Reading the Bible
with Rabbi Jesus
How a Jewish Perspective
Can Transform Your Understanding
by Lois Tverberg
© Baker Publishing, 2018
ISBN: 0801017155
Download a free sample chapter
Paperback, 288 pages $16.99 $12.99
The Bible is an Eastern book. We see it through the colored glasses of Western culture. Much is lost. … What lies between the lines, what is felt and not spoken, is of deepest significance. (From “The Cross and the Prodigal,” by Kenneth Bailey)
One of the biggest obstacles to understanding Scripture is failing to appreciate its Jewish, Middle Eastern context. Combining careful research with engaging prose, Lois Tverberg equips her readers with tools to transport themselves across the cultural divide between West and East, between our world and that of the Bible.
Tverberg highlights cultural ideas that are lost on modern Westerners, allowing us to read the Bible through the eyes of its original audience. She explores how Jesus preached and made bold claims to be the promised Messiah in a very Jewish way. By helping readers grasp the perspective of Jesus’ first listeners, she equips them to read the Bible in ways that will deepen their understanding and enrich their lives.
The book explores questions like:
• How the wider meaning of Hebrew words can unlock Scripture
• How biblical subplots often revolve around ideas about family
• How individualists can learn to read the Bible as a “we”
• How the Bible was read “messianically” in the ancient synagogue
View/download the press release.
Read an interview about the book on BibleGateway
In her delightful style, Lois Tverberg engagingly leads us across cultures to begin to envision a different worldview, a worldview more consistent with the world of most of Scripture. In so doing, she brings alive texts of Scripture from the inside.
— Craig Keener, Professor of Biblical Studies;
Coauthor, NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible
Her most insightful work yet. Every chapter takes us on a journey of discovery, opening our eyes to astounding realities and clarifying confusing or misunderstood passages. Every Christian should read this book!
— Brad Gray, Speaker and author, Walking The Text Ministries
Lois Tverberg is a trustworthy guide whose insightful discoveries provide a delightful appetizer to some of the most exciting passages in the Old Testament. I’m recommending it to everyone I know.
— Todd Bolen, Professor of Biblical Studies, The Master’s University
Lois is a superb teacher, using story and gentle humor to great effect. I devoured this fascinating book. Highly recommended!
— Lynn Austin, Christian Fiction Author
Support the author by ordering the book from her office.
Only $12.99!
Reading The Bible with Rabbi Jesus
Table of Contents
(excerpts at links)
1. Opening the Bible with Jesus
I. Repacking My Mental Bags
Tools for the Journey
2. Learning to Be There
3. What does “Christ” Mean, Anyway?
4. Painting in Hebrew
II. How the Bible Thinks
Big Picture Ideas That You Need to Understand
5. Greek Brain, Hebrew Brain
6. Why Jesus Needs Those Boring Begats
7. Reading the Bible as a “We”
8. Like Grasshoppers in Our Own Eyes
III. Reading About the Messiah
Seeing Him Through Hebrew Eyes
9. Memory Is Critical
10. Moses and the Prophets Have Spoken
11. Reading in the Third Dimension
12. Jesus’ Bold Messianic Claims
13. When the Words Catch Fire
Appendices:
A. Books of the Tanakh
B. Thirty Useful Hebrew Words for Bible Study
C. Bible Translations for Word Study
Janet Wilson says
Looking forward very much to this newest publication.
Tracy Walker-Maddy says
I have pre-ordered your new book and am anxiously waiting for January 2nd. Your previous books have had a significant impact on my personal Biblical understanding and has greatly impacted the way I teach. Thank you so very much for your work. may God continue to bless the work of your hands.
Bonnie Roerdink says
I have read your previous books which help to draw a person closer to Jesus so I am looking forward to this book. While reading the above book review I noticed 3 errors in grammer. All are above:”the book explores questions like”..Just thought you would like to know.
Charlotte says
Already preordered Reading the Bible with Rabbi Jesus. Looking forward to another great read. Your books and website are great resources. I would like to join the book launch group you mentioned in your last email. Thank you for sharing these great insights.
Ann Williams says
I have ordered Your new book. I have several of your books and I really enjoy reading them. II have told others about your books.
Ann
Jacklyn McClamb says
Hi Lois. Looking forward to another great book reading with my women’s group. Your book has given me a greater insight from an Eastern perspective of understanding the Bible. Thank you so much for such great resources. May God continue to bless your mind and heart.
Elizabeth says
Read your recent book and loved it so much that I ordered ten copies for a Bible study I teach. Thank you for all your books. I had originally thought I would ask to xerox a chapter (10), but then I read more and realized I wanted to copy too many chapters to ask for permission…hence the purchase. What a great joy to be able to share the book. Again, thank you for your research and writing.
Jennifer Hinssen says
Lois!
I got the email about promoting your book – I checked the catalog of the public library system I work for and discovered that they do not have any of your books. We provide service to 220,000 people in the capitol area of PA. Would there be any copies of your books that you could donate to our library? I am sure the readers would then happily spread the word! Contact me and I can get us connected!
Lois Tverberg says
Jennifer – Thanks for your enthusiasm for getting the word out! I think the thing to do is to submit a request for the book to the library, to ask them to acquire it. They have a budget for that, but authors do not.
Chris says
Do you have a manual taking us thru each book , like in binder form is so please send me a picture and info
Lois Tverberg says
No, but every chapter of every book I’ve written has questions and ideas to reflect on.
Dennis Michael Montgomery says
Due to muscular dystrophy it is very difficult for me to read printed books. Do you have your book in e-book format? If so where I get it and how much does it cost?
Sincerely,
Dennis Michael Montgomery
Lois Tverberg says
Dennis, all of my books are available on Kindle and other ebook readers. Reading the Bible with Rabbi Jesus is currently $9.46.
Gilbert Carthigasu says
Do you have these books in digital format?
Lois Tverberg says
All my books are available in digital format on various e-readers.