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He Was One of Us
The author has tried to tell the story of Jesus by letting faces and hands of the people do the talking.
132 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1974
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
October 27, 2025
Rien Poortvliet, author of many true-to-life animal books such as The Living Forest and Dogs.
I've been collecting those gorgeous books for a while and then stumbled upon this one. This is Rien's only religious book and it focuses heavily on the impact of Christ's life.
This book was a bit unusual for a religious text. I feel like most (if not all) religious books made for adults are extremely long, or very preachy, or at the very least wordy.
Instead, this book tells the story of Jesus Christ through mainly portraits of faces, drawings of hands and sparse text to convey the most important aspects of the events.
It is definitely an interesting way to read the story - it made me look closely at the images and take in more of the unwritten words - the emotions and feelings etched into their faces.
I loved the way the author showcased the humanity of Christ through the realism in the portraits and the strength of those images.
Ultimately, this was a fascinating book - one that I will not soon forget.
I've been collecting those gorgeous books for a while and then stumbled upon this one. This is Rien's only religious book and it focuses heavily on the impact of Christ's life.
This book was a bit unusual for a religious text. I feel like most (if not all) religious books made for adults are extremely long, or very preachy, or at the very least wordy.
Instead, this book tells the story of Jesus Christ through mainly portraits of faces, drawings of hands and sparse text to convey the most important aspects of the events.
It is definitely an interesting way to read the story - it made me look closely at the images and take in more of the unwritten words - the emotions and feelings etched into their faces.
I loved the way the author showcased the humanity of Christ through the realism in the portraits and the strength of those images.
Ultimately, this was a fascinating book - one that I will not soon forget.
July 9, 2012
The art was beautiful and thought-provoking. My issue was with the introduction written by the man who also put the words with each picture. While I believe that Jesus was 100% human, I also believe He was 100% God. He was God come in the flesh, come to show us what God is like and to save us and redeem us. The writer emphasizes only the humanity of Christ, even saying "Jesus is a great relief for God. At long last a man who is in his image and likeness without fail." I don't believe that God was RELIEVED that Jesus finally came along, but rather than Jesus was God in the flesh, the fulfillment of God's plan that He first promised to Adam and Eve. I would have enjoyed the book more without the intro and without the words written along with the pictures.
July 9, 2007
absolutely gorgeous artwork based on the life of Christ. some of these paintings so deeply capture the essence of the humanity involved in the gospels and of the real flesh and blood reality of what may have become a sunday school story for most of us. most of all it captures the emotion and soul i think the story holds.
most of all... i was thrilled to find paintings of Jesus that were modern and not sacchrine. i was thrilled to find art based on biblical themes that was executed by an artist of immense talent. i was thrilled to find a book of paintings of Jesus that were both moving and reverent.
try using these painting as meditation pieces. they have drawn me closer to God
most of all... i was thrilled to find paintings of Jesus that were modern and not sacchrine. i was thrilled to find art based on biblical themes that was executed by an artist of immense talent. i was thrilled to find a book of paintings of Jesus that were both moving and reverent.
try using these painting as meditation pieces. they have drawn me closer to God
June 17, 2009
A picture book with poetic description of events just before, mostly during, and just after the Saviors life. Not so much about warm fuzzies. The images take you into that world with vague dark sketches and intimate dialogue. Very intense and powerful.
August 6, 2019
Rien Poortvliet maakt zulke prachtige platen. In begeleiding van leuke jaren 70 tekstjes van Hans Bouma.
April 12, 2022
Visually stunning…I bought this book for the artwork. I felt like the words were sometimes distracting. This is a one of a kind, beautiful book, though.
December 27, 2016
Beautiful art.
Interesting view of the life of Jesus, seeing Him through His humanity and the people who surrounded Him through His life. I have a strong belief in the Divinity of Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God, the Savior and Redeemer of all mankind. Hans Bouma, who wrote the text to accompany the art, seems less sure. His introductory comments were odd to me - "Jesus is a great relief for God." - but his spin on the biblical verses did offer some different ways to think of the events and people around Jesus Christ's life.
Interesting view of the life of Jesus, seeing Him through His humanity and the people who surrounded Him through His life. I have a strong belief in the Divinity of Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God, the Savior and Redeemer of all mankind. Hans Bouma, who wrote the text to accompany the art, seems less sure. His introductory comments were odd to me - "Jesus is a great relief for God." - but his spin on the biblical verses did offer some different ways to think of the events and people around Jesus Christ's life.
June 9, 2023
My 1970s reading project last year solidified my crush on Rien Poortvliet.
He was a Dutch artist, probably best known for his illustrations of the famous Gnomes, and I feel about his work the way I feel about Trina Schart Hyman's and Maurice Sendak's.
These '70s illustrators were so sensual in their approach to art, and I frequently find myself swept up in their ability to capture the essence of their subjects.
Ever since I discovered Poortvliet's The Living Forest, I've been on a a waitlist for this book, He Was One of Us, and I did a little hop, skip and a jump when it arrived.
How refreshing, to discover a book about Jesus Christ, from 1974, that is so unadultered.
How refreshing, to discover that Rien Poortvliet must have felt the way I do, about Jesus Christ.
Rien Poortvliet's vision, as an artist, was to make a book that would be an “homage to Jesus's humanity.” He wanted his readers to experience an understanding of Jesus by focusing on the “ordinary folk” who surrounded him, the ordinary juxtaposed with the extraordinary.
We argue so much about Jesus, project so much of our own expectations or biases onto him. . . but whether Jesus's message resonates with our lives or our visions or not, how much thought have we given to what it may have felt like, to be this person?
That's how it started:
faces ajar
doors quickly shut again
closed,
tightly shut hearts
so it is always
Have you ever tried to be a newer, more different version of yourself? Stepped out into vegetarianism, worked with a new paradigm of physical healing, started at a new place of worship, began working with a radical type of therapy?
I have, many times over now, and every time I do, I notice what is around me: negativity, noise, fear, criticism, sarcasm, disbelief.
It is challenging, in this life, to step into what really interests you, explore the corners of your own reality.
bewildering, staggering, dangerous,
liberating, healing. . . a revelation, the end. . .
this changes everything!
It isn't always easy to be authentic, or to operate at a higher frequency than what has once come before you.
This book captures, so beautifully, what it is like to step into something different, something Higher, despite the terror, or the scorn.
After I read it to my 12-year-old daughter, she said to me, “Mom, remember that scene in the third Indiana Jones movie? When they're searching for the special cup (the Holy Grail) and the men see a cave, across from them, but they don't know how to get to it? There's like a big drop down, but they know there must be a way to the cave, then one of them throws sand out into the air, and it lands on a bridge that they couldn't see before. Remember, Mom?”
I couldn't believe she remembered that. Yes, that's exactly what this book is about: throwing sand on an invisible bridge before you step out in faith to cross it.
He was a Dutch artist, probably best known for his illustrations of the famous Gnomes, and I feel about his work the way I feel about Trina Schart Hyman's and Maurice Sendak's.
These '70s illustrators were so sensual in their approach to art, and I frequently find myself swept up in their ability to capture the essence of their subjects.
Ever since I discovered Poortvliet's The Living Forest, I've been on a a waitlist for this book, He Was One of Us, and I did a little hop, skip and a jump when it arrived.
How refreshing, to discover a book about Jesus Christ, from 1974, that is so unadultered.
How refreshing, to discover that Rien Poortvliet must have felt the way I do, about Jesus Christ.
Rien Poortvliet's vision, as an artist, was to make a book that would be an “homage to Jesus's humanity.” He wanted his readers to experience an understanding of Jesus by focusing on the “ordinary folk” who surrounded him, the ordinary juxtaposed with the extraordinary.
We argue so much about Jesus, project so much of our own expectations or biases onto him. . . but whether Jesus's message resonates with our lives or our visions or not, how much thought have we given to what it may have felt like, to be this person?
That's how it started:
faces ajar
doors quickly shut again
closed,
tightly shut hearts
so it is always
Have you ever tried to be a newer, more different version of yourself? Stepped out into vegetarianism, worked with a new paradigm of physical healing, started at a new place of worship, began working with a radical type of therapy?
I have, many times over now, and every time I do, I notice what is around me: negativity, noise, fear, criticism, sarcasm, disbelief.
It is challenging, in this life, to step into what really interests you, explore the corners of your own reality.
bewildering, staggering, dangerous,
liberating, healing. . . a revelation, the end. . .
this changes everything!
It isn't always easy to be authentic, or to operate at a higher frequency than what has once come before you.
This book captures, so beautifully, what it is like to step into something different, something Higher, despite the terror, or the scorn.
After I read it to my 12-year-old daughter, she said to me, “Mom, remember that scene in the third Indiana Jones movie? When they're searching for the special cup (the Holy Grail) and the men see a cave, across from them, but they don't know how to get to it? There's like a big drop down, but they know there must be a way to the cave, then one of them throws sand out into the air, and it lands on a bridge that they couldn't see before. Remember, Mom?”
I couldn't believe she remembered that. Yes, that's exactly what this book is about: throwing sand on an invisible bridge before you step out in faith to cross it.
March 29, 2026
Absolutely incredible! 🥹 I'm speechless and so grateful to have found this stunning gem at a used bookstore 🩵 my heart is full after reading it!
The breathtaking artwork is by famed Danish artist Rien Poortvlient and the words by Hans Bouma. The art and text takes us on an emotional and visual journey through the gospel. The art uses mostly hands and faces- humanities most universal displayers of emotion. The text is written in a very normal and relatable way- as racing thoughts and questions about life, moments and experiences.
A remarkable book that tells the story of Christ's time on earth but through the eyes and hearts of a humanity not yet saved. Everyday people's thoughts and feelings at the time, and those of Biblical characters, about the Son of God, recalling closely all the stories we've read in the gospel. Broken humans experiencing Christ with anger, fear, doubt, and helplessness in their hearts and minds. He faces them, endures pain for them and ultimately saves them. Saves us. A truly poignant book, helping us relate to the gospel and understand Christ's mission in a new and unique way! a mission only He could complete. All for us.
Hans writes, "He was one of us. He is the only truly human one who has "survived." But he doesn't leave us out in the cold. He is so much one of us that he is one with us. As far as he is concerned, his humanity is our humanity. He is happy only when we have taken over his way of being, so that we too as "sons and daughters of God" finally will appear as the men and women we are called to be." Let that sink in 🩵
He truly loves us and took our place, indeed. Doing what we could not. He is our example and by His spirit we can soar like Him and are forever saved and reconciled with God.
Have a blessed Holy week!
The breathtaking artwork is by famed Danish artist Rien Poortvlient and the words by Hans Bouma. The art and text takes us on an emotional and visual journey through the gospel. The art uses mostly hands and faces- humanities most universal displayers of emotion. The text is written in a very normal and relatable way- as racing thoughts and questions about life, moments and experiences.
A remarkable book that tells the story of Christ's time on earth but through the eyes and hearts of a humanity not yet saved. Everyday people's thoughts and feelings at the time, and those of Biblical characters, about the Son of God, recalling closely all the stories we've read in the gospel. Broken humans experiencing Christ with anger, fear, doubt, and helplessness in their hearts and minds. He faces them, endures pain for them and ultimately saves them. Saves us. A truly poignant book, helping us relate to the gospel and understand Christ's mission in a new and unique way! a mission only He could complete. All for us.
Hans writes, "He was one of us. He is the only truly human one who has "survived." But he doesn't leave us out in the cold. He is so much one of us that he is one with us. As far as he is concerned, his humanity is our humanity. He is happy only when we have taken over his way of being, so that we too as "sons and daughters of God" finally will appear as the men and women we are called to be." Let that sink in 🩵
He truly loves us and took our place, indeed. Doing what we could not. He is our example and by His spirit we can soar like Him and are forever saved and reconciled with God.
Have a blessed Holy week!
May 2, 2018
This book is the illustrated stories of Jesus by artist Rien Poortvliet. Compared to his other work this book is just ok. I felt like he was holding back. The pictures are mostly brown and white stretches with some color and some people, hands and faces in detail. Rien may have done this on purpose because of what he calls the "incomprehensible" nature of these stories. Perhaps he wanted to leave room for mystery?
November 20, 2018
Beautiful book.
The "story telling", as it was, was very interesting. Little poetic pieces accompanied each picture reflecting the possible reactions to, or thoughts of, Jesus Christ by the people around them. I found it fascinating and very well done. People's thoughts, perceptions, hopes, justifications, denial.
The pictures are gorgeous and fantastic, focusing on faces and hands, and tell stories of their own.
The "story telling", as it was, was very interesting. Little poetic pieces accompanied each picture reflecting the possible reactions to, or thoughts of, Jesus Christ by the people around them. I found it fascinating and very well done. People's thoughts, perceptions, hopes, justifications, denial.
The pictures are gorgeous and fantastic, focusing on faces and hands, and tell stories of their own.
April 17, 2026
Beautiful. Reading this felt like living a dream - the text alludes to the story, but doesn’t actually tell it, so the reader is continually relying on biblical knowledge. The style lends to the texture of the entire work.
I agree with another commenter - the introduction is off-base.
I agree with another commenter - the introduction is off-base.
December 6, 2008
Beautiful book. Absolutely amazing artwork depicting the life of Christ. Worth owning and looking at again and again if you are an art lover. Depicts more aspects of the story than most artwork of Christ I have seen. I just love this book. I grew up with it and bought myself a copy once I was in college to start my own "best books" collection.
December 1, 2007
Beautiful paintings, great comments leading to new insights or experiences of the life of Jesus. My wife and I often get this out and just look through it.
October 26, 2018
A masterpiece.
December 26, 2009
I received this beautiful book from my mother in-law for Christmas and it is a treasure. If you can find this in the library, pick it up and enjoy.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews