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Redeemer: Who He Is and Who He Will Always Be

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For the woman in the temple courtyard, He knelt close as Emmanuel; for David, He tenderly cared like a Shepherd; for Nathanael, He showed His strength as a King.

Jesus is given over a hundred unique names in scripture. Each one of them tells a story—a story about who He is, what He does, and how He shows up in our individual lives.

The name Redeemer comes from a Hebrew word that means someone who will rescue or save by any means. Some days that is as a sacrificing Lamb, and other days it is as a loyal Advocate.

Who Jesus was in the past—the Good Shepherd, the Mighty Jehovah, the Unfailing Deliverer—is who He still is today. As we learn about how He came into the lives of those in the scriptures, we begin to anticipate and see how He comes into our own stories.

165 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2019

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503 people want to read

About the author

David Butler

166 books79 followers
David Butler's greatest love is people. He had adopted as a life motto: "Stuff no mattah, people mattah." His favorite people are his wife, Jenny, and their six darling children. Some of his other loves include good food, spontaneous adventures, Christmas morning, and the sea. David cohosts the popular YouTube scripture study channel Don't Miss This with Emily Belle Freeman and is the author of many religious books, including Ites: An Illustrated Guide to the People in the Book of Mormon; The Peter Potential; and Almighty: How the Most Powerful Being in the Universe Is Also Your Loving Father. Follow him on Instagram @mrdavebutler.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
Profile Image for Julie Carpenter.
1,887 reviews239 followers
December 10, 2019
Thoroughly enjoyed this one. The author looked at several names of Christ and talked about them and how Christ as each can relate to our lives. I enjoyed that the author’s love of his Savior shows through his writing (and narration of the audiobook).

If you are looking for a book that can be enjoyed during the Christmas holiday, or anytime of year, to draw you closer to Christ, our Redeemer, the Lamb of God, the Prince of Peace, the Light of the World, (and so many more names full of truth of love) then I would highly recommend this one.

There is another book that the author has written similar to this one. I think it’s called Almighty, but I’ll have to go look it up again to remember for sure. I’m looking forward to listening to it as well.

I’ve been working on several projects and trying to finish them up and I really loved listening to Redeemer while I worked.

Happy Reading (or listening)!!!
Profile Image for Beth Given.
1,541 reviews61 followers
August 26, 2022
This is the second in David Butler's series on the godhead (the first is Almighty, about God the Father), but it could be read alone. In this book, David Butler explores the character of Jesus Christ, His unfailing love for us, and how we might build a relationship with Him.

Each chapter focuses on one of the names or attributes of Christ: the mighty Jehovah, the watchful shepherd, the light of the world, the ever-present Emmanuel, the tender Jesus, the hope of Israel, the unfailing deliverer, the lamb of God, the loyal advocate, the anticipated king. Jesus is all of these, and can be the Jesus you need!

I really loved exploring the character of Jesus Christ in these chapters. Though this book is written for teens, I found it just as relevant as an adult. This would be a beautiful read in the days before Christmas -- or any time of year.
Profile Image for Jenny.
3,364 reviews39 followers
September 11, 2020
Oh how I love the Savior...and Butler does as well. I loved the things he shared about the Savior and what His names help us understand about his roles in our lives.
Profile Image for Kristina Rasmussen.
220 reviews3 followers
February 27, 2021
My favorite takeaway from this book is how Jesus has many different names and titles, but they are so much more than that. Those titles are a glimpse, symbol or representation of a part of who He is and what He can do. We can learn a lot by studying those different titles. Each one can help us in different areas of our lives.
Profile Image for Alex.
863 reviews1 follower
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February 7, 2021
I’m reading this book with a friend, and so I’m journaling out my thoughts and impressions as I go so I can have it all in one place for when we get together and discuss all the things :)

‘I have always wondered what my reaction and feeling will be like when I meet Jesus again. It won’t be for the first time, but because of the veil, I don’t remember it. So it might feel like it is. Will it be mellow, or will it be magnificent? Will it be casual, or will it cause my heart to jump?’
Why does it matter? Everyone’s experience of meeting Jesus Christ is going to be different, because all of us are different and we have all experienced different things, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Honestly, I don’t feel like we should make statements like this because it creates this idea of a ‘perfect’ meeting... and if we don’t achieve it then there’s obviously something wrong with us. Jesus Christ will always meet us where we are. We need to remember that and not force our lives to fit inside the idea of what someone else thinks would be ideal.

‘... happily, there was also a firm, strong, and steady metal rod that travelers could cling to if they wanted to make it to the tree without falling into a gulf.’
Church is so super hard for me right now. It feels... like a place to go because I’m expected to go; a place to do what I’m expected to do and say the things that I’m expected to say and to follow the set procedure of how things should be done all the while being taught the same things that I’ve been taught since I was a child without ever really centering it all on Jesus Christ and who He is and what He has done and continues to do for me. It feels fake. It feels surface level. It doesn’t feel genuine. It doesn’t feel like a safe place to talk about real life issues... addiction, pornography, mental health, suicide, abuse, infertility, abandonment, singleness, repentance, unfaithfulness, betrayal, gender identity, sexuality, dishonesty, or grief without being made to feel guilty, shamed, judged, ignored, looked down on, or pushed away... because it’s as if members of the church like to pretend those things don’t exist. Or that they do exist but that they’re only happening because I’m not doing all the things right or good enough. Or I’m not doing all the right things to make the struggle/sin go away. Or I didn’t listen to the same platitudes that are spouted off in every situation and apply them correctly in my life. I must not have had enough faith, hope, trust. I must not have read my scriptures enough, fasted enough, attended the temple enough, or worked hard enough. I must deserve it because I’ve turned away from God.
Long rant, I know... but all of these thoughts and more are rambling through my mind all the time. These feelings are there all the time. And nothing within the structure/organization of the church has really changed any of this in the last 30 years. We don’t ever talk about real things in a healthy, productive, helpful way.
So, that one sentence quoted above made me think, at least with where I’m at right now, that it’s okay to just hold on to one thing and ignore everything else. I can choose to hold on to Jesus Christ and He will help me get back home. He is who I should be focusing on. Him alone. And honestly... it feels freeing.

‘The second group ‘fell down’ when they got [to the Tree of Life]. Normally, you’d reach up when you get to a tree—to pick the fruit—but this group fell down. Why? Why would they respond that way?... What feelings or thoughts were stirring in their hearts that caused them to fall down at His feet?’
What would make me fall down? What would make me not want to look someone in the face? Sorrow. Guilt. Shame. Disappointment. Sin. Embarrassment. Anger. Which made me think... if I’m able to look at myself honestly and fully, and still choose to allow Jesus Christ into my life, and allow Him to heal and change me in the midst of all my ugly... isn’t that what He’s looking for?

‘I’m drawn to know Him from somewhere deep in me...’

‘We all seem to yearn for some sort of strength or ability or power or person that is beyond what seems possible.’
I feel this is because our divine selves, who we truly are, are used to seeing things that we would now call impossible... and it’s hard for us to comprehend living without what was so naturally a part of our lives before we came to experience life here on Earth.

‘His love doesn’t just accept you when you come to Him; He goes out looking for you. He will chase after your love and devotion all His days. He will constantly invite you and persuade you to come into His care.’
I have so many thoughts that come to mind.
How grateful I Am that He will chase after me. How frustrating it is to constantly be the one chasing after the thing I want. Is He frustrated? How He is looking for me even when it feels like that isn’t the case. Why does it feel like He doesn’t care? How tired He must be having to do this for me and everyone else. How capable He is. How much He wants us to experience His love. Confusion at why I can’t. But mostly, it’s okay to let someone come and find me. Especially when it’s someone who wants to.

‘He will be your hope.’
I think I give my hope... place my hope... in the wrong sort of people. Which, thinking about it, it’s pretty much all the people I know. Haha! I want there to be an actual real life person in my life that can offer me hope. Hope that I won’t always be alone. Hope that I am truly seen. Hope that I can be loved. Hope that something serendipitous will happen... something that was meant just for me. Hope that someone can help me see that hope is worth holding on to. And I know that’s an unfair expectation to throw at others... and yet I still do it. And then I’m let down over and over again.
I need to remember that there is only one person who can do all of those things for me. It just seems so difficult when He isn’t really... present in my life.

‘I was positive that Jesus lived in the temple. Every closed door I passed by... made me wonder if it was His bedroom. I even knocked on one to see if He would open. He never did. And I never saw Him.’

‘Wasn’t it the Lord who set that all up? Don’t you think He was there arranging it all behind the scenes - putting each piece of the puzzle in its place until it was set up perfectly?’
Agency is a real thing. I mean, it’s always brought up when things don’t seem to be going right. It seems to be the main reason people give for why God doesn’t interfere to stop life’s hellishness from happening. And yet, when good things happen it’s always God’s doing. In those moments we would for sure tell others that He totally interfered. Maybe He does interfere. Maybe He doesn’t. Maybe, like Esther’s experience, there are people placed exactly where they need to be to help because of the choices they have made. Maybe it’s up to me to make the decision to act, speak, and move to be a blessing in the lives of others. Maybe I need to take the blame for when I fail miserably and deeply hurt others. Do I chalk everything up to agency? I mean, everything that does happen happens because of a choice. Do I need to start seeing God as an invested onlooker; watching, hoping, praying, pleading... or do I choose to see Him, not blame Him, for both the good and bad things that happen in my life.

‘... love is not determined by the thing or the person that is loved. It is determined by the one who is loving. The coin did not get to decide what it was worth to the woman. The woman decided what the coin was worth to her. Worth is determined by what someone is willing to pay... And Jesus was willing to die for us. That is what He thinks we are worth. All people! We don’t get to decide that—He does.’
I normally hate statements like this. They always come across as... pretentious; something people say to make me feel loved and worth something. But that part about not getting to decide what Jesus Christ thinks I’m worth? It’s true. I don’t get to tell Jesus how He feels about me. What He thinks about me. How much He loves me. And yet I think I’ve been making that judgement call for a long long time.

‘[His] is a love that isn’t based on what we have done or who we are; it is a love based on who He is.’

