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Messiah: Biblical Retellings
Have you ever wondered what it would have been like to be one of the five thousand when Jesus multiplied the fish and the loaves? Or one of his disciples when he walked on water? Or to have seen Lazarus come out of the tomb? Ever wonder what Mary thought when Gabriel told her she was pregnant by the Holy Spirit, or what the fallout was like in her personal life? Ever considered how those two disciples felt on the road to Emmaus, when they found that the man with whom they had been talking was in fact their risen Lord?
This collection of retellings from the gospels is designed to bring each of these stories and more to life in your imagination. They stick to the facts wherever the facts are known, from either the scriptures themselves or from extra-biblical commentaries. But they also add in back story when necessary, reimagining the sights, the sounds, the colors, and the emotions for the person most involved. Each retelling ends with an afterword discussion, summarizing the reasons for the choices made in the story, followed by the scriptures themselves.
Together, I hope these retellings help to paint a portrait of the Messiah.
This collection of retellings from the gospels is designed to bring each of these stories and more to life in your imagination. They stick to the facts wherever the facts are known, from either the scriptures themselves or from extra-biblical commentaries. But they also add in back story when necessary, reimagining the sights, the sounds, the colors, and the emotions for the person most involved. Each retelling ends with an afterword discussion, summarizing the reasons for the choices made in the story, followed by the scriptures themselves.
Together, I hope these retellings help to paint a portrait of the Messiah.
- GenresChristian
262 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 25, 2021
38 people are currently reading
102 people want to read
About the author
C.A. Gray
29 books509 followersC.A. Gray is the author of three YA Amazon bestselling trilogies: PIERCING THE VEIL (magic and quantum physics meet Arthurian legends), THE LIBERTY BOX (dystopian metaphysics and mind control technology), and UNCANNY VALLEY (dystopian coming-of-age with neuroscience and super intelligent A.I). She starts with some scientific concept that she’s interested in learning more about herself, and then creates lots of epic chaos and high-stakes action to go along with it. Her stories are free of gratuitous violence, language, and sexual content, and she abhors depressing endings… but they’re not all kittens and rainbows either! She also listens to and reviews audiobooks on her website, here on Goodreads, on Instagram, and on her podcast, Clean Audiobook Reviews, where she also occasionally interviews other authors.
By day, C.A. Gray practices naturopathic medicine, podcasts, and writes medical non-fiction under her maiden name (Dr. Lauren Deville). She lives in Tucson, AZ with her husband Frank, and together they maintain an occasionally contentious film review blog (under her real name: Lauren Baden. Three names. Yes.) She’s kind of the queen of multitasking—so in her spare time, she creates whatever meals or crafts she found most recently on Pinterest, drinks lots of coffee (Aeropress btw) and occasional wine (reds—and she saves the corks for craft projects), works out (while listening to audiobooks), and studies the Bible—about half of the podcasts on Christian Natural Health are scripture meditations.
She does sleep, too. Promise.
Join her newsletter for best-of-the-month reads, freebies and giveaway information, as well as new releases! http://eepurl.com/F3rof
By day, C.A. Gray practices naturopathic medicine, podcasts, and writes medical non-fiction under her maiden name (Dr. Lauren Deville). She lives in Tucson, AZ with her husband Frank, and together they maintain an occasionally contentious film review blog (under her real name: Lauren Baden. Three names. Yes.) She’s kind of the queen of multitasking—so in her spare time, she creates whatever meals or crafts she found most recently on Pinterest, drinks lots of coffee (Aeropress btw) and occasional wine (reds—and she saves the corks for craft projects), works out (while listening to audiobooks), and studies the Bible—about half of the podcasts on Christian Natural Health are scripture meditations.
She does sleep, too. Promise.
Join her newsletter for best-of-the-month reads, freebies and giveaway information, as well as new releases! http://eepurl.com/F3rof
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
August 29, 2022
Decent book. Definitely more for the YA christian reader. These are the stories of the miracles Jesus preformed. Each short story starts with the fictional retelling, then the authors explanation as to why it was told this way, followed by the biblical account. I was impressed that each short story also included the bible verse immediately after instead of having to flip to the back or pull out a bible for reference.
The stories were easy to read, engaging, and for the most part biblically accurate. The style of writing was a little juvenile for me but that takes nothing away from the beautiful job the author did. I absolutely plan on giving my girls a copy since the book is more geared to their reading, they are 11 and 12yrs old.
