Echoes of His Presence: Stories of the Messiah from the People of His Day

by Ray Vander Laan

Journey back to the world of Jesus' day and take a historically- sound, culturally-accurate look at the Man, His ministry, and His message. ECHOES OF HIS PRESENCE takes you on an inspirational pilgrimage beside the springs of En Gedi, into the Judean Mountains, behind the walls of Jerusalem, and into the life of Christ. You'll experience the anticipation of the expectant Jewish culture, a people eager for the coming Messiah, and bask in the wonder of His compassionate ways. And you'll witness the confusion of Jesus' last days on earth, the savior they had longed for...the One they didn't want. Through historically accurate, fictional stories of people Jesus touched, ECHOES OF HIS PRESENCE spans the gap between the history of Jewish tradition and the nature of Western thinking, making the Savior's ministry relevant, significant, and more meaningful than ever to today's believers. You'll understand Scripture in its cultural context...and you'll fall in love with Him all over again.

Genres: Christian, Fiction, Faith

195 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 1996

Reviews

[Abrahamus · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is really great and insightful. Via a number of fictionalized but historically true-to-life characters and their often intertwining stories, the reader is drawn into the world of first century Judea which was the context of the Messiah's life and work upon earth. Over the years, I've used this book as the basis for Sunday School class material (sixth grade and up) as well as for devotional readings with my family.

Update: April, 2025
Finished another series of out-loud readings with my youngest two boys as part of our morning devotions at the start of each homeschooling day. This was the first time I’ve revisited in several years, but it still holds up! I can’t recommend it enough. Not to be disparaging, but no one should let the fact that it was published by Focus on the Family scare you away. Those who travel in the same theological circles as I do these days (a la James B. Jordan and Peter Leithart) will find much here that resonates, though in a quite different and unique presentation.

[Judith · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Easter approaches, I'm drawn again to certain chapters in this book. Reading the stories of Jewish daily life opened my eyes to the deep meaning behind much of Jesus' teaching and the sacraments He instituted.

[William · Rating 3 out of 5]

For those unfamiliar with Mr. Vander Laan, the book is an excellent introduction to many of his teachings.

[Emily Klooster · Rating 3 out of 5]

Surprisingly good for a book targeting the Christian market. (IYKYK)

[Kristen Bazen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned so much from this book. It's a bit like taking a trip to ancient Israel--much like his video series That the World May Know (which is also super amazing). RVL takes the perspectives of a shepherd girl, Roman soldier, stone mason, Herod the Great, etc. and shows us the cultural context and predominant mindsets of Jesus' day. The stories/scenes are very didactic (the only downside of this book) but since RVL is a teacher through and through, that's to be expected.

[Sara Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book helped me have an introduction into the deeper studies I hope to do on reading the Bible from an Easterners point of view. It was so good. Also helped me appreciate even greater the true story of Jesus on earth.

[Carol Solman-Repton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't going to read this book as it went into novel mode.
I thought it was giing to be a factual book but I made myself begin it and now
i am enjoying it.
It brings out the Jewishness of happenings with Jesus and so goves insight into how life could be around him.
I'm enjoying the interaction between the characters
Very good read and it gives you an insight into how characters in the Bible lived in Israel in ancient times

[Jodi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been to RVL's seminars a couple of times. He is such a dynamic speaker that the book loses a little of that feel, but I really enjoyed having some of the same material written down to refer back to both now and when I read it again.

[Rick · Rating 3 out of 5]

His DVD's are awesome. Book is pale in comparison, but still worth your time.

[Earl Baugh · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really like Ray, though this book seemed light compared to some of his talks. Maybe because I've heard a lot of what he wrote here.
Still very good, just not as deep as I was hoping for.