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Matchless: The Life and Love of Jesus - Bible Study Book
Who is Jesus? Why did He come to earth? How can I know Him?
We live in a world where there’s a lot of confusion about Jesus. Too often people want to shape Him and His message to fit their personal needs or agendas. So how can we know the truth?
Join Seamless author Angie Smith in this 8-session search for truth as she unfolds the story of our matchless Savior—His mission, miracles, and message. Through her signature wit and accessible style, Angie unpacks Scripture in a way that’s easy to understand, regardless of how long you’ve been studying the Bible (a great option for new believers!). This study will deepen your understanding of Jesus through biblical, historical, and cultural insight and help you see Him less as an iconic figure and more as an intimate friend.
Note that video access is not included with the purchase of this Bible Study book. To view the eight enriching teaching videos for this study (approximately 10–15 minutes per session), please purchase the Matchless leader kit.
We live in a world where there’s a lot of confusion about Jesus. Too often people want to shape Him and His message to fit their personal needs or agendas. So how can we know the truth?
Join Seamless author Angie Smith in this 8-session search for truth as she unfolds the story of our matchless Savior—His mission, miracles, and message. Through her signature wit and accessible style, Angie unpacks Scripture in a way that’s easy to understand, regardless of how long you’ve been studying the Bible (a great option for new believers!). This study will deepen your understanding of Jesus through biblical, historical, and cultural insight and help you see Him less as an iconic figure and more as an intimate friend.
Note that video access is not included with the purchase of this Bible Study book. To view the eight enriching teaching videos for this study (approximately 10–15 minutes per session), please purchase the Matchless leader kit.
208 pages, Paperback
Published August 3, 2020
67 people are currently reading
569 people want to read
About the author
Angie Smith
50 books57 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
This is Angie^Smith, where ^=space. (default profile)
This is Angie^Smith, where ^=space. (default profile)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
January 20, 2021
I really enjoyed Angie’s Seamless study, but this one wasn’t my favorite. It’s always nice to learn more about Jesus, but she was all over the place and I didn’t like her humor throughout.
January 21, 2021
I know a lot of people really enjoy this study, but I had a very hard time getting into it. I had to question myself almost every day if this study was meant for teens girls (I had the adult book). The language didn't flow well.
I also couldn't decide if it was meant for new Christians or older Christians. It covers A LOT of time - from Genesis to 2 Samuel then to Matthew just in the first week. Much of the early study was very topical so it might be good for a new Christian, but unless you know the Bible, you probably won't get a lot out of it so maybe it's for an older Christian.
The author also makes fun of someone called "one-star Janet" quite a bit. I also didn't like the way she dismisses some Bible verses as not being that important.
This study just wasn't for me.
I also couldn't decide if it was meant for new Christians or older Christians. It covers A LOT of time - from Genesis to 2 Samuel then to Matthew just in the first week. Much of the early study was very topical so it might be good for a new Christian, but unless you know the Bible, you probably won't get a lot out of it so maybe it's for an older Christian.
The author also makes fun of someone called "one-star Janet" quite a bit. I also didn't like the way she dismisses some Bible verses as not being that important.
This study just wasn't for me.
March 12, 2022
It’s hard for me (and the rest of our Bible study group) to believe this was written by the same author as Seamless. While Smith came across meek and sincere in her first study, this one has a much different feel. It’s needlessly belligerent (calling us readers “Janet”); it’s snarky (“Don’t bother writing me hate mail. I have an amazing assistant and I will never see it”); it’s demeaning (“Don’t worry, pet. I have all the answers”).
But most disappointing of all, it totally missed the mark on the purpose she claims to have: “You’re going to get sick of hearing me say this—I don’t need your feedback, Janet—but our goal in this study is not to memorize a bunch of facts and walk away or memorize a couple verses and get the gist of the general time line of Christ’s life….” Well, call me Janet, but this is all this study does. Filling in the blanks with facts. Reading entire pages of her own self-indulging stories when we would have much more loved some type of reflection on how this can apply to our lives.
And, please, don’t be fooled by the description on the back. Because it’s so laden with facts and has little depth in reflection or application, this book is really only suited for new believers.
But most disappointing of all, it totally missed the mark on the purpose she claims to have: “You’re going to get sick of hearing me say this—I don’t need your feedback, Janet—but our goal in this study is not to memorize a bunch of facts and walk away or memorize a couple verses and get the gist of the general time line of Christ’s life….” Well, call me Janet, but this is all this study does. Filling in the blanks with facts. Reading entire pages of her own self-indulging stories when we would have much more loved some type of reflection on how this can apply to our lives.
And, please, don’t be fooled by the description on the back. Because it’s so laden with facts and has little depth in reflection or application, this book is really only suited for new believers.
February 21, 2021
I have loved Angie Smith and it pains me to not have fully loved this Bible study. I love how she can bring the gospel full circle and she really does bring some beautiful insights to the table. Her humor throughout the book seemed very misplaced and odd to me. She likened Jesus’s marketing strategy to that of a vacuum infomercial and in the following paragraphs wrote “will you lean in with me? I want you to feel the night air and watch the messiah as he is dragged away?” There were lines like that throughout the study overwhelmed me with emotion and I think the study would have held its merit, solely focusing on the heart of the gospel. All of the “Janet” references were unnecessary to me. Otherwise, the study has some really beautiful and profound content as well.
March 2, 2021
So far so good! Excited to dive into this study.
June 17, 2024
Between this and the Seamless devotional (also by Angie Smith) I have a completely new view of the Bible and now Jesus. Even after growing up surrounded by Christian teaching and people my entire life these are what helped me learn the MOST about who he is and why he came. Of course I still have questions and always will but I’m excited to continue to learn in a way that I never have been before about all of these things! (her humor style isn’t necessarily the same as mine, but I could still easily read it, and think nothing more of it haha)
April 12, 2021
Read all of my reviews at bit.ly/PageBedtime
Matchless: The Life and Love of Jesus is the second book I've engaged with by Angie Smith. The reason I say engaged is because the book is written and organized in such a way to facilitate either a group or individual Bible study. The first book, Seamless , was compiled in similar fashion. Matchless focuses on the birth, ministry, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
In her customary way, Smith does a great job explaining and highlighting parts of the Savior's life and how Christians can apply the lessons presented to their individual lives. She backs her statements with Biblical scripture. Smith also uses humor to help make her message relatable. After completing the book, I noted that many people did not appreciate this (especially her use of the metaphorical Janet); however, I find that type of dry humor effective. I may have been able to appreciate it more because I participated in this study along with Lifeway ministries and had access to Smith's videos where her personality really show through. Whether the humor resonates with the reader or not, the message is still true and powerful.
I found this book easy to read and follow. I am glad I had access to the videos as they enhanced my learning. Similar to the Seamless book, I am sure I will use Matchless as a reference and go back to it again and again.
Recommendation: If you know Jesus or are curious about His life, this is a good book to learn (and learn more) about Him.
Until next time ... Read on!
Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.
Read all of my reviews at bit.ly/PageBedtime
Matchless: The Life and Love of Jesus is the second book I've engaged with by Angie Smith. The reason I say engaged is because the book is written and organized in such a way to facilitate either a group or individual Bible study. The first book, Seamless , was compiled in similar fashion. Matchless focuses on the birth, ministry, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
In her customary way, Smith does a great job explaining and highlighting parts of the Savior's life and how Christians can apply the lessons presented to their individual lives. She backs her statements with Biblical scripture. Smith also uses humor to help make her message relatable. After completing the book, I noted that many people did not appreciate this (especially her use of the metaphorical Janet); however, I find that type of dry humor effective. I may have been able to appreciate it more because I participated in this study along with Lifeway ministries and had access to Smith's videos where her personality really show through. Whether the humor resonates with the reader or not, the message is still true and powerful.
I found this book easy to read and follow. I am glad I had access to the videos as they enhanced my learning. Similar to the Seamless book, I am sure I will use Matchless as a reference and go back to it again and again.
Recommendation: If you know Jesus or are curious about His life, this is a good book to learn (and learn more) about Him.
Until next time ... Read on!
Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.
Read all of my reviews at bit.ly/PageBedtime
March 22, 2021
2.5 stars... I did find parts of the study helpful and was able to glean each week things I’ve never known, noticed, or appreciated before. Our study groups had great discussions over many of her prompts. I also liked that she was “accessible,” so that people of varying levels of biblical literacy could benefit from the study.
On the other hand, I found the author’s writing style hard to follow and enjoy, as she seemed to jump around a lot. She interjects a lot of humor which at times felt misplaced (and perhaps a bit irreverent?). Some of her side comments and anecdotes were confusing and needless. Some of the ladies in our group found her speculations about Jesus’ life more confusing and frustrating, rather than helping us embrace the reality of his life.
I had high hopes for the study and so was kind of disappointed. Again, I still benefited from it and appreciate the insights gained, but I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it to others.
On the other hand, I found the author’s writing style hard to follow and enjoy, as she seemed to jump around a lot. She interjects a lot of humor which at times felt misplaced (and perhaps a bit irreverent?). Some of her side comments and anecdotes were confusing and needless. Some of the ladies in our group found her speculations about Jesus’ life more confusing and frustrating, rather than helping us embrace the reality of his life.
I had high hopes for the study and so was kind of disappointed. Again, I still benefited from it and appreciate the insights gained, but I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it to others.
January 31, 2021
This book is definitely for a new believer as it covers the basics of the background and life of Jesus. For this purpose, it had good content. I would not recommend this book, however. I found the author's humor to be patronizing. You could tell she was trying to be lighthearted, but calling readers her "pet" and frequently making comments that the reader has little to no Biblical knowledge and she was the expert didn't sit well with me.
February 25, 2021
Incredible study on who Jesus is. Perfect for a beginner and also someone who has walked with Jesus forever! I highly recommend.
March 16, 2023
I’ll always be fond of this study because of the wonderful ladies and memories I’ve made studying it. Some of Angie’s comments to “Janet” were distracting. I think she tried to make it seem like you were studying with her but I tried to look past that and just to the scriptures.
December 14, 2024
For someone who has been a Christian for a long time, this is not a study for digging deep or learning new things. However, we had a few newer Christians in our group who definitely got a lot out of the study. It is written with humor and honesty, which makes it easy to read.
February 28, 2021
A great study. I highly recommend it for beginners to Bible study as well as her other study, Seamless.
September 4, 2021
I really liked it but not quite as impactful as her other study, Seamless.
April 8, 2024
Good devotional, I think I preferred seamless but still enjoyed this!
May 9, 2024
Counting towards my goal bc I did infact read this, even though it was for group Bible study and not for personal use.
March 25, 2021
“Following is not based on knowing where you are going.” -Angie Smith
I loved Seamless and was really excited for this Study. While I enjoyed it and was able to get some new things out of it, it isn’t a favorite.
My favorite part of the study was coming to realize that Jesus mourns with us even when he knows how it ends (see the story of Lazarus).
I loved Seamless and was really excited for this Study. While I enjoyed it and was able to get some new things out of it, it isn’t a favorite.
My favorite part of the study was coming to realize that Jesus mourns with us even when he knows how it ends (see the story of Lazarus).
February 23, 2021
Pretty good study. Seems to be meant for beginner Christians, which isn't bad, I just didn't learn as much as I thought I would.
November 7, 2020
Smith guides the reader through the story of Jesus to impress upon Christians the importance of not just knowing about him, but knowing him by being in relationship with him and thereby feeling the overwhelming and unconditional love of Christ.
While I did this in a group of seasoned Bible study veterans and got a ton out of this, I think this would actually be great to do in a group with new believers too. The topics covered are foundational and the homework and video segments are relatively short. Most of the lessons involve rereading key scripture passages, which would be great for someone new in their faith trying to get more comfortable with what this whole faith deal is about.
If you want a solid study on the basics of faith, this is a great choice.
While I did this in a group of seasoned Bible study veterans and got a ton out of this, I think this would actually be great to do in a group with new believers too. The topics covered are foundational and the homework and video segments are relatively short. Most of the lessons involve rereading key scripture passages, which would be great for someone new in their faith trying to get more comfortable with what this whole faith deal is about.
If you want a solid study on the basics of faith, this is a great choice.
February 26, 2021
I have heard lots of great things about this author. I was excited to do this study. I can feel kind of bad for my review though. I think this material is definitely for a new Christian, but without a lot of Bible background knowledge, several things won’t make sense. I personally got so frustrated with the comments about Janet and the “humor” that just didn’t fit right and became very distracting from the content. I also couldn’t focus on the content, because questions were asked but space was NOT given adequately to answer the questions in. I did get some new insights from the study such as the girl who was sick for 12 years and the woman who had bleed for 12 years. That might be the only thing that I actually remember. I’m always willing to try somebody new and because a few of my close friends love this author, I wish I had different thoughts. I honestly doubt I will try another study by this person. There’s gonna have to be some thing that really changes.
March 27, 2021
This book was chosen for our Women's Bible study. I had a hard time getting started in the book. Her style early on was distracting as a mature believer and it was review. However, I could see how it could be attractive to a new believer and all was important information for a new Christian to learn. As I continued studying, I found that her teaching style helped me to slow down and really look deeply as the passages of Scripture and see things in new ways. Being in discussion with other mature believers helped provide deep and new insights into the Scriptures. Often Bible studies are either so light that mature believers gain nothing or they are so heavy that they are discouraging to those young in the faith. This book accomodated both and made me hungry to be in the Word daily.
