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The Cross-Shaped Life: Taking on Christ's Humanity
In the cross, we discover not only who God is, but who we are made to be.Who are we? This is one of the oldest questions, and the bottom-line answer is that we are created in the image of God. But when we ask what it means to live in the image of God, we cannot forget the cross. After all, God came, took on our likeness, and died on the cross. So what does it mean to live in the image of a God who is willing to die on a cross?Though the cross is a well-known symbol in Western society, we are not prone to think of the cross as the key to our identity. Yet to discover the heart of God, and therefore who we are to be as his image bearers, it is to the cross that we must turn.The journey of The Cross-Shaped Life takes readers into the story of God from creation to salvation, but it culminates in Paul's words found in Philippians 2:5–11. It’s in these few verses that readers will discover that though our Western culture tells us that in order to find ourselves we must continue to acquire more prestige, power, and possessions, the truth is that we only discover who we truly are when we live lives of humility, service, and sacrifice on behalf of others.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 21, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
November 20, 2021
The Bible takes the top two spots for the best books I've read all year. The Cross-Shaped Life is certainly in the top ten, probably top five. Since I'm closing in on a hundred books (97 to date), that is no small feat. Especially since there is nothing in this book that struck me as incredibly profound, new, or revelatory.
Coach Wooden was one of the greatest basketball coaches of all time. In twelve seasons he won the national title ten times. If you were to ask him, or Coach K, Jimmy Boeheim, or any other coaching great (including CBC coach Kirk Hanson) the secret to their success, they would almost certainly talk about teaching the fundamentals. Wooden believed this so much, one of the first things he taught all his new Freshmen was how to tie their shoes. I kid you not.
This book is the "shoe tying" lesson of Christianity we all need, but think we don't. Kennon's book is inspired by the Kenotic Hymn of Philippians 2 and is broken into two parts of four chapters each. The first part is the gospel. Kennon talks about what it means to be created in the image of God (our roots), and how we marred that image through sin (our ruin). Then he talks about the redemptive work of the cross (our rescue), and how the cross enables us to be justified before God (our restoration). The second part of the book talks about what our response to the gospel should be. If we are to have the same mindset as Christ Jesus (Phil 2:1-5), then we should be living lives of humility (ch 5), service (ch 6), obedience (ch 7), and sacrifice (ch 8).
Kennon makes some good illustrations to his points throughout. He also has solid interpretations and applications of scripture throughout. There is nothing flashy here, but from cover to cover he is writing well about the central issues of our faith. This would be a great work to cover chapter by chapter over two months in your small group or Sunday School class. It would also make a great resource for a pastor planning a two-part sermon series. Even if not picked up for either of those purposes, it is a work that any individual would benefit from reading. In fact, I'll probably be buying a few copies as Christmas presents.
.
.
.
.
Disclaimer:
I received a free digital copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. This in no way biased my view or the content of this review.
Coach Wooden was one of the greatest basketball coaches of all time. In twelve seasons he won the national title ten times. If you were to ask him, or Coach K, Jimmy Boeheim, or any other coaching great (including CBC coach Kirk Hanson) the secret to their success, they would almost certainly talk about teaching the fundamentals. Wooden believed this so much, one of the first things he taught all his new Freshmen was how to tie their shoes. I kid you not.
This book is the "shoe tying" lesson of Christianity we all need, but think we don't. Kennon's book is inspired by the Kenotic Hymn of Philippians 2 and is broken into two parts of four chapters each. The first part is the gospel. Kennon talks about what it means to be created in the image of God (our roots), and how we marred that image through sin (our ruin). Then he talks about the redemptive work of the cross (our rescue), and how the cross enables us to be justified before God (our restoration). The second part of the book talks about what our response to the gospel should be. If we are to have the same mindset as Christ Jesus (Phil 2:1-5), then we should be living lives of humility (ch 5), service (ch 6), obedience (ch 7), and sacrifice (ch 8).
