Jesus, the Christ

By Thomas Sutton

I was raised in a Christian home. I loved hearing stories about Jesus and his life here on earth. Growing up, I became less and less enthusiastic about my religion for several reasons. One critical reason was a natural process. As I matured, I became more aware of the hypocrisy of religion. You know -- Do as I say, not as I do. One day a week act like a Christian, and the other six days be selfish, greedy, and a bigot. At that time, my faith wasn't strong enough to endure. Now I know that if I look hard enough, I can find hypocrisy in anything. I pray that I've grown beyond the paradox.

My book is an attempt to make the first four books of the New Testament easy to read. It's written in prose. In other words, it's a narrative of Jesus' life using the first four Gospels. My book combines Matthew, Mark, Luke and John into a chronological narrative of Jesus' life. It is written through the eyes of 'you,' as Peter.

The book is Scriptural. It doesn't change, alter, or sensationalize the original versions of events. In some instances, I combine multiple versions of the same event into one. My inspiration for writing this book is to bring enthusiasm about Jesus to Christians and new revelations to non-Christians.

Scriptures quoted from The Holy Bible, New Century Version, copyright, 1987, 1988, 1991 by Word Publishing, Nashville, TN. Used by permission.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Oct 25, 1999
• ISBN: 9781496925060

Thomas Sutton

Thomas Sutton earned a B.A. degree in Environment Studies/Urban and Regional Planning from San Jose State University. He has published works in a local newspaper on several occasions and has authored seventeen short stories. 2199 was his first novel and Jesus the Christ is his second. He is currently working on his third novel.

Book preview

Jesus the Christ

By

Thomas Sutton

Scriptures quoted from The Holy Bible,

New Century Version,

By Word Publishing, Nashville, TN

Used by permission

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AuthorHouse™

1663 Liberty Drive

Bloomington, IN 47403

www.authorhouse.com

Phone: [phone]

© 1999, 2014 Thomas Gordon Sutton. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 02/28/2017

ISBN: 978-1-5850-0517-8 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4969-2506-0 (e)

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Contents

About the Book

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Chapter 42

Chapter 43

Chapter 44

Chapter 45

Chapter 46

Chapter 47

Chapter 48

Chapter 49

Chapter 50

Chapter 51

Chapter 52

Chapter 53

Chapter 54

Chapter 55

Chapter 56

About the Author

About the Book

I was raised in a Christian home. I loved hearing stories about Jesus and his life here on earth. Growing up, I became less and less enthusiastic about my religion for several reasons. One critical reason was a natural process. As I matured, I became more aware of the hypocrisy of religion. You know — Do as I say, not as I do. One day a week act like a Christian, and the other six days be selfish, greedy, and a bigot. At that time, my faith wasn’t strong enough to endure. Now I know that if I look hard enough, I can find hypocrisy in anything. I pray that I’ve grown beyond the paradox.

My book is an attempt to make the first four books of the New Testament easy to read. It’s written in prose. In other words, it’s a narrative of Jesus’ life using the first four Gospels. My book combines Matthew, Mark, Luke and John into a chronological narrative of Jesus’ life. It is written through the eyes of you, as Peter.

The book is Scriptural. It doesn’t change, alter, or sensationalize the original versions of events. In some instances, I combine multiple versions of the same event into one. My inspiration for writing this book is to bring enthusiasm about Jesus to Christians and new revelations to non-Christians.

Scriptures quoted from The Holy Bible, New Century Version, copyright, 1987, 1988, 1991 by Word Publishing, Nashville, TN. Used by permission.

Chapter 1

When Jesus arrived two thousand years ago he brought with him a clear and deliberate message. The message encompassed many issues, several of which conflicted with the religious rituals and traditional practices of the Pharisees. This friction results in the arrest and trial of Jesus. Jesus is sentenced to die on the Cross. Unbeknownst to his accusers, Jesus’ crucifixion is part of God’s plan of salvation for mankind. Three days following his death, Jesus is resurrected and is seen by his followers. His resurrection provides hope to Christians of an eternal life with God and Jesus.

Jesus proclaimed to be God’s Word in human form. God the Creator becomes the Creature. The Word was in the world, and the world was made by him, but the world did not know him. He came to the world that was his own, but his own people did not accept him.

The Word became a human and lived among us. We saw his glory — the glory that belongs to the only Son of the Father — and he was full of grace and truth. Jesus proved that he was the physical fulfillment of what was predicted by the prophets seven hundred years earlier.

