A Month of Sundays: Thirty-One Days of Wrestling with Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John

by Eugene H. Peterson

Eugene Peterson was quite concerned about the language we use between Sundays. He strived for a continuity of language between the words we use in Bible studies and the words we use when we are out hiking, at work, or eating dinner with family. He illustrated this passion in his writings and weekly sermons. A Month of Sundays is a devotional collection featuring excerpts of Eugene's Sunday sermons arranged into thoughtful readings for every day of the month, drawn from the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

The four gospels give us snapshots of the earthly life and ministry of Jesus. Dig deep into Eugene Peterson's thoughts regarding select passages, and discover clarity, insight, and wisdom in his distinctive style of earthy spirituality.

Genres: Christian, Devotional, Spirituality, Nonfiction

208 pages, ebook

Published November 5, 2019

About the author

Eugene H. Peterson was a pastor, scholar, author, and poet. For many years he was James M. Houston Professor of Spiritual Theology at Regent College in Vancouver, British Columbia. He also served as founding pastor of Christ Our King Presbyterian Church in Bel Air, Maryland. He had written over thirty books, including Gold Medallion Book Award winner The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language a contemporary translation of the Bible. After retiring from full-time teaching, Eugene and his wife Jan lived in the Big Sky Country of rural Montana. He died in October 2018.

Reviews

[Ije the Devourer of Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

2022 Still a very enlightening and comforting book.


2019 Review

Eugene Peterson was an excellent teacher and pastor. He was an incredibly gifted man because he could teach the scripture and teach in such a way that the gospel connected emotionally with people.

He had an amazing impact on my Christian growth and development and a deep influence on so many of my Christian friends and leaders. Most of all I am grateful for the way his writing has enriched my own preaching, helping me bring the Gospel to life in everyday life. I think that Eugene Peterson through the grace of God has planted seeds in the lives of people. As someone whose faith has been influenced by his work I am truly grateful for all he has written and for this book.

This is a beautiful book. "A Month of Sundays" is a devotional collection featuring excerpts of Eugene's Sunday sermons. The sermons are drawn from each gospel and there are 31 sermons, one for each day of the month.

His sermons are uplifting, enlightening and empowering. They are also educational. Each sermon connected with me and although I was given an advanced electronic copy, I ordered the paperback before I finished reading the e-copy. I needed to have a copy that I could easily flick through and mark and refer to for my studies and indeed for my own preaching.

But this isn't just a book for those of us in ministry. This set of beautiful sermons is for everyone. There is something here for everyone as long as you have ears to hear.

I will miss Eugene Peterson and his teaching but he has left behind the treasures of practical wisdom, grace and a life well lived. Through his writing and through this book he has left behind gifts for everyone.

Copy provided by publishers via Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.

[Curtis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love him or hate him, Eugene Peterson typically evokes one of those two sentiments out of people. His Message Bible has been debated as to if since he knew Greek and Hebrew that it was a translation. We accept the Phillips translation but not the Message?

Regardless Peterson has a way of bringing heaven to earth. He has a way of restating the difficult into a simple and understandable, dare I even say relatable, narrative. This book A Month of Sunday’s is exactly that. Taking a collection of 31 of his sermons from the Gospels this book follows through the Gospels and points us to Jesus and at the same time teaches us more about ourselves and others.

I sat down to read a couple of these and read almost half of the 31 readings in a few hours. Only on one day did it seem like you were reading a sermon that was being addressed to a specific church. These were written and given in such a way that anyone can read them. There is not a Calvinist or Arminian bent to any of these. Simply Jesus, his life, his miracles, and his call to our lives. This would make a great 31-day challenge for a Life Group, Sunday School group, or even an entire church congregation.

Thank you to Waterbrook Multnomah publishing for the free e-book in exchange for my honest review.

[Allen Crum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Food for the soul

Reading Peterson’s words make me so wish I could have herd him preach in person. They provide nourishment for anyone seeking to fill their soul.

[Paul Silles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good. Doesn’t lend itself too well to a daily devotional reading experience IMO, but it is a great series of reflections on the gospels. You can read a couple of chapters in one sitting and get more out of it, as the daily portions are not self-contained but somehow linked into groups. This is probably because each chapter is distilled from a sermon in a sermon series.
All in all, Eugene Peterson rarely disappoints, and he doesn’t here.

[Anne White · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I didn't agree with everything in the book, this was a good shared devotional during Lent.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars, rounded up
Unlike Peterson’s the Message, the language is not as vibrant in A Month of Sundays. Each day has a short reflection based on verses in the four gospels. As I read more, I found that I was highlighting passages more, meaning that they were significant to me or encouraging.

As a walker/ pilgrim, here is a passage I really liked: “Following Jesus is a physical act… We go someplace with Jesus. We travel. We walk.” Walking isn’t just a means of getting somewhere or cheap transportation. “It is a a particular form of being in which body and mind and will are harmoniously joined. There is a sense of coordinated wholeness in walking.” Lovely synthesis.

Day 21’s devotion reminds us that “God loves the world. What a contrast to what I do. I am alternately fearful of the world, and then I am angry with it. God steadily loves the world” even when we, as the crown of creation mess it up.

At first I wanted to get through the book, to review, but at the end, I found myself wishing it was longer, hoping for a little more of Peterson’s wisdom and insights in faith matters.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an ARC of this inspiring book in exchange for an honest review.

[Michelle Kidwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Month of Sundays

Thirty-One Days of Wrestling with Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John

by Eugene H. Peterson

WaterBrook & Multnomah

WaterBrook

Christian , Religion & Spirituality

Pub Date 05 Nov 2019

I am reviewing a copy of A Month of Sundays: Thirty-One Days of Wrestling with Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John through WaterBrook & Multnomah and Netgalley:

Eugene Peterson was Concerned not only about the way we spoke and what we said, as well as how we lived not only on Sundays but in our everyday life as well from what we say when we are at work or having dinner with our family. This book, A Month Of Sunday’s is a devotional collection including excerpts from Peterson’s thoughtful sermons arranged in a thoughtful order for a months worth of devotional readings, and are drawn from the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

This book allows us to dig deep into Eugene Peterson’s thoughts regarding the selected passages of the four gospels in an easy to understand clear way.

I give A Month Of Sundays five out of five stars!

Happy Reading!

[Jason Muckley · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A Month of Sundays" by Eugene H. Peterson is a month-long devotional from sermons he preached through the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. The devotionals are inspiring and have a question to respond to and ponder after each day's reading.

The devotional starts in Matthew and moves along through the themes in each gospel to John. The topics are a study of who Jesus is, what He said, and his actions, which led people back to the Father.

There is real depth here for both new believers just learning about Jesus, and for those who have studied Jesus for decades. Peterson's unique perspective gives readers new insight into ideas about Jesus that will help the Christian grow in their faith.

I received this eBook free of charge from WaterBrook & Multnomah via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. I did not receive any fiscal compensation from either company for this review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.

[Ian · Rating 4 out of 5]

31 days, 31 different short messages based on the 4 Gospels. The Gospels are all about Jesus and He is the subject of these messages. Each Gospel is given a week and each message is typically Peterson in the way he interprets the Word in such a uniquely special way.

But each message brings us back to Jesus but challenges us to respond in some way to His message. This is what great preaching is about: challenging the listener/reader to respond to the words of Jesus. I only wish I could have listened to the complete sermon as I presume the brevity of Peterson's words in this book reflects only a portion of the actual sermon.

If you appreciate Peterson's words and perspectives you'll enjoy this short book.

I received a complimentary e-book from Waterbrook via NetGalley with no expectation of a favourable review.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a lovely collection of sermons from the gospels by Eugene Peterson. The presentation becomes a short devotional book. Peterson challenges readers to avoid common Christian terms and use words closer to the original text and easier to understand for both those within the church and those without that foundation. He writes with a beautiful command of the language and insight for practical application. This is a genuinely inspiring, thought-provoking book for further reflection. The only negative is that you will want to read more from the author.

I received a copy of the book without obligation. This review is my opinion.

[Kirsten · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Month of Sundays- a Sunday Sermon for every day of the month, inspired from the
four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John.
31 days to read and reflect it on your personal, spiritual side for renewal.
Help you to rehabilitate your soul.

Each sermon is both inspirational and though-provoking!
I would read then reread to reflect on my spirit.

As I was baptized 3 weeks ago,
my baptism was a good start, this book is a good start in my redemptive plan.

I highly recommend this book!

[Ivy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book! Although it’s Meant to be read as a devotional, I opted to read straight through for review purposes. I will read it again daily. What a collection of thought provoking sermons! I’ve enjoyed Peterson’s works for a while. Definitely a good addition to your collection.

I received an advanced copy of this book.

[Paul H. Rogers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good devotional

Good devotions on the Christian life and faith. Wish he had gone deeper in his daily devotion. The spiritual masters would have been a great help.

[Romi Sigma · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Month Of Sundays is a very moving set of sermons, organized into 30 devotionals. I read this book in December and found it very fitting that one of the first devotions invited me to reflect upon the birth of Jesus and ask the question "why is Christmas an important time to you personally?"
The chapters invite the reader to think about his or her life and to reflect upon Jesus and what He came to do. With quotes like this one:
" The gospel of Christ was not, you see, just another addition to man's already full and busy life. It was not just another way of looking at things or a few new commandments or another especially heroic example to admire and perhaps follow. The gospel of Christ was good news, but good news about a new kingdom. And kingdoms by definition are exclusive. You can't have two of them in the same place at the same time." (day 6)
Or this one from day 11:
"We make a good start when we listen to God speak to us. This requires attentiveness and concentration. God does not speak in competition with other speakers, so he does not raise his voice or hire an advertising agency or public relations firm to work out a strategy to get us to listen. Because he speaks in his own voice, not in imitation of voices that we are more used to, many people never hear him. But he speaks all the same".

I greatly enjoyed this rather unusual devotional book. I recommend it!

I received a free reviewer's copy from the publisher via Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Faith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first learned of Eugene Peterson because of his paraphrase of the Bible. Additionally, I have read admiring accounts of him personally, so I've been interested in engaging more of his work.

This text is a collection of his sermons on the Gospels, most broken up over several days, given in digestible sections in his familiar frank words. It's framed as 31 readings that could be read daily throughout a month, but I took far longer.

Some of Peterson's reflections were influenced by a trip he took to Israel, as in his conversation about the importance of walking. Others begin with a focus on the definition of a term (as in repentance: "The word in Hebrew means originally 'to take a deep breath and sigh'"). And some were insights into the familiar Mary and Martha story and what true servanthood is.

I found this a welcome introduction to Peterson's sermons and may soon delve into a biography, so as to learn more about the man who penned these Gospel insights and was led to paraphrase the Bible.

(I received a digital ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.)

[Jeff Bjorgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eugene Peterson finds the longing in my soul for something more--a deeper understanding of life, a deeper relationship with God, a more invigorating way of being--and finds a way to kindle it with fresh fire. In my life, he has continue to use a vocabulary and present a perspective that is juxtaposed against the religious sub-culture that I live in, am employed in, and cultivate. In this way, he jolts and encourages and demands, hinting that the secret to Christian living requires us to come to terms with the ways Jesus is so much more and different than what we have made him.

A Month of Sundays is another devotional in a long line of published devotionals of his reflections on Scripture. This one is devoted to reflections on the four gospels. Some of the beginning chapters are a bit clunky, as they appear to have been pulled from actually preached sermons. But the ideas are still his voice, and his reflections coming out of Luke and John are particularly convicting and inspiring.

You shouldn't make it through a year without reading or re-reading a Eugene Peterson book. It helps keeps this pastor sane amidst the chaos I confront on a daily basis.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid 4.5 stars. Eugene Peterson's voice is just so refreshing and thoughtful, I can't help but like what he writes. However, among his books that I've read (and reread, in the case of A Long Obedience in the Same Direction, my absolute favorite of his), this one really does stand out.
It's so very accessible: brief reflections on gospel passages that look directly at Jesus, at who He is, what He has done, what He offers us, and how full and complete his grace and compassion is for us with our limited understanding and sin-tainted perspectives.
I read this as our pastor has been preaching through the Sermon on the Mount, and it was a wonderful companion for this sermon series.
I didn't agree with everything he said, but for the most part was challenged, inspired, and moved by the portrait of Jesus painted through the selected passages. Any book that draws me closer to Jesus and gives me a clearer vision of Him is a book worth reading and recommending. I will read this one again!

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Month of Sundays is a devotional book, compiled from sermons preached by Eugene Peterson, most of which came from his time as pastor at Christ Our King Presbyterian Church, in Bel Air, Maryland.

The sermons come from the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The focus, for the most part is on words that we use. Each of the thirty-one chapters, with a very few exceptions, consists of one word.

I found this book to be easily accessible and inspiring. There were a number of quotes that I included in my daily devotional blog.

I have loved the writing and teach of Peterson for many years, and will continue to read his books, as long as I am able. I will read this particular one again, maybe in a later month this year, as it is definitely worth reading again and giving it more thought and consideration.

I highly recommend this book as a short devotional, and found it to be especially good to begin the year.

[Lynnette Swann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great devotional read to begin 2021

This book interested me for two reasons. One reason is that I will read anything Peterson has written. Reason two is the title of the book is a phrase I always said when my oldest grandson would come to visit. I told him I had not seen him "in a month of Sundays." Some years later he came to me asking what exactly does that phrase mean. Of course I immediately explained its meaning. I shared with him how anxious I was to read a new book with that very phrase as the title. This book has been a delightful read. Peterson's words of wisdom have given me moments to ponder insights gained. This is a book I will refer to again and again.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thirty-one readings taken from various sermons preached at the church where he served for many years: Christ Our King Presbyterian Church in Bel Air, Maryland. Many thoughtful insights into passages from the gospels -- as only Peterson could express them. This book is thoughtful and, at times, delightful. A devotional treat!

[Eric Schlipf · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this more helpful than “Every Step an Arrival”, but I found the formatting of this book confusing. The reflections are helpful, but these short form devotionals seem (to me) antithetical to Peterson’s standard approach of a long-term, long-form, no-shortcuts posture towards Christian formation.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Eugene Peterson!

Would have to known him and spent some time with him. Asking him questions, hearing his responses. Cannot wait for my rest of life to spend time with him! Btw this book is one of his best. Buy it, read it, read,it again!

[Malinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this book has several excellent points, it is not up to the standards of a typical Eugene H. Peterson book simply because it is not entirely his own work. This is a book of short pieces edited together from Peterson's sermon notes. You still get the idea of Peterson's writing but without the flow or depth of books he compiled himself.

[Jon Anderson]

Even in these brief sermon fragments/homilies, there is depth and richness on which to feed one's soul

[Jacob Schwander · Rating 3 out of 5]

Don’t get me wrong this book is good. But it does lack depth as some devotionals do.

[Donna Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Month of Sundays is a short devotional book that offers fresh perspectives on the gospels with attention to context, theological concepts, and peppered with ancient and contemporary voices.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am going to go through this again but to me this is a book of emotions. These short daily devotions are inspirational, motivating and convicting. Worth rereading.

[Aden · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great devotional journey through the Gospels.

[Jeanne Modisett · Rating 5 out of 5]

His writings are always a 5!

[Steve Worsley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A worthwhile book for any follower of Jesus. I was surprised how little application there was in each message, particularly given Peterson's concern to connect Sundays with the rest of the week. Nonetheless, there was plenty that was helpful and thought provoking. Some notes I made are as follows:

• Jesus emerged in novels and literary studies as a social revolutionary, an ethical pioneer, a proclaimer of the end of the world, the world's best salesman, a gentle friend and story teller to little children, a rustic rough fisherman, a romantic religious leader, a Freudian mystic, the first communist, the first nazi and just about anything else you can think of. This kind of thing began in the early 1700's. (37 mins)

• Would it be easier to be a Christian if we lived somewhere else? Like Jesus and Nazareth? (1.36 mins)

• A lot of Christians have two basic reactions to the world: They’re afraid of it or they are angry at it. Jn 3:16 says God LOVES the world. (2.19.30 mins)

• ‘I fell in love 30-40 times in my life – one or two a year. But girl in majority of cases didn’t know. Was fearful of rejection. Languished in a swamp of sentiment. My love never made anything happen. God’s love does make things happen. Love is not a mere sentiment.’ (2.28.35)

• Happiness and joy are a result of praising God, not of being praised by men. (2.57.00)

• Repenting is going back towards God. Having a certain feeling at that time or not, is irrelevant.

• We need fixing up in the eyes of potential lovers. God loves us as we are.

• The person who tests us, wants to make us better. The person who tempts us wants to make us worse.