Kennon makes some good illustrations to his points throughout. He also has solid interpretations and applications of scripture throughout. There is nothing flashy here, but from cover to cover he is writing well about the central issues of our faith. This would be a great work to cover chapter by chapter over two months in your small group or Sunday School class. It would also make a great resource for a pastor planning a two-part sermon series. Even if not picked up for either of those purposes, it is a work that any individual would benefit from reading. In fact, I'll probably be buying a few copies as Christmas presents.
.
.
.
.
Disclaimer:
I received a free digital copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. This in no way biased my view or the content of this review.
March 9, 2022
Summary: A practical exploration of what it means to be made in the image of a God who died on the cross, to have the cross shape and form the way we live.
According to Jeff Kennon, two of my favorite books, The Crucifixion by Fleming Routledge and The Cross of Christ by John R. W. Stott, are among the very few books written in recent years on the cross. Given that the cross is so central to the Christian life, that observation alone is probably worth a book. What this book is about is what it means to “image” God, referring back to the Genesis 1. Kennon contends that God has shown us in the life of Christ, a life shaped by the cross. In fact, what Kennon proposes, using the language of Michael Gorman, is that we image God as our lives become cruciform, shaped by the cross of Christ.
The first four chapters of the book trace the story arc of scripture in terms of roots, ruin, rescue, and restoration. Roots focuses on humanity’s creation in the image of God. Ruin considers our exchange of living in the image of God for the false lure of becoming God, worshiping either ourselves or other things that become idols. Rescue talks about the God, who in Jesus gets his feet dirty, and endures the scandal of the cross, the great exchange of his life for ours. Restoration goes even deeper into the work of the cross, pointing to the reality that to understand what God is like is to understand that this is a God who empties God’s self and dies and we live like God, like Christ, when we live like that, rather than pretending to be gods. That is restoration.
In the next four chapters, Kennon identifies four qualities of the cruciform life. Humility is realizing that we are enough, that God has made us good, loves us, and we’ve nothing to prove. It’s not that we think less of ourselves but rather not thinking of ourselves any differently than we think of others. Service means life lived for others, just for their sake and not being in control. Obedience is saying “not my will” but devoting oneself to listening to Jesus and then doing what he says, even as he did the Father’s will. Obedience thus takes us into the depths of God’s heart. Sacrifice chooses what is best for another over what is best for ourselves.
Kennon supports each theme in the book from scripture and illustrates the key points in each chapter, both from history and his own life, in a straightforward fashion. He moves between Jürgen Moltmann and David Foster Wallace, between N. T. Wright and Jim Carrey as he draws out for us the story of the cross, and how to allow it to shape our lives.
This is a good book to be reading during Lent. All of us need to be reminded of what it means to deny ourselves, take up our crosses, and follow Christ. It is also a good book to give either the person considering what it means to become a follower of Jesus or someone recently baptized who is just beginning the journey of being formed by Christ. In a church so distracted by the latest cultural crisis or scheme to make us successful, Kennon focuses on the good stuff of what it is like to be formed by the cross of Christ. In doing so, he doesn’t tell us what we want to hear, but what we desperately need. It’s truly the only way we’ll discover who we were meant to be.
____________________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
According to Jeff Kennon, two of my favorite books, The Crucifixion by Fleming Routledge and The Cross of Christ by John R. W. Stott, are among the very few books written in recent years on the cross. Given that the cross is so central to the Christian life, that observation alone is probably worth a book. What this book is about is what it means to “image” God, referring back to the Genesis 1. Kennon contends that God has shown us in the life of Christ, a life shaped by the cross. In fact, what Kennon proposes, using the language of Michael Gorman, is that we image God as our lives become cruciform, shaped by the cross of Christ.
The first four chapters of the book trace the story arc of scripture in terms of roots, ruin, rescue, and restoration. Roots focuses on humanity’s creation in the image of God. Ruin considers our exchange of living in the image of God for the false lure of becoming God, worshiping either ourselves or other things that become idols. Rescue talks about the God, who in Jesus gets his feet dirty, and endures the scandal of the cross, the great exchange of his life for ours. Restoration goes even deeper into the work of the cross, pointing to the reality that to understand what God is like is to understand that this is a God who empties God’s self and dies and we live like God, like Christ, when we live like that, rather than pretending to be gods. That is restoration.