When I told my wife I was going to write a book on Jesus she looked at me with astonishment and confusion. Why? she asked. Thousands of books have been written about Jesus, what can you offer that hasn’t already been said?

I paused before answering… This may sound cliché, but I want to do this! So here we go.

Chapter 2

Imagine that you and your brother are fishermen during Jesus’ time. From your boat, anchored just off shore, Jesus is teaching to a crowd.

You heard that Jesus was the Messiah from your brother, Andrew. Then Jesus called you and your brother to follow him and become fishermen for people. So you left everything and followed Jesus.

This isn’t the first time Jesus has taught the people off shore from your boat. To fully understand how Jesus has arrived at this place with you we must first go back to his beginning.

Chapter 3

A man named Joseph, a descendent of David, was engaged to be married to a virgin named Mary. An angel said to Mary that the Lord had blessed her and was with her. The angel informed her that she would become pregnant by the power of the Holy Spirit and give birth to a son.

An angel told Mary and Joseph to name him Jesus, which means salvation. He would be called the Son of the Most High, the Son of God. He would be Holy, and the Lord would give him the throne of King David to rule over the people with a Kingdom that would never end. He would save people from their sins. This was prophesied by Isaiah in Isaiah 7:14.

Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea. Joseph and Mary had gone there because Augustus Caesar required all people under Roman rule to register their name for the census. At the proper time Mary and Joseph complied with the Jewish law. They had their firstborn son circumcised, and presented to the Lord at the Temple in Jerusalem.

In Jerusalem lived a man named Simeon who was a good man and godly. He was waiting for the time when God would take away Israel’s sorrow, and the Holy Spirit was in him. Simeon had been told by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he saw the Christ promised by the Lord. The Spirit led Simeon to the Temple. When Mary and Joseph brought the baby Jesus to the Temple to do what the law said they must do, Simeon took the baby in his arms and thanked God:

Now, Lord, you can let me, your servant, die in peace as you said. With my own eyes I have seen your salvation, which you prepared before all people. It is a light for the non-Jewish people to see and an honor for your people, the Israelites.

Jesus’ father and mother were amazed at what Simeon had said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, God has chosen this child to cause the fall and rise of many in Israel. He will be a sign from God that many people will not accept so that the thoughts of many will be made known. And the things that will happen will make your heart sad, too.

There was a prophetess, Anna, from the family of Phanuel in the tribe of Asher. Anna was very old. She had once been married for seven years. Then her husband died, and she was a widow for eighty-four years. Anna never left the Temple but worshiped God, going without food and praying day and night. Standing there at that time, she thanked God and spoke about Jesus to all who were waiting for God to free Jerusalem.

At the time of Jesus’ birth King Herod was the Judean king. King Herod heard from some wise men that the king of the Jews had been born. King Herod asked the leading priests and teachers of the law where the Christ would be born. They informed him it would be in a town called Bethlehem. This was prophesied by Micah in Micah 5:2. Herod the Great tried to trick the wise men into finding Jesus for him, but they were warned by God not to go back to Herod.

When Herod discovered that the wise men had tricked him, he gave an order to kill all baby boys who were two years or younger in Bethlehem and the surrounding area. This was prophesied by Jeremiah in Jeremiah 31:15.

In a dream, Joseph is told by an angel of the Lord to take Jesus and go to Egypt to escape from Herod, and to stay there until told to return. He stayed until Herod died. After Herod’s death, Joseph in a dream is told by an angel of the Lord to take Jesus and Mary to Israel. Joseph and his family settle in a town called Nazareth in the area of Galilee. This was prophesied by Isaiah in Isaiah 11:1

Jesus was filled with wisdom as He grew. At twelve years old Jesus went with his parents to the yearly Passover Feast in Jerusalem. While traveling home they discovered that Jesus was missing, and returned to Jerusalem. After three days they found him in the Temple with the teachers listening and asking questions. His understanding and answers amazed all those who heard him. When confronted by his parents He asked them, Why were you looking for me? Didn’t you know I must be in my Father’s House? They didn’t understand what he meant.

Chapter 4

Zechariah, who belonged to Abijah’s group, was married to Elizabeth. An angel appeared to him and told him that his wife would give birth to a son and to name him John. Their son would be filled with the Holy Spirit and never drink wine or beer. He would go before the Lord in spirit and power like Elijah. He would make way for the coming of the Lord. John was six months older than Jesus.

John grew and became strong in spirit and lived in the desert. He was the messenger ahead of Jesus. This was prophesied by Isaiah in Isaiah 40:3-5. He baptized people in the Jordan River and preached a baptism of changed hearts and lives for the forgiveness of sins. He wore clothes made from camel’s hair, and had a leather belt around his waist. He ate locusts and wild honey.

John the Baptist preached of Jesus, the one who would come after him, and was greater than himself. John said that he wasn’t good enough to carry or untie Jesus’ sandals. Jesus, John said, would clean the grain, separating the good grain from the chaff. Jesus would put the good part of the grain into his barn, and burn the chaff with a fire that couldn’t be put out. John baptized with water but Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit and Fire.

During this time Jesus, now approximately thirty years old, came from Galilee and wanted John to baptize him in the Jordan River. John tried to stop him saying, Why do you come to me to be baptized? I need to be baptized by you!

Let it be this way for now. We should do all things that are God’s will. Jesus said to him. So John baptized Jesus in the Jordan River.

After Jesus was baptized he came up out of the water and saw heaven open. The Holy Spirit came down on him in the form of a dove. Then a voice from heaven said, You are my Son, whom I love, and I am very pleased with you.

Then the Spirit sent Jesus into the desert for forty days. He was with the wild animals while angels came and took care of him. For forty days he was tempted by the devil. During this time Jesus ate nothing. He was very hungry. The devil said to Jesus, If you are the Son of God, tell this rock to become bread.

Jesus answered, It is written in the Scriptures: ‘A person does not live by eating only bread, but by everything God says.’

Then the devil put Jesus on a high place of the Temple in Jerusalem and said, If you are the Son of God, jump down, because it is written in the Scriptures: ‘He has put his angels in charge of you. They will catch you in their hands so that you will not hit your foot on a rock.’

Jesus answered him, It also says in the Scriptures, ‘Do not test the Lord your God.’

Then the devil led Jesus to the top of a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world, and all their splendor in an instant. The devil said, If you bow down and worship me I will give you all these kingdoms and all their power and glory. It has all been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I wish.

Jesus said to the devil, Go away from me, Satan! It is written in the Scriptures, ‘You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him.’

After the devil had tempted Jesus in every way, he left him to wait until a better time. The angels then came and took care of Jesus.

Chapter 5

John the Baptist was baptizing in Aenon, near Salim, because there was plenty of water there. People were going there to be baptized.

Some of John’s followers had an argument with a Jew about religious washing. So they came to John and said, Teacher, remember the man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan River, the one you spoke about so much? He is baptizing, and everyone is going to him,

John answered, "A man can get only what God gives him. You yourselves heard me say, ‘I am not the Christ, but I am the one sent to prepare the way for him.’ The bride belongs only to the bridegroom. But the friend who helps the bridegroom stands by and listens to him. He is thrilled that he gets to hear the bridegroom’s voice. In the same way, I am really happy. He must become greater, and I must become less important.

The one who comes from above is greater than all. The one who is from the earth belongs to the earth and talks about things on the earth. But the One who comes from heaven is greater than all. He tells what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts what he says. Whoever accepts what he says has proven that God is true. The One whom God sent speaks the words of God, because God gives him the Spirit fully. The Father loves the Son and has given him power over everything. Those who believe in the Son have eternal life, but those who do not obey the Son will never have life. God’s anger stays on them.

After Jesus heard that John the Baptist had been put in prison he went into Galilee in the power of the Holy Spirit. He left Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum, a town near Lake Galilee, in the area near Zebulun and Naphtali. Jesus did this to bring about what the prophet Isaiah had said: Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali along the sea, beyond the Jordan River. This is Galilee where the non-Jewish people live. These people who live in darkness will see a great light. They live in a place covered with the shadows of death, but a light will shine on them. Isaiah 9:1-2

As Jesus was walking by Lake Galilee teaching the word of God to many people, he saw two brothers, Simon, called Peter, and his brother Andrew who were fishermen. Jesus got into Simon’s boat and had him push off a little from the land. Jesus sat down and continued to teach the people from the boat.

When Jesus had finished speaking he said to Simon, Take the boat into deep water, and put your nets in the water to catch some fish.

Simon answered, "Master, we