How to Read the Bible through the Jesus Lens: A Guide to Christ-Focused Reading of Scripture

I have been waiting for a book like this to be written for a long time. In 1999 in a Doctor of Ministry course at Westminster Theological Seminary I was convicted and convinced that all Bible study, teaching, counseling, discipleship, and preaching must be done with Christ at the center of it all, if it's to be deemed "Christian." Jesus Himself said, "And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them the things concerning himself" in Luke 24:27 on the road to Emmaus. Ever since that time I have sought to read resources that would help me understand and interpret the Scriptures in light of the fact that all of the Scriptures - according to Jesus - are about Him. Yet, the mind-blowing thing to me is how few preachers and Bible teachers ever even get to Christ - unless he is a "tag on" at the end of a lesson or sermon (if that).I am really excited about this book. Michael Williams has written an easy to read guide that is focused on how to read the Scriptures with a focus on Jesus. In 62 short chapters (about 4-6 pages per chapter) Williams covers the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. In each chapter there is an introduction to all the Scriptures showing the historical redemptive development that leads us to Jesus. He then gives a short theme for each book. Each chapter has a Scripture memory passage, followed by "the Jesus lens" section, and then contemporary implications from the book discussed, and "hook questions."The back of the book has a helpful series of charts containing five sections of each book of the Bible with a title for each book, the theme, the Christ-focus of the book, the implications, and the key questions that "hook" you. I am going to make it one of my goals to memorize the charts, along with the memory verses for each book of the Bible by putting them on flash cards. I will be consulting this book regularly and can already say with almost absolute certainty that this will be in my top ten for 2012 (of the 150 books I will read and review this year).Thank you Michael Williams for your gift to everyone who has been waiting for a book like this: a book that answers what the key theme of each book of the Bible is; a book that shows how all of the Scriptures point to Jesus; and a book that gives us the practical implications of Jesus at the center of the Bible and our very lives. I hope that this book will launch a plethora of books in this genre that help lovers of Christ see Him more clearly, love Him more dearly, and passionately worship and declare Him so much more from the Scriptures than is currently practiced.

A book that takes the reader through every book of the bible showing them how to understand the one grand plan of redemption, and how the bible is all about Jesus could be so good. I had very high hopes for this book. But I've been very disappointed in reading it. To be honest, I wonder if some of the glowing reviews are written about the actual book, or just about the idea of the book. I love the idea of this book, but I think the execution is poor.I found the structure of the book to be needlessly restrictive. Each book of the bible is given one chapter, and with very few exceptions, each chapter is four pages long. (which means for a book attempting such a grand goal, its actually quite small) Each chapter gives two pages to an introduction/summary of the book, half a page to "the Jesus lens", half a page to "contemporary implications", and half a page to "hook questions." So the reality is that for each book, there are only two short paragraphs explaining how to read it through "the Jesus lens." It seems a bit arbitrary to impose such a strict template on the book. Why should a chapter explaining Isaiah be the same length as one explaining Ruth?Secondly, and more seriously, the author never explains what exactly it means to read a book of the Bible "through the Jesus lens." Does it mean finding "types and shadows" in each book? Finding ways that each book "predicts" Christ? Or just finding a theme in each book that relates to Jesus? I believe wholeheartedly in the task of reading the OT (and the NT, for that matter) in a Christ-centered, Christ-exalting way. But I think separating each book into its own chapter without any bigger picture overview can actually distort the overall story of the bible rather than help us see it. I believe we read the OT "through the Jesus lens" by situating each book within the grand overarching narrative, but for Williams, many of the "Jesus lens" connections seemed tangential to the movement of the story.Giving only two paragraphs to "the Jesus lens" for each chapter seems like an unfortunate choice. How can one explain how to read Exodus or Isaiah in a Christ-centered way in two paragraphs? Why does the Jesus lens for Genesis not include any mention of Genesis 3:15? Why does the chapter on Exodus not mention the passover lamb? Or Moses as lawgiver/mediator? Why does the chapter on Daniel not mention the son of man, or the stone cut without hands? In too many places, the Jesus lens seems only to pick up one theme from a book, relate that theme to Jesus, then move to application. This over-simplification doesn't really help the reader appreciate how the OT is part of Jesus' story, and teaches us about him.

It's unadulterated olive oil that actually tastes like olives.

I purchased this for a seminary course and watched videos by the author which I enjoyed just as much. It's a great beginner or introduction to reading the bible and learning about each individual book of the bible. I really appreciated learning how to find Jesus in the OT, in particular. It's an easy read. It could also be used for individual or group bible study. Each short chapter ends with personal application questions. I was pleasantly surprised by this book! It is not an in-depth study of the books but gives more than an introduction of each. A gem of a book!

I don't know how I ran into the information to buy this book. But let me tell ya how very insightful his words and directions are for me! I look forward to using this book in my quiet time and reading my Bible. I was told it's not ment to read it cover to cover, just to use it to enhance your reading of the Bible. He also has 1 or 2 questions that sure make you think long after reading them! This is a really great book you really don't know you need, but in my opionon you do! Get this book! You will NOT be sorry! You will be so thankful you did!

Great book, different than the other bible Overview books. This one has great application paragraphs and actually has you answer questions after each book of the Bible. Recommend before you go out and buy a bible overview book.

How to Read the Bible through the Jesus Lens offers a great perspective on the entire Bible message. You'll enjoy this read if you're wanting insight and a deeper understanding of God's message through Jesus. And you may be surprised that Jesus shows up in the Old Testament! Enjoy this read!

This book provides a good intro to every book, and is a good reminder to seasoned Christians to keep the central point of the Bible central.

Excellent study material that we using with our ladies group.

Gives such clarity to the message of Christ in the Old Testament.

Really good book, comprehensive sections made study easy.

Our Bible Study group is doing one chapter a week and we are now into the New Testament. Michael does an excellent summary of each book...brings the Bible together in a unique interesting way.