Drawn into the Mystery of Jesus through the Gospel of John

by Jean Vanier

Jean Vanier celebrates the gospel of John in his highly anticipated latest work, Drawn into the Mystery of Jesus through the Gospel of John. Thoroughly personal and inspiring, Drawn into the Mystery challenges all Christians to encounter the fullness of life lived in close communion with God. Vanier “These insights that I share in this book come from the life of Jesus in me . . . They also flow from my life with people who are weak and who have taught me to welcome Jesus from the place of the poverty in me.” Jean Vanier was a friend and influential mentor to the late Henri Nouwen. Toward the end of his life, Nouwen left Harvard to live and work at one of Jean Vanier’s L’Arche communities. This was perhaps the most profound experience of Christianity Nouwen experienced. The thought and spiritual direction/discipleship of Jean Vanier is available to all in Drawn into the Mystery of Jesus–through the Gospel of John. †

Genres: Theology, Religion, Spirituality, Christian, Catholic, Faith, Nonfiction

360 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2004

About the author

Jean Vanier was educated in England and Canada, entered the Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, England in 1942. He went to sea in 1945 in the Royal Navy and in 1947 transferred to the Royal Canadian Navy. He resigned from the Royal Canadian Navy in 1950 while serving H.M.C.S. Magnificent. He then went to France to work in a students' community outside of Paris. He studied philosophy and theology and obtained a Doctorate from the Catholic Institute in Paris.

At various times in his life, Vanier has been a(n)
author-
traveler-
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Reviews

[JD · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jean Vanier, the mystic of our times, opens the pages of the fourth gospel to deliver an incredibly powerful testimony not only about Jesus but also his meditations upon this very ancient text to see it throughout the eyes of someone of today.

To recommend!!

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

With lyrical language, smoothly intriguing interpretations, fine research, and an almost poetic structure that demands and rewards thoughtful reading, Jean Vanier's Drawn Into the Mystery of Jesus follows the gospel of John and invites readers to follow and meet John's heavenly Lord.

"God does not say 'If you change I will love you,'" says the author, relating Jesus’ calling of his disciples. God loves us first, and then we change, relieved of guilt and freed to become more like we were made to be.

As chapters follow Christ's passion and death we are reminded of our calling to "become one," united by love. "A man who was condemned to death by the Romans... would finally humble... all the empires of the earth," and give us peace.

This book is a beautiful contemplative, lyrical and informative look at what that means today, and a wonderful read.

Disclosure: My mother was given this book and loaned it to me.

[Michael Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for a great commentary goes beyond the scholarly comments, while taking historical-critical assumptions seriously, and gets to deep meaning and spirituality of John's Gospel, this is the one you need. The commentary opens up the reader to the meaning of John's Gospel, and you truly get the sense that you are entering into the mystery of Jesus.

[cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like being in a Bible study of two. A personal but not historically ignorant meditation on the book of John.

[Geoff Maddock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful journey through John. Vanier brings his considerable scholarship and marries it with a lifetime of gentle, courageous service. Breathtaking at times and the perfect literary company in the lead up to Easter.

[Leslie van Zyl-Smit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Jean Vanier!

I'll be coming back to this amazing personal testimony of a man who has spent much time in the closet seaking God..

[J.G. Mullin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jean Vanier's personal reflection on the Gospel of John, written in a meditative prose. He often comments on how Jesus calls us to break down our barriers and, through a personal relationship with Christ, open ourselves to humanity- to not only our enemies, but to those weaker than us, the disabled, the lonely and excluded, the troubled, and the poor.

Vanier tells us to view the Gospel of John like a letter from a friend; a friend inviting you into a deeper relationship with him. This meditative prose has the same intimate friend feel, and serves as a fitting companion to reflecting on the Gospel itself.

[Brian Robbins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been, very deservedly, a long time in the reading. It is a beautiful book, written with the wisdom that comes from a lived faith. vanier is compassionate and gentle, but unflinching in the face of the demands made by the Gospel of John.

Is written style is very much a reflection of his spoken style - rich, full of clarity, passionate - the product of the life he has lived.

[Ben Gresik · Rating 3 out of 5]

I remember two things about this book. First, Vanier ties his work with L'Arche to the Gospel of John at every chance he gets. This is good, and teaches the reader some helpful lessons. Second, Vanier emphasizes living with and praying with Jesus. He gives the gospel a very personal feel. He says other things but those are the two things that I can remember

[Julie Schleusener · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a wonderful morning QT book - his writing style, understanding of Jesus' ministry, reverence for life and especially for the lives of individuals with disabilities altogether are enlightening and heartwarming.

[Chris Cowie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an absolutely beautiful book. Vanier cuts through so much of the unnecessary historical and contextual detail that other commentators seem obsessed with and allows the real Jesus, the one who interacted with real people, emerge. This is truly living water for the thirsty.

[Lindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book during our bible study of the gospel of John. It is a beautiful book.

[Doreen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent reflections on the Gospel of John, written in a somewhat poetic form. Very easy to read and understand.

[Bob · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is by far one of the best books I have read on the gospel and life of Jesus. Jean Vanier has become my favourite author.

[Scott Wison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting Guy, amazing way to live your life

[Simon Duffy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A revelation - it helped me find whole new layers of meaning and connections in the Gospel of St John and opened up a new ways of thinking about life, need and society.