Monday, June 15, 2009

Sitting At The Feet Of Rabbi Jesus


If you’ve ever wondered about what the world might have looked like to Jesus as he roamed the streets in sandals, celebrated the Feasts and ate with the lowly, Sitting at the Feet of Rabbi Jesus by Ann Spangler and Lois Tverberg paints picture upon picture for you. The authors intentionally place readers back in Jesus’ day of teaching and interacting. This book educated me about Jewish phrases, traditions and teachings and how they impact my life as a Christian.

I am not currently in a Bible study, so I delighted in how this book fed my curiosity and answered questions about the rich history of Jewish beliefs and practices. I enjoyed discovering things like how Jesus and his disciples didn’t sit in chairs while dining, as portrayed in the famous Leonardo DaVinci painting, but instead reclined laying on their sides for meals. I grew to understand the importance of and our call as “talmidim” (disciples). I read how Jesus wore tzitziyot (tassels representative of a Jewish man trying to become obedient to the laws of God).

I don’t know about you, but I want to acquire every single piece of knowledge possible about who Jesus was and what life might have been like for him on earth. Not only does Sitting at the Feet of Rabbi Jesus provide insight and a window into his world, it also offers the significance of this knowledge. When we allow ourselves to go to greater depths and to attain understanding of something, we place ourselves in an optimal position to apply that knowledge. There are excellent questions listed at the end of each chapter that probe and encourage continued spiritual growth. I was grateful for the opportunity to review this book for Zondervan and would certainly suggest it to others.

The thought I’ll leave you with:
If you had an opportunity to read a book about your husband (or loved one), trying to understand more of where he is coming from, how he exists in the world around him and certain things he cares about deeply, would you read the book? Sitting at the Feet of Rabbi Jesus is your chance to learn similar things about Jesus.


Question:
What is the best book you’ve read about faith, Jesus or spirituality? And why?


*Don't forget to check out what I have to write about beauty over here later today.

11 comments:

  1. Wow - Wendy, I love the thought you left with us. Because my immediate answers was - YES! I'd love to read a book like that about my husband. So why am I not equally as eager to read a book about Jesus - who is so much more than a husband. I might just check this one out. Thanks for sharing Wendy!

    The best book I've read about faith? Probably Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller. Excellent stuff.

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  2. I have never really read any books specifically on faith or religion other than the Bible.

    But one that I did read was The Shack. It definately isn't religous in the way you are talk but it spoke to several of the members of my book club.

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  3. Sounds like a great read! And great question! I would love to learn more about the life of Jesus, especially in historical context. That would be fascinating!

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  4. Every Day Deserves a Chance by Max Lucado is one that reminded me to be grateful and thankful for every day God places breath into my body and purpose in my life. He is the reason I live and that’s purpose enough to praise Him!
    31 Days of Praise by Ruth Myers is another one that reminds me to praise Him daily and for specific reasons each day. And I love that I can pick it up even if I’ve missed a day and start with a fresh way to worship Him.
    I can’t wait to check out Sitting at the Feet of Rabbi Jesus from the library. Thank you for the recommendation!

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  5. Great review Wendy. I plan to pick that book up for my vacation.

    I enjoy anything that brings me closer to those I love and helps me understand them more. Christ included. ~wish my DH had come with a manual!

    My daily devotional, Jesus Calling by Sarah Young is a book that has shown me how He longs to speak to me One on One.-and for me to listen!-

    The Case for Christianity and The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel are both great reads. Many of my doubts and questions were addressed in these books.

    I also recommend The Shack. Talk about a better understanding of how humans limit God!

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  6. Good that you are reading and reviewing books you really like. You made this book sound interesting and it would usually not be the kind I would read:) But I probably should!

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  7. Katie, you and me, kid! Donald's writing is authentic. Some of my favorite lines come from the beginning of that book.

    Doodles, I know numerous people who believe the Shack was transforming for their faith, so I'm glad you mentioned it.

    Jody, now I'm wondering which era in history is your favorite to study b/c I can tell you are a buff.

    Inkstillwet, I'm a library girl, myself! Cool and thanks for your suggestions.

    Andrea, I've heard that about The Shack...the whole limiting God part. I've read it and would have to open a discussion to spill all my thoughts. :D

    Terri, it isn't the kind of book I normally read, but the more time goes by, the more I realize I'm willing to read anything and I'm glad I read this one.

    Can't wait to see my sister tomorrow!

    Hoping you all have a productive and laughable evening! :D

    ~ Wendy

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  8. I just picked this book up last week and plan on reading it in the next few weeks. I'm so thrilled to read your recommendation! It seems like it is everything I was hoping it would be.

    My favorite book on faith that I've read recently would have to be Mosaic: Pieces of My Life So Far by Amy Grant. It was a very organic telling of a real life faith. Loved it!

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  9. I have some quotes from that book on the side bar of my blog. SO GOOD! Have you read Searching for God Knows What? That's excellent too!

    I think you are my long lost soul sister or something. ;)

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  10. Sounds like a great book! Hmmm. The best book I've read would have to be the scriptures themselves. They are so full of amazing insights and lessons. My church puts out Institute manuals that explain some of the cultural and symbolic meanings in the scriptures. They've been a big help. :D Great question, by the way. :)

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  11. I just recently read Crazy Love by Francis Chan. It was an amazing read for me and really has made me stop and think about my faith journey.

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