Jesus: An Obedient Son by Michael Phillips is a
deeper look into who Jesus was, what his message is and how we can follow his
example today. From the very beginning, Mr. Phillips presents the scenario: What
if Jesus didn’t live 2,000 years ago? What if God chose to have him teach in
today’s world? What would his ministry look like? How can his message relate to
today’s society? To answer these question, Mr. Phillips takes the reader
through his ministry, his teachings, his parables, all of which are still
relevant today. The Parable of the Soils is a prime example of people’s
reactions to Jesus and his message even today. Through the life of Jesus, it is
a lesson on how we, his followers, can be obedient sons and daughters of God.
To be a follower of Jesus, it is more than just studying his message and
knowing the words. The power is in doing them, putting them into action.
Essentially don’t just talk the talk, you must walk the walk. Mr. Phillips also
talks about three crossroads in our walk with Jesus. First, the answer to his
invitation to follow him. Do we say yes or no? Second, the question that he
presents to his disciples, “who do you say that I am?” Do we see him as the Son
of God, or do we see him as just a great teacher? Third, the ultimate
crossroad: “how much are you willing to lay down?” It can be a question of life
or death or a question of putting our own wants and desires down for the
benefit of another.
A few reviews I read didn’t like how Mr. Phillips how he
wrote Jesus in a modern light; however, I found it to be enlightening as well
as enjoyable. If Jesus were alive and ministering today, he would be using
language that we could understand. He didn’t come to save the educated and the
wealthy. He came to save everyone. He came for the individuals and not just the
impersonal masses. He came to show us how to be obedient sons and daughters. It
is not going to church. It is not in fancy theology. It is not in the right
doctrine, music or rituals. All these things help but they aren’t the main
thing. Being obedient, seeking his will instead of our own and following his
commands, do we truly become a child of God. I highly recommend Jesus: An
Obedient Son.
Jesus: An Obedient
Son
is available in paperback and eBook
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