33: Reflections on the Gospel of Saint John

by Andrew Roycroft (Editor), Ned Bustard (Art), Malcolm Guite (Foreword)

Dwelling on the life and death of Jesus Christ is a key discipline for growth in Christian grace, enriching the mind and drawing out our affections after the Saviour. Andrew Roycroft's 33-word poems along with Ned Bustard's linocuts invite reflection on and contemplation of the wonder of the God Man as they meditatively lead the reader through key points in the Gospel of John. Each reading is anchored in Scripture and accompanied by additional study options that invite readers into deeper engagement with the biblical text.

Genres: Poetry

96 pages, Paperback

Published October 1, 2022

Reviews

[Jeremy Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Achingly good. This is a collection of 33 artfully crafted poems consisting of only 33 words per poem, each capturing a moment in time in the life of Christ as told by John's gospel. Roycroft brings the reader through the entire gospel, bringing us into direct contact with key moments in Christ's earthly life and ministry. Roycroft's poetry brings fresh insight, visceral experience, spiritual force, and emotional weight to these familiar vignettes. The poems do what great poetry ought to do: awaken anew hearts, minds, and souls to old truths that we've grown accustomed to or too familiar with to notice. My senses were drawn in and my imagination ignited by his words. I felt I was there at Lazarus' resurrection, at the Last Supper, at the Cross. What a gift to the church! Roycroft also provides brief pastoral commentary for each poem. The book is masterfully illustrated by Ned Bustard, adding additional opportunities to pause, reflect, and take in the scene being portrayed with each poem. This is a book of poems I plan to revisit again and again in the coming years. If I could give it more than five stars, I would!

[Lori Eby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exquisite, deeply moving, a wee book to live with. The twining of poem and art and prose is truly powerful, and its lines haunt me in the best way.

[K.B. Hoyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this book at a local event with Ned (the artist/illustrator), and I’m so glad I did. It’s a wonderful pairing of art, poetry, and scripture that takes the reader through the life of Christ. Read one poem at a time, or read through it in a sitting or two. It acts as a devotional or an aid to a devotional time. (Also, having traveled multiple times to Ireland, I appreciate the artistic references to medieval Irish sacred art.)

[Mark Loughridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

I rationed myself to one a day, and no peeking.

Rich, heart-stirring, thought-provoking, meditations on the Saviour. To taken slowly and savoured.

They opened my eyes to things I had never thought or considered before. Precious.

The poems, the commentary and the artwork all force you to slow down and think.

And not only that, but in pondering the imagery and scriptural connections evoked by particular word choices, the reader is further equipped to meditate on the richness of scripture—eg the connections hinted at by John’s choice of words and imagery in Revelation.

Excellent. Already planning another slow reread at Easter.

[Emily Crutchley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really powerfully captures the essence of John's gospel through 33 poems each with 33 words by a pastor poet from NI.
I am on a mission to make Andrew Roycroft famous.

[Unbridled Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This small volume includes 33 poems, each 33 words each on a verse in John. The journey of the word, through the life and ministry of Jesus, according to the disciple John and transformed into poetry by Andrew Roycroft, is extremely powerful. So many of these poems made me look at the way I look at Jesus - for example as a 'loaf king' in which I beg for crumbs but don't truly understand He is the bread of life.

If you are new to poetry or feel intimidated by the genre, this is a PERFECT book to pick up. Not only are the poems lovely and convicting, but Roycroft includes the verse he is writing about and there is an 'appendix' at the end that delves deeper into the poem. You can read a poem and refer to the appendix, or like me, I read the book, then enjoyed the appendix afterward.

I absolutely recommend this book of poetry! I loved it.

[Laure Hittle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book. Oh gosh, what a good practice it has been. i read one a day along with my other morning reading (which has been pretty heavy, so this has worked as a little bit of light and refreshment at the end) for over a month now, as i read mainly on weekdays. The short, contemplative poem format paired with evocative, thoughtful linocuts provided such a good meditation practice. The poet’s reflections at the end were valuable as well. Don’t rush. i will miss them. (And will return to them.)

i’ve appreciated this artist’s work for years, but had not read the poet. Now i want to find more of his work.

[Adam Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is beautiful and wonderful and has done me much good over the last month-and-a-bit. 33 poetic reflections on John’s gospel, each exactly 33 words, with accompanying linocuts by Ned Bustard. Andrew's carefully-weighted words give you much to ponder.

Lap lulled by lifeless waters,
ill-cast nets bearing no weight,
the fishermen see against
charcoal dawn
the lone figure of the Lord -
come to draw them in again,
and launch them out.

[Jessica Telian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this little book! The poems plus the linocut illustrations plus short meditations add such richness to the thirty-three different Scriptures from John. Roycroft's incredible wordsmithery shines through, often causing me to see familiar Bible passages in a completely new light. I'll definitely be coming back to this one.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This poetry collection is 33 poems by Andrew Roycroft, reflecting on the life of Christ through the Gospel of John. The poems are short, 33 words. I absolutely loved this book and have a few favorite poems. I will definitely be reading this one again in the future. So well done.