Passionate about the Passion Week: A Fresh Look at Jesus' Last Days

by William Varner

The Gospels record Jesus’ last days leading up to his crucifixion, but how attentive are we to the details of the account? Should we speak of Palm Sunday, or Monday? Have we misunderstood the Pharisees? Why do the four Gospels present the resurrection in different ways? Were the Jews really “fickle?” Varner focuses carefully on the details of the Gospels that we often overlook. This lively and carefully nuanced account of the Passion Week will bring you to a renewed sense of devotion for the Savior.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction

132 pages, Hardcover

Published March 1, 2020

Reviews

[tania · Rating 4 out of 5]

so grateful to have studied under this kind and thoughtful man who loves our Savior and the Word so much. that love is woven through every sentence in this book - much less scholarly than his other works, but still offering fresh insights and perspectives to consider. a refreshing Passion Week read!!

[Michael Beck · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this smaller book which is accessible to all, Varner sets out to make "a fresh look at Jesus' last days," as the subtitle states. Varner is a first rate scholar and one should always consult his works when looking in-depth at a passage or verse. While some of the "fresh" looks in this book are helpful and backed up by exegetical argument or historical context, others seem to be more speculative. The latter need more argumentation to prove, which this book does not have room to develop, understandably. However, some of these "fresh" looks are theologically 're-orienting' enough that they require much more room to develop. And I suspect a few of the views presented in this book, like the "peccability of Jesus" or the "two stages" of the atonement, would not be definitively proven after even a series of books were published on them.

[Ben Emberley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful little book with insights throughout. Dr. Varner doesn't try to do too much as he simply shares some "fresh insights" from his years of studying the Passion Week. This is a great resource for anyone looking for a quick but thoughtful read, as well as for anyone studying/teaching on this topic.

[Aidan Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an excellent book! Devotional in nature, yet dipping its toes in academics, languages, Old Testament, and the art of context, Varner produces this masterful work that relit a fire in me regarding the Passion Week.

I want to read it again and go through the Gospels as I do so!

[Mary Beth Minor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book leading up to Resurrection Sunday. I especially enjoyed Varner’s emphasis on the importance of the ascension of Christ in the last chapter.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed a lot of nice insight-nuggets provided by Dr. Varner. His perspective is from decades of studying Jewish culture and perspective.
Easy to read, not technical, great for skeptics, new, or seasoned Christians. Much is made of OT passages that prophesy the suffering and resurrected Messiah, such as Psalm 22, Psalm 110, Psalm 118, and Isaiah, 52-53. Some repetition in the book, but it doesn't hurt to read something more than once. (It was probably not written with the intent to be read in one or two sittings- maybe a chapter a day sort of thing).
This survey approach makes me want to explore some things more deeply, fortunately, the author leaves suggested readings for deeper dives at the end of each chapter.

[Jonathan Klimek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perspicuity about the Passion Week

With so much confusion, debate, and weak argumentation; it was refreshing, and encouraging to read William Varner’s brief and full book on The Passion Week. Oh how it lifted my soul to worship; oh how it increased my love for Messiah Jesus and His Holy and inerrant Word, which as Varner demonstrated, is perspicuous, for those who read God’s Word with care.

[Michael Kapp · Rating 4 out of 5]

This concise, well-written volume offers some fresh and unique insights into the week of our Lord's crucifixion, burial, resurrection, and ascension that may be new to the reader. This is a great read for ministry workers, church members, and Bible college students!

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Little Book

Scholarly yet easy to read. It is filled with insights that will have you grateful you read it. I made notes in my Bible from this very helpful volume.