Books and such: "When Jesus Wept" by Brodie and Brock Thoene

What would it have been like to walk with Jesus, to witness His ministry? Lazarus knew, and that is the premise of this book. The raising of Lazarus from the dead is a well known Bible story. One that also notes that Jesus wept when Lazarus died. In their new book, Brodie and Brock Thoene tell the story of Jesus' ministry through Lazarus' eyes. It is the first book in their new series "The Jerusalem Chronicles." While this is a work of fiction, research yields historical detail that adds so much richness to the story.

So many things happened during Jesus' earthly ministry, and people like Lazarus and his sisters, Mary and Martha, were witnesses. The were able to spend time with Jesus and learn from Him. But, there was also work to do. Lazarus was a man who owned and worked a vineyard. He could appreciate the need for good wine at a wedding, such as the wedding at Canaan, and the pruning needed to bring in a good crop. Jesus spoke to him comparing the vineyard and the work done in it, to the world and mankind. Lazarus listened intently and found that the comparison made a huge impact in his life. And this isn't the only time of impact. While other Bible characters also come to life in this book, the friendship between Jesus and Lazarus shines most brightly.

This is a wonderful book and I can't wait to read the next book in the series. While it is fiction and there were some things I didn't agree with, I found the book hit me with a range of emotions. There was joy, sadness, surprise, and wonder just to name a few, along with walking with them through the vineyard. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian fiction. These authors really know how to grab, and hold, your attention! I received my free review copy from Litfuse in exchange for an honest review.

Book Info

About 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 Jesus raised 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

Meet the Thoenes:

Bodie and Brock Thoene (pronounced Tay-nee) are bestselling authors of over sixty-five works of historical fiction. Their timeless classics have sold more than thirty-five million copies and won eight ECPA Gold Medallion Awards. The Thoenes have four grown children and eight grandchildren. They divide their time between Hawaii, London, and Nevada.

Find out more about Bodie and Brock athttp://www.thoenebooks.com/.