Encounters with Jesus (Ancient Context, Ancient Faith)

Do you sometimes feel like an “untouchable”? Have you ever been ashamed to say, “You don’t know what I’ve done, how unethical I’ve been, how many bad decisions I’ve made, how many times I’ve shaken my fist at God”? If so, you’re not alone. Thankfully, author Gary M. Burge has a message for you, and others like you: Jesus wants to encounter you, just as you are. When Burge re-examined Jesus’ biblical encounters with people – being careful to view them in their unique historical context – he emerged with fresh, powerful insights about how Jesus interacted with people then, and still does today “One of the more surprising features of Jesus’ ministry was his willingness to have personal encounters with people,” he writes. “In fact, what is unique about the gospels are the unexpected stories that detailed Jesus’ regular interruptions.” These “interruptions” came in the form of people from all walks of life – young, old, rich, poor, sick, healthy, riddled with sin, or saddled by self-righteousness. “No situation or condition will impede Jesus’ approach,” Burge writes. “All are welcome.” Encounters With Jesus is a book that will be read, re-read, and recommended to friends and family alike because its message is sorely needed today: “Jesus took time for people who thought they were invisible...this is a relief to those of us who are imperfect.”