The Heart of Jesus

“This is a sweet and comforting book that will grow your knowledge, provoke your worship, and inspire your devotion. Best of all, it will help you to know, love, and trust our God and Savior, Jesus Christ.”
—Tim Challies, author, Seasons of Sorrow

“During a difficult time in my life, the Lord used Dane Ortlund to remind me of the beautiful reality of Christ’s love—that he is gentle and lowly in heart, overflowing with perfect love and compassion for sinners like me. Now, in The Heart of Jesus, we find these comforting gospel truths made even more accessible to needful, weary souls. I pray this book is read widely, leading many to draw near to Christ for cleansing mercy and true rest.”
—Scott James, author, The Sower; Mission Accomplished; The Expected One; and The Risen One

“As a grandfather who loves to read to his grandchildren, I’m always on the lookout for good books. I look for works that will bring them joy as well as nurture their love for the Lord. I also look forward to the day when I can give them great books to read on their own. One of the first books I plan to give them is Dane Ortlund’s The Heart of Jesus. I wouldn’t be surprised if they read it over and over—just as I have read and reread Ortlund’s Gentle and Lowly.”
—Randy Newman, Late Senior Fellow for Apologetics and Evangelism, C. S. Lewis Institute; author, Questioning Faith and Bringing the Gospel Home

“Dane Ortlund’s The Heart of Jesus is a profound journey into the very core of Christ’s being, revealing his unfathomable love and unending compassion for humanity. Through reflections on Christ’s emotions, actions, and unchanging character, Ortlund beautifully illustrates the depth of Jesus’s heart, inviting readers to experience the transformative power of his love. This book not only unveils the heart of our Savior but also reassures us of his eternal devotion, making it a must-read for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of God’s boundless love.”
—Shane Pruitt, author, 9 Common Lies Christians Believe; Calling Out the Called; and Revival Generation

“During the height of the 2020 pandemic lockdown, I received a copy of Dane Ortlund’s Gentle and Lowly. I’m not sure if there was ever a more perfect book for me, personally, at just the right time. It gave me life. I am thankful that Ortlund’s scriptural thoughts on the heart of Jesus will now be accessible to those in the multigenerational church I pastor, people I desperately want to see realize the Savior’s love. I believe the church will be strengthened in our affections for Christ as we grow in knowledge of his heart for us. The gospel is indeed good news. Ortlund has served us greatly by putting together this much shorter and more reader-friendly version of what I consider to be his modern classic. What a gift to be reminded of the Savior who runs to our suffering and sin rather than away from it. Take in this deep breath of fresh air.”
—Dean Inserra, Pastor, City Church, Tallahassee, Florida; author, The Unsaved Christian and A Short Guide To Church: What Is It All About?

“When I read Gentle and Lowly, it changed my life! In 47 years in church, I’d never noticed that Jesus described himself this way. It was also mind-boggling to see how Dane Ortlund described Father God as so gracious, based on Jesus’s words, when I’d been taught more of the wrath and anger of God. As a public high-school English teacher, I’ve seen how today’s students have fallen behind in their reading comprehension and vocabulary acquisition, and how their attention spans have shortened. For most of them, the original version would go over their heads, or they would give up trying to read it. I am thrilled that this version has been created, and I cannot wait to tell former students and church youth groups about it!”
—Jen C., mother and teacher, North Carolina

“Beyond the tangible gift of this book lies the intangible gift of the gospel that Gentle and Lowly shares with anyone who has the privilege of reading it. Our humble fellowship has chosen to read it together so that we may all better know the ‘single diamond’ of Christ’s heart, as conveyed in both this book and the word of God.”
—Thomas, inmate, San Quentin Rehabilitation Center, California