I received an advanced review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The stories were easy to read, engaging, and for the most part biblically accurate. The style of writing was a little juvenile for me but that takes nothing away from the beautiful job the author did. I absolutely plan on giving my girls a copy since the book is more geared to their reading, they are 11 and 12yrs old.
I received an advanced review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 4, 2021
I loved this.
This book contains so many of the 'stories' that you will be very familiar with if you've read the Bible/attended church/been to Sunday school or similar. Sometimes, when you've read or heard these so many times, the meaning gets a little lost. We become too familiar with them and stop actually listening to the message. A book like 'Messiah: Biblical Retellings' makes us listen again.
How?
By telling each story from a particular perspective, a personal one, the reader becomes a part of the story. The imagery created here really drew me in and I could 'see' the Biblical world with all those very real people and places and situations. The stories felt so much more relevant to me than they have in a long time.
What this book really is is a mixture of fiction and Biblical truth. There's obviously creative license when it comes to telling the story in a way that isn't represented in the Bible, but that doesn't mean it's not true to the Word. I do feel that the author was writing with a connection to God as I could feel the power in the telling, like when you realise there's a message that speaks to you.
Ultimately, I loved this book because it engaged me with these parts of the Bible once again. Each story gave me a better understanding of the Biblical event and it was also exciting. I was excited to get stuck in and immerse myself in Jesus' ministry. I also love that the actual Bible text is included after each story. Whilst the author has pondered the placement (should it be before or after the 'fictional' element) I think it's correct. The creative telling gets the reader involved and deeply invested in reading further so then the Bible passage becomes the next course. If the Bible passage was first, I fear a reader might disengage particularly if, like me, they feel they already know the story too well.
In conclusion, this is a great book for anyone who knows their Bible but has maybe stopped actually reading and listening in the way they need to. The new perspective brings life to the stories and allows a reader to really ponder the ministry of Jesus. I think it would also appeal to new Christians or even those still searching, although I'm less qualified to comment on that at this stage in my own journey. It certainly makes this part of the Bible very accessible.
I did receive an ARC of this book so I chose to write a review to help you decide whether to make a purchase. I know how difficult it is to choose a book when it's newly published and there's little in the way of feedback. With this book, I don't think you could make a mistake by purchasing it. I'm considering purchasing the paperback as this is one I'd like to add to my physical bookshelf.
This book contains so many of the 'stories' that you will be very familiar with if you've read the Bible/attended church/been to Sunday school or similar. Sometimes, when you've read or heard these so many times, the meaning gets a little lost. We become too familiar with them and stop actually listening to the message. A book like 'Messiah: Biblical Retellings' makes us listen again.
How?
By telling each story from a particular perspective, a personal one, the reader becomes a part of the story. The imagery created here really drew me in and I could 'see' the Biblical world with all those very real people and places and situations. The stories felt so much more relevant to me than they have in a long time.
What this book really is is a mixture of fiction and Biblical truth. There's obviously creative license when it comes to telling the story in a way that isn't represented in the Bible, but that doesn't mean it's not true to the Word. I do feel that the author was writing with a connection to God as I could feel the power in the telling, like when you realise there's a message that speaks to you.
Ultimately, I loved this book because it engaged me with these parts of the Bible once again. Each story gave me a better understanding of the Biblical event and it was also exciting. I was excited to get stuck in and immerse myself in Jesus' ministry. I also love that the actual Bible text is included after each story. Whilst the author has pondered the placement (should it be before or after the 'fictional' element) I think it's correct. The creative telling gets the reader involved and deeply invested in reading further so then the Bible passage becomes the next course. If the Bible passage was first, I fear a reader might disengage particularly if, like me, they feel they already know the story too well.
In conclusion, this is a great book for anyone who knows their Bible but has maybe stopped actually reading and listening in the way they need to. The new perspective brings life to the stories and allows a reader to really ponder the ministry of Jesus. I think it would also appeal to new Christians or even those still searching, although I'm less qualified to comment on that at this stage in my own journey. It certainly makes this part of the Bible very accessible.
I did receive an ARC of this book so I chose to write a review to help you decide whether to make a purchase. I know how difficult it is to choose a book when it's newly published and there's little in the way of feedback. With this book, I don't think you could make a mistake by purchasing it. I'm considering purchasing the paperback as this is one I'd like to add to my physical bookshelf.
January 21, 2021
This is a book of stories from the four gospels, told in chronological order. The author fleshes out what is present in Scripture with backstories, inner dialogs, and additional details. After each story, she gives an afterword that outlines why she made the choices she did, along with some solid theology. This is followed by the Scriptures for the story, including all versions in the gospels. When I started reading this book, I was annoyed by this format, because it breaks up the action. I finally had a talk with myself, realizing that this was a personal problem. Once I decided to just read the book as it is and not as I would choose to write it, I was able to settle in and enjoy it. Then I began to appreciate this format and would not want to change it.
C.A. did not make up these characters and stories out of whole cloth – she has obviously done a great deal of research. She readily references commentaries by other writers and carefully weaves a scene using all of the gospel renditions. Some choices were made based on things the characters did in other parts of the gospels or in letters they wrote.
I recently watched the first season of “The Chosen” series and loved the way these Biblical scenes and characters are brought to life. They were people just like us, making good and not-so-good decisions, with the same kind of motivations we experience today. “Messiah” does the same thing. It can be hard to relate to people in a book that is so old, especially if we have grown up with the Elizabethan language in the King James Version. Many of us have grown up with these stories and heard them repeated so often that our brains shut off. But when we can look behind the curtain, as it were, it can open our eyes afresh.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who would not be offended by trying to bring Scripture to life. Even those who think they might be offended should give it a read – you could be surprised in the best possible way.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
C.A. did not make up these characters and stories out of whole cloth – she has obviously done a great deal of research. She readily references commentaries by other writers and carefully weaves a scene using all of the gospel renditions. Some choices were made based on things the characters did in other parts of the gospels or in letters they wrote.
I recently watched the first season of “The Chosen” series and loved the way these Biblical scenes and characters are brought to life. They were people just like us, making good and not-so-good decisions, with the same kind of motivations we experience today. “Messiah” does the same thing. It can be hard to relate to people in a book that is so old, especially if we have grown up with the Elizabethan language in the King James Version. Many of us have grown up with these stories and heard them repeated so often that our brains shut off. But when we can look behind the curtain, as it were, it can open our eyes afresh.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who would not be offended by trying to bring Scripture to life. Even those who think they might be offended should give it a read – you could be surprised in the best possible way.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 8, 2021
As a lifetime Biblical Scholar and sometimes teacher, I was happy to be chosen to receive this ARC copy to review. This is my freely given honest review.
The set up for presentation is first, the author’s “fictionalized retelling of a Bible story from the point of view of the most interesting character.” This is not a fairy tale but the author making Bible study personal.
She then follows up with Bible Commentaries to authenticate and translate Greek words and context,
Finally, she gives the New King James Version of the verses chosen. It reads like the Bible I grew up with, but without the traditional “Thees and Thous” found in the Original King James translation.
When I first started the book, I felt the Bible verses should be first. I went with the book form and soon realized that the reader might get more from each section if they had the author’s point of view rather than King James’.
This work could work in more than one way. It could be read and pondered as I did. It would also work in a Bible study group who could read and then discuss with the group.
The set up for presentation is first, the author’s “fictionalized retelling of a Bible story from the point of view of the most interesting character.” This is not a fairy tale but the author making Bible study personal.
She then follows up with Bible Commentaries to authenticate and translate Greek words and context,
Finally, she gives the New King James Version of the verses chosen. It reads like the Bible I grew up with, but without the traditional “Thees and Thous” found in the Original King James translation.
When I first started the book, I felt the Bible verses should be first. I went with the book form and soon realized that the reader might get more from each section if they had the author’s point of view rather than King James’.
This work could work in more than one way. It could be read and pondered as I did. It would also work in a Bible study group who could read and then discuss with the group.
March 28, 2021
This collection of fictional retellings of Biblical stories was truly captivating. The author clearly did their research and after each retelling there was an afterword explaining their research as well as the actual Biblical story so that you knew what was real and what was embellished. Having read these stories many times in the Bible, these fictional perspectives of the stories brought them to life for me. There were times I felt my eyes welling up with tears as I imagined myself truly being there to witness Jesus’s miracles. If you’re looking for something to help bring Scripture to life, this is a good place to start. Although there is fiction in the stories, all stories are based in fact and research so you know where the stories vary from the original.
March 18, 2026
C.A. Gray has an undeniable talent for taking the "Sunday School" version of these stories and drenching them in sensory detail. The imagery of the water-to-wine transformation (mirrored so strikingly on the cover) sets the tone for the prose. She doesn't just tell you a miracle happened; she describes the weight of the water, the shock of the onlookers, and the dust of the Galilean roads.
From a literary standpoint, it’s immersive. It feels less like reading a dry historical account and more like sitting in the front row of a high-budget period drama.
The "HOWEVER" in my experience is the heart of the debate over this book. Retellings like Messiah rely heavily on Midrash (the practice of filling in the blanks of a story).
Gray spends a lot of time exploring:
The Inner Monologue: What was Mary thinking during the years of silence?
The Social Dynamics: The imagined conversations between disciples that weren't recorded in the Gospels.
Human Vulnerability: Portraying the humanity of the figures in a way that feels modern.
For many readers, this is what makes the book "breathe." But for those who hold the Word as complete, these "assumptions about feelings and happenings" can feel like a step too far. It creates a strange cognitive dissonance: you're enjoying the story as a piece of fiction, but your spirit is constantly checking it against the "original" and finding extra weight that wasn't intended to be there.
The writing is objectively strong. Gray knows how to pace a story and build tension even when we already know the ending. But there is a specific kind of discomfort that comes when a writer puts words in the mouth of the Divine. If you go into this looking for a "vibe" or a creative "what if," it’s a compelling read. But if you’re looking for something that stays strictly within the lines of the text, the creative liberties might feel more like distractions than enhancements.
It’s a beautiful book, but one that requires the reader to constantly separate the art from the Almighty.
"I enjoyed the journey, but I’m not sure I’m ready to trade the silence of the scriptures for the assumptions of a novelist.".
From a literary standpoint, it’s immersive. It feels less like reading a dry historical account and more like sitting in the front row of a high-budget period drama.
The "HOWEVER" in my experience is the heart of the debate over this book. Retellings like Messiah rely heavily on Midrash (the practice of filling in the blanks of a story).
Gray spends a lot of time exploring:
The Inner Monologue: What was Mary thinking during the years of silence?
The Social Dynamics: The imagined conversations between disciples that weren't recorded in the Gospels.
Human Vulnerability: Portraying the humanity of the figures in a way that feels modern.
For many readers, this is what makes the book "breathe." But for those who hold the Word as complete, these "assumptions about feelings and happenings" can feel like a step too far. It creates a strange cognitive dissonance: you're enjoying the story as a piece of fiction, but your spirit is constantly checking it against the "original" and finding extra weight that wasn't intended to be there.
The writing is objectively strong. Gray knows how to pace a story and build tension even when we already know the ending. But there is a specific kind of discomfort that comes when a writer puts words in the mouth of the Divine. If you go into this looking for a "vibe" or a creative "what if," it’s a compelling read. But if you’re looking for something that stays strictly within the lines of the text, the creative liberties might feel more like distractions than enhancements.
It’s a beautiful book, but one that requires the reader to constantly separate the art from the Almighty.
"I enjoyed the journey, but I’m not sure I’m ready to trade the silence of the scriptures for the assumptions of a novelist.".
February 7, 2021
This is a collection of short stories that retell the miracles of Jesus from various viewpoints. Author C.A. Gray took the details from the New Testament and then imagined what the miracle stories would have looked like through the eyes of the Biblical characters who witnessed them. They are in chronological order, and each is followed by an Afterword from the author explaining some of her research and thinking in how she retold the story. And the Biblical texts follow as well, in New King James Version.
Gray chose one character as the viewpoint character for each of the miracles - often the person for whom the miracle was performed. It's interesting to consider what it was like for those who were blind or crippled to meet Jesus and be healed, and to look at the story from their perspective. Peter is the viewpoint character for several of the stories, and although told in third person, even Jesus is the viewpoint character when he calms the wind and waves.
All the stories are very well written, faithful to the Scripture, and very well researched. The additional details, thoughts, and dialogue that are added suit the context and do not contradict the scriptural accounts in any way. In fact, I found them helpful in understanding the possibilities for why one gospel writer tells of only one blind man being healed while another says there were two; or why one account mentions only Mary Magdalene or one angel at the empty tomb but another account names three women and mentions two angels. The afterwords are also enlightening, as the author shares more about her research and her interpretation of the events.
With short vignette stories, crisp explanations to inspire further study, and included Scripture to make verification simple, these retellings make the Biblical accounts of Jesus the Messiah and his miracles vivid and real.
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
Gray chose one character as the viewpoint character for each of the miracles - often the person for whom the miracle was performed. It's interesting to consider what it was like for those who were blind or crippled to meet Jesus and be healed, and to look at the story from their perspective. Peter is the viewpoint character for several of the stories, and although told in third person, even Jesus is the viewpoint character when he calms the wind and waves.
All the stories are very well written, faithful to the Scripture, and very well researched. The additional details, thoughts, and dialogue that are added suit the context and do not contradict the scriptural accounts in any way. In fact, I found them helpful in understanding the possibilities for why one gospel writer tells of only one blind man being healed while another says there were two; or why one account mentions only Mary Magdalene or one angel at the empty tomb but another account names three women and mentions two angels. The afterwords are also enlightening, as the author shares more about her research and her interpretation of the events.
With short vignette stories, crisp explanations to inspire further study, and included Scripture to make verification simple, these retellings make the Biblical accounts of Jesus the Messiah and his miracles vivid and real.
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
January 26, 2021
Today is release day for Messiah, the first in my biblical retellings series!
This book started as a challenge from my mom. We both study the Bible extensively, and I’m also a writer—so she challenged me to write retellings of Biblical stories to get my imagination engaged. At first I just shared them with her. But I also have a podcast called Christian Natural Health that includes scripture meditations—so I thought, why not record them for those episodes? I started to do that, and before long I amassed so many of them that I decided to publish them. Then I realized, there’s too many for just one book! So now it’s a series. This is the first in the series, and I thought it only appropriate that it would be about Jesus, since everything in the Old and the New Testament revolves around Him. I also wanted to group His miracles together to try to get to know Him better. I hope this collection does the same thing for others.
This book started as a challenge from my mom. We both study the Bible extensively, and I’m also a writer—so she challenged me to write retellings of Biblical stories to get my imagination engaged. At first I just shared them with her. But I also have a podcast called Christian Natural Health that includes scripture meditations—so I thought, why not record them for those episodes? I started to do that, and before long I amassed so many of them that I decided to publish them. Then I realized, there’s too many for just one book! So now it’s a series. This is the first in the series, and I thought it only appropriate that it would be about Jesus, since everything in the Old and the New Testament revolves around Him. I also wanted to group His miracles together to try to get to know Him better. I hope this collection does the same thing for others.
January 31, 2021
Absolutely loved this book. It was like getting a front row seat at Jesus’ miracles in the gospels. Each of the 24 retelling is told from perspective of person on the scene and includes cultural and historical context as well as inside look at feelings and reactions of the people there. It really made me see the miracles in a new light. Definitely recommend this book. I also enjoyed that after each retelling, there was an afterword which served like a commentary to explain the elements of the story. This was followed by the actual Bible verses for that miracle, from each gospel that included the specific miracle.
October 4, 2021
Messiah is a Biblical Retelling by C A Gray. I am very picky about fictional stories about Christ. Messiah is outstanding! The book begins with the birth of Jesus which is told from Mary's point of view. Each chapter shows more in the life of Christ told from a different point of view. The book took me from the birth of Jesus to the miracles and ministry ending with the death, resurrection, and seeing His disciples after the resurrection. C A Gray did a masterful job of making the well known story interesting and fresh. I can't wait to read another of Gray's books. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
May 24, 2021
I really enjoyed this series of short stories based on scripture. I struggle to just sit and read the Bible. These stories helped bring the characters to life and helped me understand what they were likely feeling. The author gives some great insight at the end of each story followed by the scripture(s) the story is based on.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 8, 2024
Meditations on the Messiah
This book makes you think about what it was like to walk with Jesus. To talk with Him. To listen to His words.
This book makes you think about what it was like to walk with Jesus. To talk with Him. To listen to His words.
August 14, 2024
Wonderful
This was a very good read. It tells the miracles Jesus did in a more personal way through the eyes of the participant.
This was a very good read. It tells the miracles Jesus did in a more personal way through the eyes of the participant.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews