Jesus, Man of Joy

by Sherwood Eliot Wirt

We're acquainted with the Man of Sorrows, but do we really know the author of all joy? Tracing true joy back to the very nature of God Himself, Sherwood Eliot Wirt paints a portrait of Jesus that will inspire, encourage and enlighten you. If you desire the message of the life of Jesus, share in His joy.

Genres: Religion

Paperback

First published January 1, 1991

Reviews

[Mae Clair · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book that looks at Jesus and His teachings from the perspective of joy. As Wirt points out in his narrative, too often Our Lord is depicted as being the Man of Sorrows, and while that is certainly true, He was also a charismatic and personable teacher who radiated such joy people naturally flocked to him. From Old Testament to New, this book shows why God is a God of joy and why He wants us, His children, to experience that joy in our walk with Him. I read through it with a highlighter in hand and was left with a wonderful peace when finishing. It’s a book I can see myself returning to again, especially when the pressures of daily life and the world in general would conspire to strip away the peace and joy God has gifted me.

[Jamie Leeper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't desire happiness. Don't desire joy itself. Desire Him who is joy. Jesus Christ. Then you will find joy. Many people feel that as a Christian, we are to be sober, quiet, poor broken-hearted people. That is not what God wants. We are to be full of joy... living abundantly! This book will help you have fresh hope and renewed joy! Very great book!

[Emanuel Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very unique read. Much has been written concerning Jesus Christ as a man of sorrows, with much emphasis on His sufferings, but not much has been written to demonstrate that Jesus Christ must had also been a very joyful individual. You don't get this in most writings concerning the life and doctrines of Christ. Wirt attempts to address this neglected side of Christ.

It makes sense. If joy is the fruit of the Spirit, why would we imagine Christ to be anything less than the most joyful man to have ever lived despite the highlighted moments of pain and agony which ultimately contributed to our salvation? IMO, I think the author proves the point and does a good job of demonstrating everything from scripture. Yes there is a lot of speculation involved as you can't help but wonder what it must had been like for the disciples as they accompanied Christ daily. But the author was very careful to make sure his speculations had enough biblical basis to warrant serious consideration.

The author renders us a great service by painting a picture in our minds of what it was like to walk with Jesus during His 3 and a half years of ministry. He convinces you that for the most part it must had been a pleasant experience for His disciples. Consequently, the author convinces us that according to the example of Christ, a holy Christian will definitely be a happy Christian, regardless of suffering and tribulations. Nothing can rob a Spirit-filled, Christ-following believer of a life full of joy no matter the circumstances.

I am very glad that I read this book. I believe my life will be richer for it.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book focuses on the Joy of Jesus and how that can get lost today in the religious community, with their somber rituals. I really enjoyed reading this book. If you only read one chapter, read the one on grace, titled Amazing Grace. He made some good analogies and observations that really brought out the meaning of grace to me.

[Jacob O'connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

How do you imagine Jesus? What kind of personality does he have? If you're like me, you might think of him as cranky and irritable. Quick to condemn and dour. The great joy of coming to know Jesus is that he is a man of great joy! Jesus is happy, warm, ready to forgive, and patient. Wirt writes right along these lines, and I had a great time reading this book.

[Justin Nichols · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.4/5 — A terrific read! I highly recommend this book. A great, profound, and important look at joy—true, biblical, spiritual, and actual joy; not merely the fanciful and at times fleeting feeling of happiness or glee. Reinforced much of what I have held to for many years now, by the grace of God. Not sure where you can find a copy, but if you find one, buy and read it. ◡̈

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and highly recommend it. It gives a fresh perspective on Jesus and what He is like. So few teach this. Read the book and discover why thousands flocked to Him; why He was so popular with the 'common folk'. It wasn't just because He fed them. It has a lot to do with His personality. This is an uplifting book that will have you thinking about the LORD in a new way, nodding your head thinking, 'Yeah, that makes sense. Why doesn't anyone else mention this?"

[Abby Garrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

My friend, Ellery, recommended this to me and I’m so thankful she did. Too often we think of Jesus as stoic and solemn... cardboard-y... when in reality he was a man with a magnetic personality, a warmth, overflowing with JOY! This book captures the God who created joy and the man who so perfectly embodies it! Great read for anyone looking to deepen their friendship with Jesus.

[David Takle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the book that inspired Bruce Marchiano's stellar role as Jesus in the film "Matthew." The author here has done a wonderful job of painting a portrait of Jesus as a joyful person, instead of a sober stoic. I highly recommend this to anyone who wants to know more of Jesus' real character.