Book Review: When Jesus Wept by Bodie and Brock Thoene

I am not exactly sure how to start this book review on the new book by the husband and wife team The Thoene's.  First, I want to share it is definitely a good read filled with food for thought.  I was given this book by the publisher to write this review, but I would have purchased it on my own to read because of the title.

Yes, the story of Jesus and His relationship with Lazarus and the two sisters.  Now I want to tell you I loved the way the story of Lazarus was developed, but I struggled with the two sisters.  I don't know that I like the way the imagination of the authors developed Mary or Martha.  I see where they were coming from and this very well may have been their story, but I would like to think that Martha was not quite so demanding and almost having the Pharisee attitude at times.  Also, I don't know that I agree with Mary having fallen so far from the family.  I know there is question about Mary and which stories in the gospels relate to this Mary, so I do understand where they are coming from and this too could be Mary's story.  I guess this was my main struggle with the book and honestly that is just the way these authors imagination lead them with the sisters.

My very favorite part of the story is Lazarus and the paradise of heaven that he witnessed and then had to give up.  The way they were able to weave the story and even include Joseph was beautiful and then the "why" Jesus wept.  Understanding between Lazarus and Jesus of the paradise that they both left to return here to show God's love and power to this world.  It was beautiful and I absolutely cried knowing that even this amazing picture is not even a glimpse of how wonderful it truly is and will be for each of us!

I recommend reading this book, because it makes you ponder God's Word for yourself.  It makes you ask yourself the question ~ Why do you think Jesus wept?  Is it because he felt the pain of the sisters or perhaps He knew the paradise Lazarus was leaving to come back?  Is it both?  I recommend anything that makes you ponder God's Word and build your relationship with Him!

bout When Jesus Wept: 

Book 1 in the Thoene's new Jerusalem Chronicles.

 Lazarus occupies a surprising position in the Gospel accounts. Widely known as the man Jesusraised from the dead, his story is actually much broader and richer than that. Living as he did at Bethany, near Jerusalem, Lazarus was uniquely placed to witness the swirl of events around Jesus. When Jesus Wept, the first novel in The Jerusalem Chronicles series by bestselling authors Bodie and Brock Thoene, unfolds the turbulent times in Judea during Jesus' ministry, centering on the friendship between Jesus and Lazarus. With rich insights from vineyard owners and vine dressers, the Thoenes explore the metaphor of Jesus as the True Vine, harvesting the ancient secrets found in the Old Testament. Weaving the life of Lazarus, who owned a vineyard, into the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ will help you understand it is the hand of Love Divine that holds the knife, that cuts and breaks with such tender and loving touch, and that we who have born some fruit, after the pruning, can bear much more. 

Link to buy the book: http://ow.ly/jubpF     

Below I have listed a facebook party with a chance to win a prize!  Go check it out on 4/23 and don't forget to purchase this novel!  It is a good read.       

Suggested Title: The Thoene’s “When Jesus Wept” iPad Giveaway and Facebook Party 4/23!

Enter Link: http://litfusegroup.com/campaigns/whenjesuswept

Also, please go to this link and read more about the authors and the book: http://litfusegroup.com/author/BThoene

Happy Reading,

Debbie