncover. Most importantly, this will help us to reflect more deeply on the events. That way, whether we are reciting the sorrowful mysteries or participating in the Stations of the Cross, we will have a fuller understanding of what it is we are recounting, and thus have a greater appreciation for it.
Jesus said that there was no greater love than for someone to lay down their lives for their friends. Edward Sri attempts to extrapolate that theme and to show the Biblical story behind Jesus' death on the cross.
I read this book as part of my Lenten devotions, which is how it is intended to be read. The book is divided into two parts. Part 1 provides an overview of all the major incidents in the Passion narratives. Part 2 is more devotional in nature and provides reflections on the Seven Last Words of Christ. There is a difference in tone between the two parts with the first part being more informative while the second being more formative. This does not meant that both sections are exclusively those, but the major thrust for each section is different.
The book provides a great introduction to the Passion narratives for someone who has never read them before. As someone who is very familiar with them, Sri doesn't provide earth shattering exegesis, but he truly shines in making connections between the Old and the New Testament. Readers will be floored by the way he makes connections...although sometimes he stretches it (like the section on the High Priest standing).
Sri's writing is not very technical, but he does refer back to the Greek and Hebrew words. This may be daunting or distracting to someone who is not very familiar with the text.
Overall, I highly recommend this book to all Christians who seek to deepen their faith and their understanding of the Passion.
I find it interesting that in the past few years, the biblical books I have read have come from the Roman Catholic Church. Protestants who pride themselves on a thorough biblical understanding have produced some of the most shallow and frankly unbiblical books (looking at you Priscilla Shrirer and Joel Osteen). As Protestantism descends into an indvidualistic religion, the Catholic Church has taken the lead in Biblical studies.
This was the second book for my 2025 Lenten Journey that I completed. Faithfully reading one chapter each night so that I could reflect and ingest that day’s message. At the end of each chapter are 3-4 reflection questions that help you delve deeper into faith. Like Jesus, “when we have our Gethsemane moments, turn to the Lord, withdraw to a quiet place for prayer, fall on your knees and beg God to help. Trust in his care and humbly submit to whatever may be his will.”
Jesus challenges us to be more like him, persevere in suffering, pray always, surrender to God’s will and to love one another as he loved us - through his passion, death, and resurrection.
There were so many “take-away” phrases I got from the book. One of them is the Five Keys for Spiritual Battle: 1.) be watchful and pray 2.) simply speak the name of Jesus 3.) make the sign of the cross 4.) turn to your guardian angel 5.) humbly acknowledge your weakness and beg God not to let you be tempted beyond your ability
Jesus says to pick up our cross and follow him. St. Philip Neri once said, “Never try to evade the cross that God sends you, for you will only find a heavier one.”
The book also explains Jesus’ seven last phrases (words) and what they would mean to the Jewish people at that time.
I would recommend this book at any time of the year, but especially during the Lenten season.
This was a really nice book to read during Lent and, especially, during Holy Week. But there are so many meaningful insights that it can be read at any time of year.
The author guides the reader through the last hours of Christ's life. You will walk step-by-step with Jesus from the Garden of Gethsemane to the Mount of Calvary. Every step of the way, Old Testament prophecies, messianic expectations, biblical symbolism, and historical context shed light on the mystery of Christ's suffering and death.
We utilized this book in an adult Sunday School class for our Lenten journey. It was read over 40 days but could easily be read in a day or two. There is some repetition that kept making me think I had read a passage that I hadn't. I believe this would be a great study for a high school youth group due to its contemplative, but easy, questions at the end of each chapter. Also, many a synopsis about this book makes you think it is merely for Catholics...as if it's a secret not to be shared with Protestants. This is a mistake as the value of understanding Jesus is there for all who knock.
Dr Edward Sri's , No Greater Love is a beautiful, yet simple walk with our Lord through His passion and death. In vivid detail Dr Sri leads us from The Last Supper, to the Garden of Gethsemane, to His trial, passion and death on the cross. He pulls resources from the Old Testament and shows us how it is fulfilled in the New. It is a wonderful book that every Christian can read to make their faith journey stronger, especially through Lent.
In addition, in the last few chapters, Dr Sri discusses the last seven words of Christ and their significant meaning in fulfilling scripture and His completion of His Father's will.
Even though Lent is almost over, this is a book that can be read anytime of year, to enhance your faith and to come to full realization of the sacrifice of Christ. This is a book I plan to read or review every season of Lent. Once you read and encounter its message, you will too!
In March 2021 I read Archbishop Naumann’s Leaven Newspaper review of Edward Sri’s 2018 book “No Greater Love: Biblical Walk Through Christ’s Passion.” After reading the review, I purchased the book to help me with Lent reflections and to prepare for a hospice visit with a 1950’s classmate grade school friend. Sri’s book was a great way for me to reflect and prepare for the hospice visit. Sri uses parallel Old Testament/New Testament passion themes to link texts with ancient Greek-Latin word translations. These presentations help me better understand textual meanings. I especially liked his end of chapter reflection questions and his unique way of summarizing in a few words the significance of Christ’s passion. (P)
Very good book. The language is easy to read. It incorporates Biblical passages very smoothly and also uses the original Greek to go further in explaining certain passages. Dr. Sri explains what certain scenes, or the language used by the Gospel writers, would have meant to the audience or eyewitnesses. Each chapter had three questions for personal reflection on the topic of the chapter. We used these questions as spring boards in my book study group. The theology is not super deep, but the book does make very good points and aids us to look at the Biblical passion stories in a different light. I recommend it, especially for a book study group.
This is a book that certainly makes the reader ponder the events of Christ's Passion. Dr. Sri does an admirable job of demonstrating (without straining credulity) that the critical events in Christ's life, from Holy Thursday through Good Friday, were amply foretold in a number of the Psalms and Books of the great prophets of the Old Testament: Isiah, Daniel, Ezekiel, indeed as far back as Genesis. Even if you're not a believer, coming to understand how the culmination of God's plan of salvation was foretold centuries before Christ was present on Earth may just make you a believer after all.
Edward Sri does an excellent job in taking your average reader through the passion of Christ. I also read this book in conjunction with the Bible study, and even after all these years of Holy Thursdays and Good Fridays, I learned from this book. Something that really hit home for me was that Jesus was always in control. I did the last chapters during Holy Week, reflecting on the seven last words of Christ. This truly added to my Holy Week prayers and meditations. No matter what level your faith, this book will only enhance your understanding of Christ's passion. He is risen, He is risen, indeed. Alleluia.