What was Jesus really like?
“Read this wonderful book with your Bible open and your heart as well.”
What is JESUS WAS?
“A collection of insightful essays reflecting on Jesus’s life with such creativity and honesty that Jesus becomes real and personal in beautiful and concrete ways.”
It all started with a three-word post.
Not long ago, New York Times bestselling author Susy Flory sat down and wrote a three-word post on social media that started with “Jesus was…” That simple post sparked a lively conversation and turned into one post a day for 30 days, each beginning the same way. The exchange was thoughtful, remarkably civil, and sometimes surprising.
One comment appeared again and again: “Why is it Jesus was, instead of Jesus is?” The answer became a book — Jesus Was: Not What We Expected but Better Than We Imagined — a collection of short pieces inspired by that monthlong conversation about who Jesus was, and what he said and did while on earth.
The 31 essays collected by Susy and co-editor Scott Johanningsmeier were written by theologically minded ministers and storytellers with hearts wide open for a hurting, polarized people. They range from “Jesus was a listener” and “Jesus was humble” to “Jesus was non-violent” and “Jesus was subversive” — short chapters meant to be read through, discussed, and savored.
Meet the editors.
Susy Flory
A career author with two New York Times bestsellers and founder of Shake Ridge Press. She earned a seminary degree and a doctorate in New Testament studies.
Scott Johanningsmeier
A bi-vocational pastor at Elizabeth Baptist Church in southern Indiana, with a master’s in New Testament studies from Northern Seminary.
Get your copy of Jesus Was.
Step outside your comfort zone — available now from your favorite bookseller.