Typically I review the first chapter of a book, expecting if I am not hooked within the first chapter, I won't enjoy the book overall. Author Julie Coleman has submitted the sixth chapter of her book, Unexpected Love for my review. The story of Jesus and Martha is one I find intriguing, so I felt this would also be a good way for me to critique Coleman's work.
BLURB: How would you characterize Jesus in his interactions with women? Gracious? Preachy? Aloof? Kind? Dismissive?
Unexpected Love is an essential read for anyone eager to understand Jesus Christ’s true heart for women. We ache for a satisfying relationship with him and crave his healing touch. So did the women of the first century. Each approached him with something they wanted. They left with more than they could have imagined.
Writer and teacher Julie Coleman carefully walks readers through the gospel narratives, offering evidence of a perceptive Savior deeply concerned about the women he met. Through vivid descriptions, thoughtful questions, and empowering applications, she brings a fresh perspective to these sometimes puzzling stories.
Unexpected Love offers a compelling vision of a Savior who meets us where we are and will take us where we need to go. Discover his passion for women. What you read will impact your own relationship with him. You will fall in love with the dynamic, beautiful, and unexpectedly personal Jesus.
COVER: Beautiful. Considering Jesus is the Light of the World, the sunlight in the background with the woman walking toward it is a wonderful symbol. The colors are comforting and calming.
CHAPTER SIX: The purpose of this chapter is to give readers a different perspective on the story of Jesus' reaction to Martha from the Gospel of Luke 10: 38-42:
Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.”
And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”
While typically, one might believe that Jesus was scolding Martha for concentrating on her meal preparations instead of worshiping at his feet, Coleman provides a fresh, eloquently told way to look at this conversation.
KEEP READING: Definitely. Coleman proves herself to be a master storyteller in this account of Jesus and Martha's story. Instead of dry, boring details, she gets into Martha's head much like an author of fiction would do. She paints a picture for her readers filled with rich descriptions that engage and encourage you to move forward. She brings in so many important aspects to this story you truly wonder how you didn't see it this way before. In addition, she correlates this story to other stories from Luke's account, which strongly support her point of view.
Best of all, Coleman then relates this story to contemporary women, ending with a great teaching point followed by discussion questions. I would love to read this book cover to cover.
File Size: 351 KB
Print Length: 228 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1400204240
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (February 5, 2013)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English
ASIN: B00A0VP5OU
The author submitted this chapter for review. This review contains my honest opinions, for which I was not compensated in any way.
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