April 1, 2021
It was definitely a good read leading up to Easter. She covers the Gospel accounts as well as their connections to the Old Testament. She writes in a very personable, (usually) enjoyable way, although sometimes her tone feels a little too light in certain contexts, which rubbed me the wrong way. Her target audience is largely those newer to studying the life and ministry of Jesus (similar to her book "Seamless"). It seems one of her main goals was to highlight the humanity of Jesus and His disciples, which I enjoyed a lot (and it reminded me a lot of the series "The Chosen"). Even for those more familiar with these accounts, she found ways to make them seem new or more meaningful.
April 28, 2021
This book felt incredibly shallow. Angie’s writing attempted humor and lightheartedness, but it came across as condescending and awkward.
I also really disliked the layout of this book. It was a lot of page turning, a lot of writing summaries of scripture you’ve just read only to have it summarized by the author, and it was hard for me to remember what section I was in because the questions/week summaries seemed to be combined with other weeks.
One positive note is that this study helped me to get to know other girls in my new church. However, I would never recommend this study to anyone.
I also really disliked the layout of this book. It was a lot of page turning, a lot of writing summaries of scripture you’ve just read only to have it summarized by the author, and it was hard for me to remember what section I was in because the questions/week summaries seemed to be combined with other weeks.
One positive note is that this study helped me to get to know other girls in my new church. However, I would never recommend this study to anyone.
June 19, 2021
I found this similar to some other books and I’ll say it takes you back to the basics! Angie makes it so easy to learn who Jesus is and what He did for us! She helps you dig into Scripture to either learn who Jesus is for the first time or to learn more about Him and strengthen your relationship! I didn’t get through this study as fast as I wanted, but so glad I didn’t! I was able to go through Jesus’ death and resurrection right before Easter and what a blessing that was, Reminding myself of what Jesus did for me! He saved me!
May 12, 2021
If I could give this 10 stars I would. Angie Smith is no doubt my favorite Bible Study author simply because of her easy going style that is actually very deep and she is someone I could definitely be friends with. She’s hilarious, she’s a bit snarky, but more than anything she is able to teach new believers and “old” believers new things in every single lesson.
At first I was concerned that we wouldn’t get much from it since most in our group have been believers for years. I mean we know all the stories right? However...Our group ranges in ages from 21-75 at different times and every single lady this study has said “I never knew that” or “I never made that connection” to things that are right in scripture. This has been one of our best studies ever. I definitely disagree with those who say it’s more for beginning believers. We should always be students no matter how long we’ve known the teacher.
For those who have reviewed this study and said it wasn’t cohesive etc...I encourage you to do this with a small group or even just two other friends and get to week 3. I promise you, if you don’t go to this legalistically trying to learn bullet points you will fall more in love with Jesus and those who were around him. It made even communion more important for me.
If you aren’t a church goer or you don’t believe in Jesus, I challenge you to try her other study Seamless or even one of her books. You will not come away the same. She loves Jesus with her whole heart and it comes across beautifully ❤️
At first I was concerned that we wouldn’t get much from it since most in our group have been believers for years. I mean we know all the stories right? However...Our group ranges in ages from 21-75 at different times and every single lady this study has said “I never knew that” or “I never made that connection” to things that are right in scripture. This has been one of our best studies ever. I definitely disagree with those who say it’s more for beginning believers. We should always be students no matter how long we’ve known the teacher.
For those who have reviewed this study and said it wasn’t cohesive etc...I encourage you to do this with a small group or even just two other friends and get to week 3. I promise you, if you don’t go to this legalistically trying to learn bullet points you will fall more in love with Jesus and those who were around him. It made even communion more important for me.
If you aren’t a church goer or you don’t believe in Jesus, I challenge you to try her other study Seamless or even one of her books. You will not come away the same. She loves Jesus with her whole heart and it comes across beautifully ❤️
July 27, 2022
This was really wonderful. I'd probably give it 4.5 stars for one reason, but I'm rounding up. I'm doing more deep dives into bible studies as I attend church with more frequency, and I brought (more than) a few home from our local Christian bookstore, but this one spoke to me the most, so that's where I started. Angie Smith has a really beautiful, relatable, poetic way of writing. It also comes with videos (i can't remember if I purchased them separately) before each study week, and she's really charming. I know she has another study called Seamless, and I hope she does more. I got choked up a few times just reading her words, and I learned a ton about Jesus's story, and connections to the Old Testament. I've been attending church for years, so I was surprised that I didn't remember more of it, or see all the woven connections. Maybe now I'm just being more intentional.