In the next four chapters, Kennon identifies four qualities of the cruciform life. Humility is realizing that we are enough, that God has made us good, loves us, and we’ve nothing to prove. It’s not that we think less of ourselves but rather not thinking of ourselves any differently than we think of others. Service means life lived for others, just for their sake and not being in control. Obedience is saying “not my will” but devoting oneself to listening to Jesus and then doing what he says, even as he did the Father’s will. Obedience thus takes us into the depths of God’s heart. Sacrifice chooses what is best for another over what is best for ourselves.
Kennon supports each theme in the book from scripture and illustrates the key points in each chapter, both from history and his own life, in a straightforward fashion. He moves between Jürgen Moltmann and David Foster Wallace, between N. T. Wright and Jim Carrey as he draws out for us the story of the cross, and how to allow it to shape our lives.
This is a good book to be reading during Lent. All of us need to be reminded of what it means to deny ourselves, take up our crosses, and follow Christ. It is also a good book to give either the person considering what it means to become a follower of Jesus or someone recently baptized who is just beginning the journey of being formed by Christ. In a church so distracted by the latest cultural crisis or scheme to make us successful, Kennon focuses on the good stuff of what it is like to be formed by the cross of Christ. In doing so, he doesn’t tell us what we want to hear, but what we desperately need. It’s truly the only way we’ll discover who we were meant to be.
____________________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
October 21, 2021
The Cross-Shaped Life
Taking on Christ's Humanity
by Jeff Kennon
Pub Date 21 Sep 2021
Abilene Christian University Press & Leafwood Publishers, Leafwood Publishers
Christian | Religion & Spirituality
I am reviewing a copy of The Cross Shaped Life through Abilene Christian University Press & Leafwood Publishers, Leafwood Publishers and NetGalley:
One of the oldest questions is who are we? And the bottom-line answer is that we are created in the image of God. But when we ask what it means to live in the image of God, we cannot forget the cross. We cannot forget the Cross because God came, took on our likeness, and died on the cross. So what does it mean to live in the image of a God who is willing to die on a cross?
Despite the fact that the Cross is a well known symbol in Western Society we are not prone to think of the cross as the key to our identity. But in order to discover the heart of God, and therefore who we are to be as his image bearers, it is to the cross that we must turn.
The Cross Shaped Life takes readers into the story of God from creation to salvation, but it culminates in Paul’s words found in Philippians 2:5–11. It’s in these few verses that readers will discover that though our Western culture tells us that in order to find ourselves we must continue to acquire more prestige, power, and possessions, the truth is that we only discover who we truly are when we live lives of humility, service, and sacrifice on behalf of others.
I give The Cross Shaped Life five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
Taking on Christ's Humanity
by Jeff Kennon
Pub Date 21 Sep 2021
Abilene Christian University Press & Leafwood Publishers, Leafwood Publishers
Christian | Religion & Spirituality
I am reviewing a copy of The Cross Shaped Life through Abilene Christian University Press & Leafwood Publishers, Leafwood Publishers and NetGalley:
One of the oldest questions is who are we? And the bottom-line answer is that we are created in the image of God. But when we ask what it means to live in the image of God, we cannot forget the cross. We cannot forget the Cross because God came, took on our likeness, and died on the cross. So what does it mean to live in the image of a God who is willing to die on a cross?
Despite the fact that the Cross is a well known symbol in Western Society we are not prone to think of the cross as the key to our identity. But in order to discover the heart of God, and therefore who we are to be as his image bearers, it is to the cross that we must turn.
The Cross Shaped Life takes readers into the story of God from creation to salvation, but it culminates in Paul’s words found in Philippians 2:5–11. It’s in these few verses that readers will discover that though our Western culture tells us that in order to find ourselves we must continue to acquire more prestige, power, and possessions, the truth is that we only discover who we truly are when we live lives of humility, service, and sacrifice on behalf of others.
I give The Cross Shaped Life five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
December 17, 2021
We in the western world, live in a self-centred culture. Kennon aptly quotes the Australian Pastor and cultural commentator, Mark Sayers as saying that we live in a "media-drenched landscape where vanity is no longer a sin; it is a virtue. Narcissism is no longer a psychological condition; it is now celebrated". Kennon calls us to drag our eyes away from the mirror, or selfie cam, and turn to the cross of Christ where we find true freedom in the paradoxical virtues of humility, service, obedience and forgiveness. It is a call to live a costly, countercultural life and this message is the medicine we all need - I certainly needed it.
I particularly enjoyed the chapter on humility where Kennon challenges the reader to embrace the values of patience, rest, submission, graciousness and willingness to admit our wrongs to others.
The Cross-Shaped Life is a challenging but refreshing read that makes the concept of "cruciform living" accessible and readily understandable to everyone.
I particularly enjoyed the chapter on humility where Kennon challenges the reader to embrace the values of patience, rest, submission, graciousness and willingness to admit our wrongs to others.
The Cross-Shaped Life is a challenging but refreshing read that makes the concept of "cruciform living" accessible and readily understandable to everyone.
February 25, 2026
The Cross-Shaped Life: Taking on Christ's Humanity is a powerful and thought-provoking work that invites readers into a deeper understanding of faith and discipleship. The author presents profound spiritual truths with clarity, compassion, and authenticity, making complex theological ideas both accessible and meaningful.
What truly stands out is the way this book challenges readers not just to reflect, but to live differently — to embody humility, love, and Christ-like character in everyday life. It is inspiring, convicting, and beautifully written. A remarkable contribution that encourages spiritual growth and lasting transformation.
A truly impactful and commendable work. 🙏📖✨
What truly stands out is the way this book challenges readers not just to reflect, but to live differently — to embody humility, love, and Christ-like character in everyday life. It is inspiring, convicting, and beautifully written. A remarkable contribution that encourages spiritual growth and lasting transformation.
A truly impactful and commendable work. 🙏📖✨
November 16, 2025
This book really made me think. Kennon breaks things down in a way that’s easy to understand but still meaningful. I especially liked the way he talks about humility not as weakness, but as the path to actually becoming more like Jesus. It’s a reminder a lot of us need. The writing is clear, relatable, and encouraging. A great book if you’re looking to grow in your faith and understand the heart of Christ more deeply.
November 16, 2025
Jeff Kennon approaches the cross not just as a symbol but as a framework for understanding who we are meant to become. I appreciated how he weaves together theology, Scripture, and personal insight without overwhelming the reader. His discussion about Christ taking on our likeness, and what that means for how we relate to others, is both theologically sound and emotionally impactful. This is a book that invites contemplation and offers a fresh lens on spiritual identity.
November 16, 2025
I found this book incredibly uplifting. Kennon writes in a way that feels like a gentle conversation with a wise friend. The idea that our identity is shaped through humility, sacrifice, and service really resonated with me. His reflections on Philippians 2:5–11 are especially strong and offer practical ways to live with more grace and purpose. If you enjoy devotional-style books that challenge and encourage at the same time, this one is worth your attention.
April 25, 2022
I was very curious about the author’s take on what is arguably the central concept of Christianity … to live like Christ. There really is nothing terribly new here; however, the author does provide a highly accessible treatment of the subject that is useful for instruction and meditation on the Christian Life … why was the cross necessary and significant is covered in the first half; although we don’t get much in the way of how the cross actually calls us [Christians] to live Christ’s example [and how to do so] until the second half … with a fair amount of repetitive thought and discourse along the way. Ultimately we get the idea that “Sacrifice” is “at the core of the cross” … meaning that we are called to walk a path of sacrifice in service to others … this probably won’t come of much of a surprise for most [devout] Christians; however, it does provide an opportunity to review how well we do it … and where we fall short and need correction.
I was given this free advance reader copy (ARC) ebook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
#TheCrossShapedLife #NetGalley.
I was given this free advance reader copy (ARC) ebook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
#TheCrossShapedLife #NetGalley.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews