By Simon Robinson
Day One. 94 pages. £4.99
ISBN 1 903087 37 6
This slim volume is a most refreshing read, a new take on many very familiar New Testament passages.
In the first half we are treated to insider commentaries from people who met Jesus. The second half gives the Bible verses covering the same storyline, followed by 'Think it through' questions.
There are 18 different stories each dealing with a personal encounter with Jesus told from the particular individual's point of view. These include one of the Magi, the Samaritan woman at the well, Pontius Pilate and 'doubting' Thomas. In all cases the narrator has taken the passage and added a little imagination, along with background and cultural knowledge, to make the reader feel that they too could have been mixing with these people over 2,000 years ago.
Although a good read, the real value of this book would be in introducing Jesus to those who know little about him, moving them on to read the selected Bible passages and questioning their own response to Jesus. Those leading discussion groups for young people or the unchurched would find it a very useful starting point for discussion and leading others to the one person who has all the answers.