‘... mercy can claim you instead of justice.’
Sometimes, we as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints get so fixated on justice and punishment that we never fully discuss or embrace what mercy can do for us. That we can be claimed by mercy. That we can choose mercy. That we can offer mercy. I say this because I’ve been there. I’ve been taught more about justice, sin, punishment, consequences, and repentance than anything else within the Church. I’ve also attended church my entire life and have been part of classes that focus more on the struggle and hardship and sinfulness of mortality than the freedom and relief of mercy, acceptance, forgiveness, love, and grace. I think part of this is because we innately want justice to be given to those who have hurt or wronged us in any way... instead of being taught the all encompassing power of mercy and how it can heal us and those around us. We also aren’t taught the ease and accessibility of mercy. We’re too caught up in making sure we do our time... instead of recognizing that Jesus Christ has already done the hard part! We just need to have faith in Him and try. And try. And try. And try again and again and again.

‘Where are you going? What are you doing? Why are you running from the only person who can actually help you? What lie did the old devil tell you that made you think you would want to run and hide in shame?’

‘... our sins... do not need to define us.’

‘... the rescue from sin required the sacrifice and life of a sinless God. Infinite and eternal. It’s the only way. He is the only way.’

‘However we try to explain it to people, as long as it leads us to love and adore Him, we are explaining it right.’
Amen! Amen! Amen! Amen!

‘You cannot find another friend like Jesus in all the universe. One who knows everything and still is willing to give everything in defense of you.’

‘’Thou hast kept the good wine until now.’ You saved the best for last. Perhaps Jesus was teaching us that at the beginning of His life there would be good miracles, but the best miracles are saved for the end! Maybe He was also teaching us that... we can be changed and transformed into something spectacular, something that would surprise people when they encountered us.’
I’ve never thought to compare the wedding feast and the miracle of changing water to wine to the Second Coming... and I like it. There is so much that is good to look forward to :)

‘The gospel is more than good advice or good manners. Keeping commandments and the ‘shoulds’ and ‘should nots’ are a part of following Him, but they should not dominate our conversations. They are not the best parts. Advice is what you should do; good news is a report of something that has [already] been done.’

‘People are never the same after they have an authentic run-in with Jesus Christ.’

‘What are His names, and how has He been that for me?
And like thinking often does, it led... to another question. ‘This week, how can I take that name of Jesus upon me and be that for someone else?’ How can I defend, rescue, and love like He did?’
That last question is something I think about often. What can I do for someone else? How can I help others know they’re not alone or forgotten? Whenever I’m feeling particularly miserable I think to myself that there’s probably someone feeling the same way... and so I try to reach out to others hoping that I might be able to ease their burden in some small way; help them to know they are thought of and loved... because I know that’s what I wish for myself all the time.
Profile Image for Sarah.
239 reviews7 followers
January 4, 2020
I know this is written for teens, but man, I loved it. Dave Butler has a gift for helping the scriptures come alive and making the Redeemer become real and personal. I can’t wait to share this book with my Clara.
Profile Image for Heather.
1,229 reviews7 followers
December 21, 2020
This is a wonderful book about Jesus Christ, His names and roles, and the blessings He makes possible to each of us. Some of my favorite quotes:

"The group who stayed fell down at the feet of Jesus... What feelings or thoughts were stirring in their hearts that caused them to fall down at His feet? ... What would my reaction be--or will it...be... when I meet Jesus again (p. 4)?"

"She had a friend in Jesus... She had developed a meaningful, authentic admiration and adoration of Him. The very mention of His name instinctively lit off fireworks in her soul... 'Does my heart leap at the mention of His name? Do I love Him with that same fervor (p. 6)?'"

"It is a quest to begin to come to know Jesus Christ (p. 7)."

"We can learn a lot about who Jesus is by what His friends called Him (p. 9)."

"'Come and see (p. 10).'"

"'We have found the Messias (p. 11).'"

"Come find out for yourself. Come meet Him (p. 12)."

"After meeting Jesus, each of these disciples wanted to introduce Him to someone else... After an authentic encounter with Jesus, they were in. Hooked! This is a pattern with people who come into contact with Jesus (p. 13)."

"First, we learn of Him. Then we listen to His voice. And then, we walk with Him (p. 14)."

"Jesus is given well over a hundred unique names. Each name has a story and meaning. One of my favorite names is Redeemer. The title Redeemer comes from a Hebrew word that means someone who will rescue or save by any means (p. 14)."

"'I glory in plainness; I glory in truth; I glory in my Jesus, for he hath redeemed my soul from hell' (2 Nephi 33:6, p. 15)."

"So come and see--and then hopefully stay all day (p. 15)."

"When you pass on the good news to someone else, which name will you use to introduce Him (p. 15)?"

"The Lord says, 'Certainly I will be with thee (p. 18).'"

"Before He was born in Bethlehem, Jesus was Lord God of the universe (p. 18)."

"The name Jehovah means that who He was in the past is who He is today, and who He is today is who He will always be (p. 19)."

"Jesus Christ is a God of mighty miracles. He was and is the Mighty Jehovah, the Great I Am (p. 22)."

"His miracles have not ceased (p. 23)."

"Because of Him, blind people see... deaf people hear... those who took their last breath breathe again. He opened oceans in he past, and He still does today (p. 25)."

"Even though Jesus can perform the miracles we want, He sometimes chooses not to (p. 26)."

"He knows when, why, and where He should intervene in our stories. His perspective is eternal... He doesn't just know what is good for us, He knows what is best for us--and that is what He always does (p. 26)."

"Remembering who God had been in the past gave Nephi courage to trust Him in the present (p. 27)."

"We are all prone to wander (p. 30)."

"Sheep are... completely defenseless... Constant care is required. 24/7. They just cannot make it on their own. Just like us (p. 31)."

"'All we like sheep have gone astray... We have turned every one to his own way' (Isaiah 53:6, p. 32)."

"There is no enemy that can prevail over you with Jesus as your shepherd (p. 35)."

"We might be hurt, but He can heal. We might be lost, but He can find. Like a good shepherd does, He also knows each of us individually (p. 39)."

"Without Jesus life would be cold, scary, and confusing. With Him it can be warm, comforting, and clear. He is just like the sun--the Light of the World (p. 43)."

"His light is powerful. He pours out His hope and grace on anyone and everyone (p. 45)."

"Light brings hope (p. 46)."

"'Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid (p. 48).'"

"'Try just saying the name 'Jesus Christ' in a perilous setting... Just calling upon Him by name, with reverence, can make a different in a difficult moment (Ronald A. Rasband, p. 50).'"

"Hope came into the world with the Easter morning sun. Hope came walking out to those disciples on the stormy sea. It came into the world with Jesus. He is the light and the life and the hope of the world (p. 52)."

"If you ever feel lost, look to Him, His light can guide you back. If you ever feel cold or afraid, come closer to Him. He will warm your heart. If you ever feel despair, listen to His words. he will be your hope (p. 53)."

"The Light of the World... chases away our darkness and fears. Shows us the way (p. 53)."

"'Shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us' (Matthew 1:23, p. 55)."

"Even though it doesn't mention Him, and even though they never see Him, does it mean God wasn't there (p. 62)?"

"Don't you think He was there arranging it all behind the scenes--putting each piece of the puzzle in its place until it was set up perfectly (p. 63)?"

"There is not a page of the Bible or a page in history when God has not been involved. He is always there (p. 63)."

"Once I started looking for sunflowers, I noticed them (p. 64)."

"God with us. He is in everything. He is present, and He is Emmanuel (p. 65)."

"Look for the tender mercies... remember them (p. 65)."

"See Him in my own story... think about when I had seen His influence in my life that day (p. 66)."

"Noticing and remembering has helped me to see Him even more (p. 66)."

"The Ever-Present Emmanuel has been and will be with us in our stories. Notices us and is always aware of us. Will be near us whether we see Him or not (p. 69)."

"No matter what I finally choose to be when I grow up, the one person I hope to be more like is Jesus (p. 71)."

"What if you could follow Him for a day or two--job shadow (p. 71)?"

"Jesus is a Greek name. In Hebrew, it is translated from Joshua, which means 'God is help' or 'the Lord saves' (p. 71)."

"He touched him. That is how He chose to restore the man's life--with a tender touch to an untouchable man (p. 74)."

"'You are so pretty.' Sometimes I think I know why Jesus liked to hang out with little kids. They see people the way He does (p. 75)."

"You may feel untouchable or unapproachable to others, but not to Jesus (p. 75)."

"Just like that. A totally different person. That seems common with people who meet Jesus (p. 77)."

"'If Jesus were in our city today, and we had to try to find Him, where do you think you would go (p. 77)?'"

"Everyone else might think you are a lost cause--but not Jesus (p. 77)."

"Jesus seemed to always be shocking everyone with who He talked to, spent time with, and invited into His circles (p. 78)."

"The Lord didn't just pass by and save up into the tree; He called out to Him. 'Zacchaeus.' His name. And then Jesus invited him to hurry down for lunch at his house. A one-on-one... No one could believe that Jesus would want to go to Zacchaeus's house (p. 79)!"

"I wonder what table Jesus would sit down at in your school cafeteria (p. 80)."

"'He inviteth them all to come unto him and partake of his goodness: and he denieth none that come unto him... all are alike unto God' (2 Nephi 26:33, p. 80)."

"You might not have been invited to the birthday party last week, or to homecoming last year, but the Creator of the world invites you to the table, to the feast, to the Church, to His group of disciples, into His glory, and to His work (p. 81)."

"He does not love us for what we are or what we can do or have done. He loves us because we are His (p. 83)."

"Worth is determined by what someone is willing to pay for something. And Jesus was willing to die for us (p. 84)."

"He doesn't just accept us or appreciate us--He adores us (p. 84)!"

"He leads out with tender, sweet, gentle love. Every time. And so do those who truly follow Him. You can always expect a compassionate touch, embrace, or conversation from Him. He will be welcoming and kind in the thoughts He has for you and the promptings He sends you (p. 85)."

"His first move--His best move--was always love (p. 85)."

"The Tender Jesus treats us with kindness and gentleness. Has a soft heart toward all people. Always has love as His motive (p. 86)."

"One of Jesus's names is the Hope of Israel (p. 89)."

"This book 'is to show unto the remnant of the house of Israel what great things the Lord hath done for their fathers; and that they may know the covenants of the Lord (p. 90).'"

"'How is it done?'... 'Because of thy faith in Christ' (Enos 1:8). It is not because of you, Enos; it is because of Him (p. 94)."

"The law of justice has been answered by Him, the ransom has been paid, and now He has the right to claim us as His (p. 95)."

"He was the only one in the crowd who actually could condemn her and the only one who didn't... That is the same tenderness you can expect when you repent and return to your Savior (p. 99)."

"'As often as my people repent will I forgive them their trespasses against me' (Mosiah 26:30, p. 100)."

"'No scars remain because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ (Boyd K. Packer, p. 101).'"

"His love never expires, and His grace is bigger and wider than all of our sin (p. 103)."

"'Why did Jesus have to get the spikes?'... 'To satisfy the infinite and eternal demands of justice (p. 104).'"

"'For the atonement satisfieth the demands of justice... they are delivered from that awful monster, death and hell'... there were monsters named 'the devil and death and hell'... But you have a hero who can save you from them. Someone stronger than the monsters. That hero is Jesus Christ... a Deliverer (p. 105)."

"It cost Jesus His life to deliver us (p. 107)."

"We cannot save ourselves from our sins... We must be delivered and saved from our sins by an 'infinite and eternal sacrifice' (Alma 34:10)... He is the only way (p. 108)."

"The Bible Dictionary describes grace, in part, as a 'divine means of help or strength, given through the bounteous mercy and love of Jesus Christ (p. 114).'"

"'How great the importance to make these things known unto the inhabitants of the earth... there is no flesh that can dwell in the presence of God, save it be through the merits, and mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah' (2 Nephi 2:8, p. 116)."

"He had a plan to save us--a plan of salvation. And that plan was Jesus. Sometimes when referring to the plan of salvation we draw circles. But I've stopped doing that. I have started drawing a cross to represent God's plan. Circles didn't save us. Jesus did. He was and is and will always be the plan of salvation (p. 117)."

"He will always deliver you. He already has. From debts, from monsters, from robbers, from anything and everything (p. 118)."

"'My son, God will provide himself a lamb' (p. 123)."

"It was a lamb that would take the place of all of us on that altar (p. 124)."

"Those of us who are covered by the blood of the lamb will be passed over (p. 126)."

"'It is not fair that an innocent creature should die for the sins that I have committed (p. 128).'"

"On that night, Jesus changed the ordinance from sacrifice to sacrament. Interestingly, none of the Gospel writers mention the most important element on the table. They mention the bread and the wine, but not the lamb... That might be because the Lamb of God was not on the table, but sitting at the table (p. 129)."

"The Lamb of God was willingly sacrificed in our place. Died so we could be covered, passed over, and rescued. Is meek, humble, innocent yet powerful (p. 130)."

"'Lift up your hearts and be glad, for I am in your midst, and am your advocate' (D&C 29:5, p. 133)."

"The name Advocate comes from a Latin word that means someone who is a voice for you or someone who pleads for another. The word can also be translated as an intercessor, helper, or comforter (p. 133)."

"'Is there anyone here willing to claim this boy? Is there anyone here willing to speak for him? Who is willing to defend and advocate the case of a clearly guilty criminal? The evidence against him is stacked!'... 'Listen to him who is the advocate with the Father, who is pleading your cause before Him--Saying: Father, behold the sufferings and death of him who did no sin, in whom thou wast well pleased; behold the blood of they Son which was shed, the blood of him whom thou gavest that thyself might be glorified' (D&C 45:3-4, p. 139)."

"Look at me... Not at the guilty one (p. 139)."

"He thought there was cause worth fighting for. That cause was us... You cannot find another friend like Jesus in all the universe. One who knows everything and still is willing to give everything in defense of you (p. 143)."

"You have a loyal, faithful friend and advocate in Jesus (p. 144)."

"Moms, dads, relatives, neighbors, and lifelong friends might fail you, but He won't (p. 145)."

"There are some scary things associated with the Second Coming (earthquakes and diseases with no cure and blood moons), but Jesus is not one of those scary things (p. 149)."

"He will lead with attributes of mercy, justice, hope, and grace. His laws of love will protect and uphold His people in a way that lets them thrive... He will reign in wonderful ways, gentle ways, mighty ways, and peaceful ways. And they will last forever and ever (p. 150)."

"Jesus will be coming back to this world, and that makes my heart want to explode with the excitement of a thousand fireworks. That is supposed to be the most anticipated day ever. The Christmas morning of all Christmas mornings (p. 151)."

"His return will be a day of praise and a day of presents (p. 152)."

"Following Him is not about keeping rules, but it is about celebrating and rejoicing in the great good that He has to give (p. 153)."

"All of our greatest hopes and dreams will eventually come alive and com to pass in Jesus Christ (p. 154)."

"When He comes again we will all get our happily ever after (p. 155)."

"Even though He won't reign over the whole world as king until He comes again, we can choose to have Him reign as king of our lives starting today (p. 155)."

"Jesus is exactly who you always hoped He would be, plus infinity (p. 160)."

"What is the good news? Jesus... He is good news (p. 160)."

"He was helpless and hopeless--until he heard the name of Jesus (p. 164)."

"People are never the same after they have an authentic run-in with Jesus Christ (p. 164)."

"He is the Mighty Shepherd... the Watchful Shepherd... the Light of the World... the Ever-Present Emmanuel... the Tender Jesus... the Hope of Israel... the Unfailing Deliverer... the Lamb of God... the Loyal Advocate... the Anticipated King... a Redeemer... Who do you need him to be today (p. 165)?"

"Each Sunday we hear a prayer in church over the sacrament that includes a covenant and promise to take upon us His name... 'But which name?'... he... started thinking of all the different names of Jesus that he could... What are His names, and how has He been that for me?... 'This week, how can I take that name of Jesus upon me and be that for someone else (p. 166)?'"

"Study the life and names of Jesus Christ. I read about Him, thought about Him, taught about Him, and tried with my whole heart to live like Him (p. 167)."

"He is the way... So 'seek this Jesus of whom the prophets and apostles have written' (Ether 12:41, p. 168)."
Profile Image for Jessica.
1,186 reviews94 followers
July 10, 2021
I loved this book so much! It was filled with so much hope and light and I finished feeling so uplifted, as well as wanting desperately to feel as though Jesus Christ is a name that thrills me.

I loved the teaching about Christ’s different names and how they apply to our lives. That is something that has stuck with me and I keep finding myself thinking on over and over.

Something I really admire about David Butler’s writing is how he can write something that would be so approachable for teens but still engaging for adults, as well as reverent for the subject matter. He does such a good job with this! I chuckled and laughed and marked and pondered and discussed my way through this book because it is filled with the goodness that make you want to do all those things. I would highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to learn more about Jesus Christ and fully intend on buying a copy of it for each of my children as become teens.



Quotes I loved:
Come find out for yourselves. Come meet Him. So he did. And he got more than he bargained for. That’s usually the case with Jesus.

First, we learn of Him. Then we listen to His voice. And then, we walk with Him.

Every now and then (or maybe more often than that) this world dishes up impossible situations that need impossible solutions.

He is capable of performing one-in-a-million kind of miracles.

The name Jehovah means that who He was in the past is who He is today, and who He is today is who He will always be.

When the Lord performs a miracle, He never performs it halfway.

There isn’t anything He hasn’t thought of, and there isn’t anything He can’t do. He will get you to your promised land, even if it takes a thousand miracles (and it probably will).

The Lord’s strength is big enough to solve The problem. His heart is big enough to be willing.

No matter what worldly accomplishments we get in our life, someone is always richer, always more popular, and always better-looking. We will always feel like we are lacking. But how come? Maybe it is because our souls were made by God and are infinite. That means that only infinity could satisfy them.
We long for God. Nothing else could satisfy us. The promise of Eternal Life that He provides fills us in a way that nothing else can.

What a Shepherd we have! A Shepherd who is in all of the tiniest details of our lives. We need Him every hour, and He is available and willing for all twenty-four of them.

Because of Him, there is no sin, no tragedy, no rebellion, despair, or sadness that has to be permanent. There is nothing to be afraid of. If He can overcome death, He can overcome anything.

Just like the sliver of light on the eclipse day, any amount of the Light of the World in our lives can bring a more powerful influence than we may anticipate. Even the whisper of Jesus’s name can bring hope and peace and strength. However, the more of His influence or light we have and allow into our lives, the greater the security and mercy and Grace and faith we can feel.

He does not love us for what we are or what we can do have done. He loves us because we are His. We are precious in His sight. We might say that we are not worthy of that kind of affection or love. We are just a coin to sit in people’s pockets or under couch cushions. But love is not determined by the thing or person that is loved. It is determined by the one who is loving.

Worth is determined by what someone is willing to pay for something. And Jesus was willing to die for us. That is what He thinks we are worth.

…He is able to solve any problem we ever experience—no matter whose fault it is. That is what He came to do. To save, rescue, and deliver us from death, the Fall, our sins, and the unfair things about life, and then change us and exalt us into something more. Something divine.

He came and lived out a perfect life for us. The life we should have lived. He also came bed defeated sun and death and the grasp that Satan had on us. And He did this even knowing everything the He knows. We might think to ourselves, oh, if He knew what kind of person I actually am, He would not stick around. If He knew the things I have done, He would never stand in my place. The beautiful truth is—He does. He knows everything and was still willing to go to the cross for us. He fought for us. For a cause He believed in. He was and is our champion.

Our sin has no power to live once He comes into battle. Once our Advocate speaks, all enemies will be silent. They have no more claim. He thought there was a cause with fighting for. That cause was us. (Redeemer 143)

He will rein in wonderful ways, gentle ways, mighty ways, and peaceful ways.

Following Jesus is meant to be a thrill! Following Him is not about keeping rules, but it is about celebrating and rejoicing in the great good that He has to give. It is about living His kingdom with all the beauty He offers as King. And He doesn’t just have a little for us—He has six waterpots of twenty to thirty gallons each. More than enough guy anyone and everyone!

Because of Jesus Christ, there is no death, only life. All goodbyes are only temporary. Because of Jesus Christ, our sins do not have to be our story. We can change and start over. Because of Jesus Christ, we can have hope and faith in a better future.

In this story, when we are broken like Humpty Dumpty by falling off our wall, the king’s horses and king’s men don’t come to put us back together, but the King Himself.

I have often thought, I’d someone is preaching about Jesus Christ and it doesn’t sound like good news, then I might not be hearing the gospel. The gospel is more than good advice or good manners. Keeping commandments and the “shoulds” and “should nots” are a part of following Him, but they should not dominate our conversations. They are not the best parts. Advice is what you should do; good news is a report of something that has been done. And what Jesus has done and what He has to give in the future should ignite or should and leave us amazed every single time.

When someone tells us the real story of Jesus, it should not leave you standing all amazed but will most likely leave you falling down—perhaps at His feet. I hope we hear this story often!

People are never the same after they have an authentic run-in with Jesus Christ. It moves people from lame to leaping. They climb trees and walk through oceans and start life again.


Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for Michelegg.
1,152 reviews138 followers
August 26, 2020
Oh this book filled my whole soul up and I loved every word. I took so many notes so I can go back and feel the feelings over and over again. David Butler is just one of my favorite authors on spiritual matters, he writes in such a tender way and this book instructed and lifted me and left me so grateful I’d read it.
Profile Image for Kim  Dennis.
1,163 reviews7 followers
June 7, 2020
I listened to this as I was driving back and forth to my mom's house on Sundays. While it is written especially for youth, there were a lot of things in here that I hadn't considered before and gave me pause for reflection. It is a great read for people of all ages.
Profile Image for Mari Mendoza.
496 reviews26 followers
December 28, 2020
I wanted to finish this before the year was done and read the second half in one sitting. Though it was written for teens, I really enjoyed the stories and analogies. There was a lot of amazing insight I hadn’t thought of before. I recommend this to everyone.
Profile Image for Jordan Quinn.
12 reviews
October 20, 2021
I LOVED THIS BOOK! I don't care if it was written in a style for teenagers, it just made it that more easier/fun to read! I found some great insight from some passages in the Bible that helped me learn about my Savior.
Profile Image for Jan.
476 reviews
January 17, 2020
I love this book. I love his stories. It made me think. How do I see the Savior and how is heart of my story.
Profile Image for Pam Anderson.
18 reviews
November 12, 2020
I love this book so much! It’s written for a young audience but it touched my 60 year old heart so deeply. I long for anything that brings me closer to Jesus, and this book did just that. David Butler is a master story teller and he’s so inspiring.
Profile Image for Sarah Barrio.
17 reviews
March 21, 2024
Loved this book so much! Audio was done by the author and he has such an incredible way of sharing about Jesus Christ!
Profile Image for M.
787 reviews3 followers
August 6, 2025
This is a great book about Jesus Christ written for youth. I enjoyed Butler's approach and the analogies he made. It gave me a lot to think about in a plain-to-understand manner.
Profile Image for Sarah Seitzinger.
1 review1 follower
February 9, 2023
Wonderful author.

This book felt like sitting and chatting with a friend. I feel like I know Jesus better. What a comforting and happy book!
243 reviews
April 15, 2021
I have been studying the titles of Jesus and I loved that in this book, David Butler chose to explore a few of Christ's beautiful titles: Shepherd, Lamb of God, Messiah, Advocate, King of Israel etc. He shared several stories from Jesus’s life and pointed out some details that I loved. For example, he explained that shepherds would take newborn unblemished lambs and wrap them up and put them in stables where they would later be sacrificed in the temples. Jesus was born in a stable as the Lamb of God and would sacrifice His life to save ours. This is a quick, powerful, engaging read and I want to share it with my teenagers.
Profile Image for Rylee McCullough.
66 reviews
May 30, 2020
This book is amazing!! I love the way this book makes you see things you never have seen!! I couldn’t stop crying and that my testimony grow so much in my savior!! He is my friend and is there for me in my dark places!! He will always bring me the light in those places!! I loved this book so much!! I would recommend it to anyone to read!!
Profile Image for Ashley Furness.
159 reviews35 followers
December 21, 2022
Review from September 2021 I loved this book about Jesus Christ and His role in our lives. I loved the look at who He is by learning about different names for Him. This book is definitely written for a teenager or young adult audience, but I found it fun and tender.
Profile Image for Louan.
35 reviews
August 5, 2020
Thank you for Reminding me

So many times I cried reading this beautiful book, remembering Christ, how much I want to be like him and the gift He is in my story.
Profile Image for Marina Wall.
247 reviews8 followers
February 17, 2023
"He doesn't just know what is good for us, He knows what is best for us--and that is what He always does."

David freakin Butler. If you know me you know I love this man. His mind fascinates me. His perspective on the gospel fascinates me. I just love him. And this book did NOT disappoint. Oh my gosh I loved it.

His perspective on Christ is exactly how I view my Savior, and it was amazing to hear that perspective written down. I'm so grateful I had the opportunity to read this book before I leave on my mission and gain a greater testimony about my Savior and the names I choose to call him by.

I've read quite a few gospel books, but this is definitely my favorite one so far. He has a way of writing so simplistically and yet so profoundly and I would literally read his grocery list. If you're interested PLEASE read this book. It was fantastic.


MORE QUOTES I LOVED

"The second group 'fell down' when they got there. Why? Why would they respond that way? The imagery gets better when you remember what the tree symbolizes. It is Jesus. The group who stayed fell down at the feet of Jesus."

"We can learn a lot about who Jesus is by what his friends called him."

"And when you pass on the good news to someone else, which name will you use to introduce him?"

"He will get you to your promised land even if it takes a thousand miracles (and it probably will)."

"He knows when, why, and where he should intervene in our stories. His perspective is eternal."

"I have wondered if the writers of that book (Esther) left His name out on purpose to teach us that just because you don't see Him at first glance doesn't mean He isn't there."

"At the beginning, Nephi asks us to look for the tender mercies in the book, and Moroni asks us to remember them when we finish."

"'Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few.' Look, He said, All those people need love. They need a tender touch or a listening ear. And there aren't enough of us to do it. So He asked them a favor: 'Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth laborers into his harvest'. I think you who are reading this book are an answer to that prayer. I think He sent you as laborers in HIs harvest of souls-- the kind of people He knew would live and love like Him."

"I don't think anyone will know what Jesus wrote on the ground of the temple that day. If it had been important, John probably would have mentioned it. But I don't think what He wrote was the point. When the woman came in, all eyes were on her. Judgements, whispers, condemnations, and gasps. But as He studded down in the middle of the crowd and silently wrote on the ground, where do you think the people started looking? I always imagine they looked right at Him. Now the whispers were about Him. And by consequence, where did they stop looking? And who did they stop gasping about? In that moment, I picture His action taking all of the attention and scorn off of the woman and moving it onto Him. Jesus absorbed every round of the toxic and poisonous spirit those men had been firing at the women. That is what He is like."

"You will never be disappointed with him. Jesus is exactly who you always hoped He would be, plus infinity."
Profile Image for Paige Christiansen.
6 reviews
February 6, 2023
I do not generally read books with type of writing style and format, as I find it rather simplistic and juvenile, but because a church leader gifted it to me for Christmas, I decided to give it a read. Like in his Come, Follow Me podcast, Don’t Miss This, David Butler has a way of teaching that frames complex Gospel concepts in a digestible way, and this book stays true to that teaching style. I found this helpful in regard to the many scriptural references sprinkled throughout. Additionally, just as complex, researched writing like James Talmage’s can capture Christ’s character, Butler’s opposite approach of simplicity and informal voice did the same. With this in mind, this book would make this the perfect read for those in middle and high school, who are generally beginning to learn more about Christ, and for those who would like to see Christ in a more relatable - personable - light. It has been a breath of fresh air for me as I have been reading Jesus the Christ.

(My favorite name for Him is definitely the “Ever-Present Emmanuel”.)

Profile Image for Heather.
660 reviews10 followers
April 14, 2020
Loved this small book that I listened to. I have jotted down some of the key points I want to remember from this book.

We are all prone to wander. We are all seconds away from getting lost, we are all prone to falling, failing and forgetting. It's kind of what we do best. It's maybe why we are compared to sheep in the scriptures.

Moroni teaches us that everyone that is born is born with the Light of Christ. Jesus is pointing the way for everyone.

WWJD What would Jesus Do? HWLF He would Love First! A great bracelet!

What did Jesus write on the ground when they brought the women found in adultery? Who knows. But what He did do by writing in the sand was to take the focus off of her and now on him. So they stopped focusing on her. Jesus absorbed every ounce of the accusation on the woman.
Profile Image for Susan.
817 reviews17 followers
January 30, 2020
David Butler has an amazingly clear way of writing and speaking about doctrine. He's not a James Talmage or a Ted Callister, they're brilliant, but he's a bit like a Nephi, seminary-teacher clear and concise, and well thought out and well prayed. I LOVED this discussion of the different names of Christ - it REALLY gets me thinking. That's how it earned the full five stars from me. Books like this deepen my experience with the scriptures and even ordinances like the Sacrament. My last takeaway is the idea that during the Sacrament ordinance I can think about "which name/s" of Christ I am taking that day, and how I can live it/them that week. Thanks!!!
Profile Image for Tamra.
721 reviews
November 17, 2020
David Butler has a way of making Christ seem approachable and real; a perfect deity whose every action, word and thought are for OUR benefit because of his overwhelming and sometimes inconceivable love for US. Loved how this book helped deepen the way I think of my Savior.

"You will never be disappointed with Him. There is not any way that I could build Him up to be something He isn't. He won't ever be a letdown. It's impossible. He will always be something more. He will knock the socks off your expectations. Jesus is exactly who you always hoped He would be, plus infinity."
Profile Image for Lisa Brown.
2,752 reviews24 followers
December 24, 2023
Jesus is given over a hundred unique names in scripture. Each one of them tells a story—a story about who He is, what He does, and how He shows up in our individual lives. The author, David Butler, shares some of these names as well as the stories that go with them, and how we should let Jesus Christ into our lives.

Although not technically a Christmas book, because it is all about our Savior, I felt like it was the perfect book to read as part of my preparations for Christmas. Inspiring and uplifting, and in Butler's own unique way of putting things.
Profile Image for Travis Standley.
270 reviews2 followers
December 31, 2019
This book in companion with Witness for His Names by Elder Holland was a great way to end the Christmas season and the year hearing about the many roles and divinity of Jesus Christ. This author is conversational in his tone. He adds valuable insight into the life of Christ and many of His miracles. As the author states, a study of Christ and coming to know Him will never disappoint. In fact, it should only bring more awe and amazement at the richness of His life and presence.
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