Reliving the Passion: Meditations on the Suffering Death and Resurrection of Jesus As Recorded In Mark

by Walter Wangerin Jr.

No story has more significance than the death and resurrection of Jesus. But somehow the oft-repeated tale of Christ's passion can become too familiar, too formalized, for us to experience its incredible immediacy. The meditations in Reliving the Passion, which received a Gold Medallion Award in 1993, follow the story as given in the gospel of Mark---from the moment when the chief priests plot to kill Jesus to the Resurrection. But these readings are more than a recounting of events; they are an imaginary reenactment, leading the reader to re-experience the Passion or perhaps see it fully for the very first time. As only a great storyteller can, Walter Wangerin enables the reader to see the story from the inside, to discover the strangeness and wonder of the events as they unfold. It's like being there. In vivid images and richly personal detail, Wangerin helps us recognize our own faces on the streets of Jerusalem; breathe the dark and heavy air of Golgotha; and experience, as Mary and Peter did, the bewilderment, the challenge, and the ultimate revelation of knowing the man called Jesus. 'The story gets personal for every reader,' writes Wangerin, 'for this is indeed our story, the story whereby we personally have been saved from such a death as Jesus died. 'No, there is not another tale in the world more meaningful than this---here is where we all take our stands against sin and death and Satan, upon this historical, historic event. I consider it a holy privilege to participate in it retelling. 'Read this book slowly. Read it with a seeing faith. Walk the way with Jesus. We, his followers of later centuries, do follow even now. Read, walk, come, sigh, live. Live! Rise again!'

Genres: Christian, Christianity, Nonfiction, Devotional, Christian Living, Religion, Faith

156 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1992

About the author

Walter Wangerin Jr. is widely recognized as one of the most gifted writers writing today on the issues of faith and spirituality. Starting with the renowned Book of the Dun Cow, Wangerin's writing career has encompassed most every genre: fiction, essay, short story, children's story, meditation, and biblical exposition. His writing voice is immediately recognizable, and his fans number in the millions. The author of over forty books, Wangerin has won the National Book Award, New York Times Best Children's Book of the Year Award, and several Gold Medallions, including best-fiction awards for both The Book of God and Paul: A Novel. He lives in Valparaiso, Indiana, where he is Senior Research Professor at Valparaiso University.

Reviews

[Robin Langford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read this every other year at Lent for at least 20 years. I do appreciate how Wangerin engages my heart with a familiar story in unexpected ways. He writes powerfully and humbly.

2024: another year reading. No regrets.

[Desert Swede · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this out loud as a family for Lent. It ends on Easter day. A beautiful work.

[Caroline Cav]

Highly recommend if you need a Lenten devo next year! My fav

[Don Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank You for Drawing me closer to Him

This is an excellent devotional that draws the reader closer to the Savior by looking at the different perspectives of the witnesses of the Passion of the Christ.

I learned much as I looked at the different facets and view points of the Holy Week. This is a Great devotional for the Lenten season.

[Jo Ann]

A Lenten reading. I liked putting myself into the story of Jesus through the eyes of those in the story of Mark. This was like reading Wagerin’s Lectio divina reflections leading up to Easter. Some readings were more clear than others but I enjoyed this Easter devotional.

[Peter Hoft · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great Lenten devotional book based on Mark’s Passion account. Written in first person, Wangerin’s words are filled with emotion. You feel like you are really there with Jesus.

[Amy Kannel · Rating 4 out of 5]

After I downloaded a sample and found myself repeatedly underlining from the introduction, I bought the full book on the spot. The rest of this Lent devotional wasn’t quite as spectacular as that poignant introduction, but I still found it a moving and helpful book for focusing my heart in the weeks leading up to Resurrection Sunday. Wangerin made a powerful argument for the importance of really slowing down and fixing our eyes on the cross, for without first entering into the depth of Jesus’ suffering and the disciples’ despair, we can’t fully appreciate the joy and wonder of His resurrection.

[Hope · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not for everyone

Wangerin imagines the thoughts and actions of the participants in the Easter story. Serious students of the Bible may take umbrage at all the things he makes up. I enjoyed his Advent devotional much more.

[Janel Ensinger · Rating 2 out of 5]

The writing style was inconsistent and was entirely based in the gospel of Mark discounting other knowledge we have of the story. It made me reflect on certain aspects and theologies surrounding Lent that I had otherwise not fully explored (with Lutheran undertones). I felt it was worth the read, but I would not necessarily recommend the book as I felt it lacked crucial aspects of the gospel and felt overall too dark without much redemption which is what the whole point of the story is

[Renee Davis Meyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my 4th or 5th time through Walt Wangerin’s Lent Devotional, and it is my very favorite. He brings the familiar story of Christ’s death, burial and resurrection to life, day by day through the Lent season. I had taken a couple of years and done different devotionals for Lent, coming back to this one was like coming home. Can not recommend this more.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a longtime Christian, sometimes I find devotional books to be too light. This was very different. I learned a lot about the lead up to Easter and saw things in a new light. I highly recommend this book!

[SB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent in depth discussion on Christ's suffering

Though I had hoped to finish by Easter, I have now and found it to be an in-depth discussion on Christ's journey and suffering on the cross. As well as His resurrection.

[Christy Carmean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Lenten devotional! This was my first year to read it, but it won’t be my last. 40 days of short readings, but such a depth as you see the characters of the Biblical story tell their possible emotions and reactions in a way that applies to your life as well.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great companion to Lent.

[LeeAnn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this Lent devotional very much! He is a fabulous storyteller and although the daily reads are short, they are powerful.

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a part of my yearly Lent routine.

[Mary Carlson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Explain what Bible story and it helped me to understand what book talked about it.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wangrin’s imagination takes you places with words that deepen your experience of scripture.

[Jenifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful Lenten devotional like no other I’ve ever read.

[Barbara]

This was an excellent book to read day by day during Lent. The meditations made the experiences of Jesus and the disciples very personal.

[Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

How do you tell the old, old story in such a way that it feels fresh and vibrant for the reader? For an answer, read this book which makes for a lovely spiritual devotional during Lent.

[Mary Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book.

[Wade · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent use of story and imagination to help us engage with the most important week ever.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

a book to be read slowly and savoured

[Wren N. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The whole book gets four stars. It’s a well-written, scripturally-based series of brief meditations intended for Lent.

That said, the write-up for Holy Saturday is five stars. It’s easily the best Holy Saturday meditation I’ve read anywhere (and I’ve read a lot of them) – beautiful, evocative, powerful.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this to be one of the more thought-provoking Lenten devotionals I’ve ever read. I appreciated the authors unique perspective through Jesus last days before the cross.

[Ken Sutton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Great Devotional for Lent

I read this over Lent with some family members. We kept in touch with text messages, sharing thoughts and comments from time to time. The authors poetic style is wonderful and helps put you in a different place and time. It is a little dark and uncomfortable in some places but it is appropriate for the subject.

I would recommend it to anyone looking for a Lenten study that will draw them in and make them think.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second time through for me with this Lent devotional, and it's just as moving and inspirational as the first time. This will be an annual read for me.

This is an excellent devotional tool for Lent, unlike any devotional I’ve ever read. The daily readings come from the perspective of a fully-imagined contemporary and close observer. They put the reader right in the midst of the story, the crowds, the agony of watching the crucifixion, and the joy of a resurrection.

[Ann Hein · Rating 4 out of 5]

My devotional during Lent. Wangerin has a wonderful way of bringing to life the events of Holy Week. Didn't quite finish it before Easter, but I needed the meditation AFTER the weekend.


2020 I finished on schedule.

2021 I finished on time. The story ends the same way: Christ is risen. He is risen indeed. Alleluia!

[Jennifer Johnston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. Creative approach to the Passion from perspective of observer, bystander, participator and self. Some things I had not really thought about before and about which I will have to continue to ponder. Amazed at God's great love and what Jesus really endured.. and why. I am humbled and grateful.