Wednesday Giveaway: Four Portraits, One Jesus

“So was Jesus crucified for political reasons or religious reasons? Raising the question this way actually misrepresents first-century Judaism, in which religion and politics were inseparable. Jesus’ death was no doubt motivated by the perceived threat felt by the religio-political powers of his day.” - from Four Portraits, One Jesus

As we are in the midst of this Holy Week, preparing to commemorate the death of the Messiah and celebrate his resurrection, it is important to ground those commemorations and reflections in the on-the-ground realities of what that final week entailed.

Studying the Gospel narratives and their historical context gives us a way to enter into that Story, Mark Strauss’ Four Portraits, One Jesus is an excellent tool for those attempting that task and is also this week’s giveaway.

Endorsed by R.T. France and Craig Keener, as well as Frank Thielman who decried it as "Extraordinarily well written and thoughtfully organized.” Strauss’ study of Jesus covers contextual issues, each Gospel individually, and the Quest for the Historical Jesus.

This giveaway will run through Thursday and two copies of Four Portraits, One Jesus are up for grabs.

To enter simply comment below with your answer to this question: How does your faith community celebrate Holy Week and/or Easter?