King of the Jews: Resurrecting the Jewish Jesus

by D. Thomas Lancaster

Is it possible to have the wrong Jesus? Bible critics and scholars are talking about the difference between the Jesus Christ of Christianity and the historical Jesus. But who is the historical Jesus? Jesus is not a one-size-fits all mystic. He wasn't a Christian either. He was a Jew. While stripping back centuries of cultural misinterpretations, Lancaster reveals the historical Jewish Jesus in vivid new strokes and colors that fire the heart and deepen devotion to Him. King of the Jews digs into the history and literature of early Judaism to demonstrate the authenticity of the Gospels and to dispel today's errant re-interpretations of Jesus.

Genres: Spirituality, Nonfiction, Religion, Theology

256 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2006

About the author

D. Thomas Lancaster is Director of Education at First Fruits of Zion, editor of Messiah Magazine, and author of the Torah Club commentaries and several books and study programs. He is also the pastor of Beth Immanuel Messianic Synagogue in Hudson, WI.

Reviews

[Kingskid10 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing. The pinnacle of this book is the chapter on 'The House of Water Drawing' which explains Sukkot (The Feast of Tabernacles) in it's historical context, i.e. how it was celebrated in Yeshua's day. In short, it is absolutely fascinating

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

"King of the Jews" is a Bible background book. While I have no doubt that the author accepts Yeshua as the Messiah, some of his comments seem to indicate a belief that the Law is what saves and what Jesus came to do was to call people to repent and follow the Law. I have a problem with that. On the other hand, he does believe that the New Testament is an accurate record (which I agree with).

The author picked certain parables and events in the gospels that he felt he could make clearer or correct a common misinterpretation of by comparing it to related sayings by rabbis of around the same time period. Some of his explanations were, indeed, very interesting and enlightening. Sometimes he "corrected" an interpretation I'd never heard to one I already held--or held something very close to--just from reading the Bible. For some of the explanations, I couldn't follow how the points he explained related to (or cleared up) the verses in the Bible. And, finally, for some explanations, it seemed like a stretch to say they were what Jesus was actually referring to.

So I found maybe a third of the book to be excellent, but the rest was confusing or something I didn't agree with. This book is better than some of the Bible background books I've read, but I've also read many that are better (like "Sitting at the Feet of Rabbi Jesus").

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had already studied through the FFOZ Torah Club volume 4 twice, so this book was an easy enjoyable, refreshing read for me. It was a quicker more cons use version of the year long study in one place. I especially love chapter 5 on Pharisees. Happy reading!

[Dr. Paul T. Blake · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good insights on the Jewish realities of Jesus and His Word

[Candice · Rating 5 out of 5]

such an amazing book...I highlighted and outlined and read this book to pieces at least 3 times and then passed it on......what treasures are to be found in Yeshua's parables.