What do you think?
Rate this book
Show Me History
Jesus: Messenger of Peace!
The life story of Jesus of Nazareth—one of the most influential figures in world history—in graphic novel format.
Messenger of Peace! tells the story of the life of Jesus of Nazareth as recounted in the Gospels. This illustrated retelling of Jesus’s journey draws from the stories found in the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, and offers young readers an opportunity to learn about the remarkable man who changed the course of the world’s history. This account of Jesus’s life will educate and entertain a new generation of readers.
Messenger of Peace! tells the story of the life of Jesus of Nazareth as recounted in the Gospels. This illustrated retelling of Jesus’s journey draws from the stories found in the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, and offers young readers an opportunity to learn about the remarkable man who changed the course of the world’s history. This account of Jesus’s life will educate and entertain a new generation of readers.
96 pages, Hardcover
Published November 10, 2020
3 people are currently reading
14 people want to read
About the author
James Buckley Jr.
297 books70 followersIn addition to his work as a professional editor, James Buckley, Jr., is also the author of many books on American sports that are geared toward young fans and budding athletes.
Buckley, who has founded a company called Shoreline Publishing Group to produce books for reluctant readers, maintains that sports are far more than simple hobbies or ways to burn off excess energy.
Buckley, who has founded a company called Shoreline Publishing Group to produce books for reluctant readers, maintains that sports are far more than simple hobbies or ways to burn off excess energy.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
December 30, 2022
Sure, I'll be the first review!
This little book does a good job of explaining the main points of Jesus' life, his message, and how Christianity began. It includes the nativity, child Jesus in the temple, baptism, temptation, Sermon on the Mount, calling disciples, miracles, parables, healing, transfiguration, Lazarus, clearing the temple, the crucifixion, and resurrection. (the ascension is mentioned but not seen.)
I like the graphic novel format--they used it well. The art is simple, but it works. We're never confused about what is happening or where the story is going. Each character has their distinct look, including the Gospel writers. Jesus is portrayed much younger than I am used to, without a full beard. Very unusual. I'm very pleased that Jesus and most of the people in the book who aren't Romans have darker skin.
A few things will be drawbacks for conservative Christians:
1. The book states that the Matthew and John who wrote the Gospels were not the Matthew and John who were Jesus' disciples. Many Christians believe they were the same people.
2. There is one spread called "The Missing Years" (between ages 12 and 33) that speculates about Jesus traveling east to get some of his ideas from Buddhism. It is clear that this is only a theory.
3. Pentecost isn't depicted in the main storyline, but it is listed under "Christian Celebrations" at the back of the book. It says, "Jesus returned one more time to give his disciples the Holy Spirit," and there is a picture of Jesus speaking to a crowd. The biblical account doesn't even mention Jesus. The Holy Spirit just shows up! (Acts 2)
My favorite bit is when Jesus speaks to Saul on the road to Damascus. He says, "Saul, why are you so angry with me? I think you should reconsider your point of view." This is very amusing to anyone who knows the full story. Jesus did much more than suggest he reconsider! (see Acts 9)
I expect Christians will be divided on this book. There are plenty of better Bible storybooks and even graphic novel retellings from Christian publishers. But if you're completely secular, or of a different faith, it's a great introduction to Jesus.
This little book does a good job of explaining the main points of Jesus' life, his message, and how Christianity began. It includes the nativity, child Jesus in the temple, baptism, temptation, Sermon on the Mount, calling disciples, miracles, parables, healing, transfiguration, Lazarus, clearing the temple, the crucifixion, and resurrection. (the ascension is mentioned but not seen.)
I like the graphic novel format--they used it well. The art is simple, but it works. We're never confused about what is happening or where the story is going. Each character has their distinct look, including the Gospel writers. Jesus is portrayed much younger than I am used to, without a full beard. Very unusual. I'm very pleased that Jesus and most of the people in the book who aren't Romans have darker skin.
A few things will be drawbacks for conservative Christians:
1. The book states that the Matthew and John who wrote the Gospels were not the Matthew and John who were Jesus' disciples. Many Christians believe they were the same people.
2. There is one spread called "The Missing Years" (between ages 12 and 33) that speculates about Jesus traveling east to get some of his ideas from Buddhism. It is clear that this is only a theory.
3. Pentecost isn't depicted in the main storyline, but it is listed under "Christian Celebrations" at the back of the book. It says, "Jesus returned one more time to give his disciples the Holy Spirit," and there is a picture of Jesus speaking to a crowd. The biblical account doesn't even mention Jesus. The Holy Spirit just shows up! (Acts 2)
My favorite bit is when Jesus speaks to Saul on the road to Damascus. He says, "Saul, why are you so angry with me? I think you should reconsider your point of view." This is very amusing to anyone who knows the full story. Jesus did much more than suggest he reconsider! (see Acts 9)
I expect Christians will be divided on this book. There are plenty of better Bible storybooks and even graphic novel retellings from Christian publishers. But if you're completely secular, or of a different faith, it's a great introduction to Jesus.
March 22, 2023
Great introduction for kids to how Jesus’ life is recorded in the four Gospels.
July 7, 2025
Great intro to Jesus as a historical figure especially for non-religious youth. It’s not overly white washed and stays factually.
April 27, 2025
This is a great book to show Jesus’s life and teachings
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews