Who Was Jesus and What Does It Mean to Follow Him?

by Nancy Elizabeth Bedford

"Nancy Elizabeth Bedford helps us consider the identity and mission of Jesus of Nazareth. Learn about the incarnation, how Christians have understood Jesus to be both human and divine, and what his radical teachings and ministry can mean for us today. Find out how Christians through the centuries have understood who Jesus is and explore communal and individual practices for following him"--

Genres: Faith

96 pages, Paperback

Published February 23, 2021

Reviews

[Josh Olds · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Jesus Way is a series of short, introductory volumes of Anabaptist theology. I happened upon them by accident, having been introduced to the publisher, Herald Press, through the work of Drew Hart. Whether you’re new to the faith or stepped in it since childhood, whether you’re a lifelong Anabaptist, new to the tradition, or simply looking for a fresh perspective, these books provide a conversational discussion of many of the foundation of the faith.

In Who Was Jesus, Nancy Elisabeth Bedford pens a simple yet revolutionary introduction to Jesus of Nazareth. Most importantly, Bedford does a great job of setting Jesus in his location. She provides context for Jesus’s ministry in terms of the religious and political atmosphere, as well as the competing Jewish and Roman cultural milieus. Understanding this context helps inform us about several aspects of Jesus’s ministry, the response to him, and the relationships that he had with those around him.

Bedford clearly presents Jesus as both God and man, devoting a chapter to Jesus as the Incarnate One, then following it with a discussion of his ministry as prophet, teacher, and healer. Most powerfully in this section, she emphasizes the need to read the New Testament “from below,” or with the perspective of an oppressed people. She writes that if we come to the text from a perspective of authority and power—like we often do in the West—then we will likely “defang the powerful, liberating message of Jesus” by privatizing it. This emphasis on the social aspect of Jesus’s ministry is what stands out the most, and what is often missing in introductory discussions of the person of Jesus in most evangelical texts.

I also appreciate that Bedford does not get so bogged down in theology that she misses the story. In seminary, we had a whole semester of atonement theory—the various theories of how Jesus saves us that have been developed throughout church history. Instead of highlighting one (which is usually substitutionary atonement), Bedford encourages readers to see Scripture as presenting atonement in metaphor and story.

Throughout the text, important or confusing terms are bolded with definitions provided in a concluding glossary. Every bit of the text is thoroughly thought-out and well-stated, leaving Bedford’s intentions crystal clear. While some may take umbrage with the focus on the social elements of Jesus’s ministry, it’s this section that makes the book distinctly Anabaptist and unique from many other introductory studies.

This is a series I highly recommend and will be implementing as curriculum within my church for teenagers, new members, and new believers.

[Grant Showalter-Swanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short book from Dr. Nancy Bedford packs a vital theological punch. It poses the question ‘Who was Jesus’ and ‘What does it mean to follow him’ in an attempt to redirect the Church back toward the centrality of Christ, the gospel message, and what it means to be the Body of Christ. Without the centralization of Christ and what it means to tangibly follow Christ, the Church has lost its way. This text is a clarion call for our times with tangible steps for redirecting ourselves and our communities toward Christ.

Dr. Bedford provides 6 entry points into the two posed questions:
1. Who is Jesus of Nazareth and what does it mean to follow him?
2. Who is Jesus ‘the Incarnate One’ and what does it mean to follow him?
3. Who is Jesus as Prophet, Teacher, and Healer? And how to follow him?
4. Who is Jesus ‘the executed one?’ How do we follow him?
5. Who is Jesus resurrected and exalted? How do we follow him?
6. Who is Jesus in the Spirit, and how do we follow them?

This book is written to be accessible to all people and has discussion questions for each chapter. As a result, it is perfect for small groups! I highly recommend.

I’ll end this review with a succinct quote that I believe speaks to the concise clarity, beauty, and conviction of this text:
“If we say we follow Jesus, whenever it seems that the fruit of our discipleship does not lead to justice and peacemaking, it is time to reexamine our lives and those of our communities of faith. We can do so with the help of the Spirit by examining more closely the way Jesus lived (Matthew 7:15-20) and asking ourselves whether we are truly walking in his footsteps” (Dr. Nancy Bedford, ‘Who was Jesus and What Does it Mean to Follow Him,’ 74).

Amen!

[Mary Houck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Accessible and succinct discussion of Christology from a fresh perspective. While this is a short book, it packs in a lot of good theology and is very thought-provoking. A book every Christian should read.

[Jamie Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book and an enjoyable read. I believe this is the first time I have read a book from the Anabaptist tradition. Very interesting.

[maia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretty solid book, gave lots of good explanations about Jesus’ story and helped flesh out his history and context, while adding context for readers in their modern world. I just liked how it put words to a lot of ideas/concepts