Karen Kingsbury's book, The Friends of Jesus, explores the lives of people who came to know and believe in Jesus during His time on earth. The stories brought tears to my eyes as I read how their lives were changed and how the trust they acquired went on to become reverence, friendship and even love for Him.

I appreciated the work that went into bringing these Bible stories to life. The emotions of the people involved were well portrayed: I felt longing right along with Simon when he yearned to honor his new friend by serving Him a meal. I felt the despair of Mary and Martha when Lazarus died, and then their hope and joy when Jesus commanded Lazarus to come out of the grave.

I highly recommend this book that was such a blessing to me.

The Friends of Jesus are those that walked with him during his 3 year ministry. Simon the Pharisee who saw his need for a Savior that was different from whom he thought the Messiah should be. Mary and Martha who learned to trust Jesus and put their faith in his works during their brother’s sickness, death and ultimately when Jesus raised him from the dead by calling out his name Lazarus. I have been taught that if Jesus did not call out his name, many more that who were dead would have been raised along with Lazarus. Peter who denied Christ 3 times, Christ did not deny Peter and called him to the ministry of making Christ known. Jairus another Pharisee who was full of pride and judgement of others, daughter was healed by Christ was transformed to man of humility.

Each of their stories is told in their own voice as they struggled with belief in Christ and their struggle with pride, fear, and unbelief. You will see yourself in these stories but more importantly you will see Jesus and his great love for us.

A Special Thank You to Howard Books and Netgalley for ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

The Friends of Jesus is the follow up to Kingsbury’s The Family of Jesus and is book 2 in the Life-Changing Bible Study series.

The Friends of Jesus takes a deeper look into the friendships Simon the Leper, Martha, Jairus, Mary Magdalene, Peter and John had with Jesus … each person with his/her own chapter. Kingsbury uses the scriptures as a basis to tell the story of each friend in a more story like fashion … more like the fictional novels we’re used to reading from Kingsbury. There are fictional components included. However, with this book and the first book, The Family of Jesus, I felt as if I were walking along side each character. They were made more human in my eyes through Karen’s story telling. She has a way with a story and has drawn me deeper into the word and given me a greater appreciation for the Bible through these stories.

What lesson did I walk away with after reading The Friends of Jesus? Jesus loves me no matter what … no matter how much I mess up! Simon the Leper, Martha, Jairus, Mary Magdalene, Peter and John all had issues. Most were prideful and arrogant … believing they deserved more than others around them. All of us know what that feels like …wanting to be the best. Jesus loved each of his friends anyway, despite their faults … just as he loves us despite ours.

The book ends with “Questions for Individual Reflection or Group Discussion” for each chapter. If you’re not able to participate in the Bible study video series and workbook available from Lifeway with a group, I believe these questions will lead you a bit deeper into the book and the lives of these 6 people.

Should you read this book? Yes! Fans of Kingsbury will love it. New to the Bible? Grab this book! I think it will have you reaching for a Bible to learn more.