The half star is I wish there were more areas for reflection ("What did you think about that?") Most of the fill in parts are about what happened, but there were so many WHOA moments for me that I would've liked to reflect on them a little more, formally (I mean, you can write down whatever you want, Janet, I just wanted a few more spaces for prompted reflection). But honestly, that's a minor complaint. It was a wonderful (and natural) place to start in my studies, and I can't wait to sift through what else I purchased and dig more deeply into scripture. But Angie Smith's study was the perfect place to start, and really did a beautiful job of getting to who Jesus was, and is.
The half star is I wish there were more areas for reflection ("What did you think about that?") Most of the fill in parts are about what happened, but there were so many WHOA moments for me that I would've liked to reflect on them a little more, formally (I mean, you can write down whatever you want, Janet, I just wanted a few more spaces for prompted reflection). But honestly, that's a minor complaint. It was a wonderful (and natural) place to start in my studies, and I can't wait to sift through what else I purchased and dig more deeply into scripture. But Angie Smith's study was the perfect place to start, and really did a beautiful job of getting to who Jesus was, and is.
July 30, 2022
I hold Angie Smith’s writing and questions close to my heart.
In 2021 I was at a scary crossroads, and my best friend not only came beside me-but brought Angie along with her.
We started with Seamless. Every week we did our Bible study over FaceTime with countless moments of me crying, gnashing my teeth, and kicking like a wild bronco. My best friend stood by me during that time and Angie helped stand in the gap.
Over a year later and here we are finishing her second study. While this one was less of a challenge and had simpler questions there was still a sweetness in learning some new things and bringing them into conversation with my friend.
We are about to move on to our third Bible study and sadly Angie will not be coming along with us (waiting on a third study from her!!), but because of her I’ve learned to let scripture breath. I hope to bring this inquisitive reading style into what we study next.
Though she won’t read this-thank you Angie. Your writing has helped bring me back to the heart and feet of our Lord.
In 2021 I was at a scary crossroads, and my best friend not only came beside me-but brought Angie along with her.
We started with Seamless. Every week we did our Bible study over FaceTime with countless moments of me crying, gnashing my teeth, and kicking like a wild bronco. My best friend stood by me during that time and Angie helped stand in the gap.
Over a year later and here we are finishing her second study. While this one was less of a challenge and had simpler questions there was still a sweetness in learning some new things and bringing them into conversation with my friend.
We are about to move on to our third Bible study and sadly Angie will not be coming along with us (waiting on a third study from her!!), but because of her I’ve learned to let scripture breath. I hope to bring this inquisitive reading style into what we study next.
Though she won’t read this-thank you Angie. Your writing has helped bring me back to the heart and feet of our Lord.
February 26, 2021
I loved this study and was sad it came to an end. I have done so many Bible studies by so many Bible study teachers and this one was a good one. I was pulled into being into the Word every day (most days I did the study without it being in the weekly format). I like studies that have you digging in the Bible for answers versus the personal reflection.
I love Angie Smith’s comedic way of writing, growing up in a household of sarcastic people, she is easy to relate to.
I have also done her “Seamless” study and I liked this one better. I will look forward to what she decides to bring out next.
I love Angie Smith’s comedic way of writing, growing up in a household of sarcastic people, she is easy to relate to.
I have also done her “Seamless” study and I liked this one better. I will look forward to what she decides to bring out next.
March 17, 2022
I really enjoyed this Bible study book! I definitely recommend watching the weekly videos as well - it makes you feel even closer to Angie. This is my first Angie Smith Bible study and I thoroughly enjoyed every bit! She has such a funny sense of humor (I laughed out loud quite a few times while doing my homework) and she reminds you that you can be yourself. She also does such a good job at giving you history and background for you to understand why Jesus did what He did.
One of my favorite studies!!
One of my favorite studies!!
June 30, 2022
I loved the Seamless Bible study, and it truly gave me an understanding of and hunger for Scripture that I had no had before. Unfortunately, this one did not live up to that one. It felt a bit rushed, with too much funny commentary and not enough actual study. Beyond that, the publisher made some really strange decisions when it came to spacing for the questions and fill-in-the-blanks that left tons of room for some questions and almost none for others. I will still highly recommend Seamless to anyone and everyone, but I was disappointed in this one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews