Confronting Jesus: 9 Encounters with the Hero of the Gospels by Rebecca Mclaughlin

Confronting Jesus: 9 Encounters with the Hero of the Gospels by Rebecca McLaughlin (Crossway, 2022). 

In this book, Rebecca McLaughlin unfolds a warm introduction to the person and work of Jesus Christ. Her prose is easy to follow, fun to read, and marked by reflective depth. Many of her other works focus on responding to critics of Christianity. This volume concentrates more directly on the constructive task of encouraging someone unfamiliar with Jesus to consider the central claims of the New Testament.   

The book is structured around nine distinct roles and characteristics of Jesus, dedicating a chapter to each in an accessible, thematic approach. McLaughlin introduces him as the Jewish Messiah, emphasizing his deep rootedness in the Old Testament narrative and prophecy. She then explores his divine and human natures, portraying him as both the Son of God and the compassionate Healer. Other chapters focus on Jesus as the authoritative Teacher who spoke with wisdom and radical clarity, the true King whose reign subverts worldly power, and the ultimate Lover whose life redefined human relationships and sexual ethics. This framework highlights the interconnectedness of his identity and mission.

The remaining chapters continue this thematic journey by focusing on the climactic acts of his life. McLaughlin presents Jesus as the Servant who willingly embraced humility, culminating in him becoming the perfect Sacrifice on the cross for the sins of the world. The final chapter proclaims him as the Universal Lord, risen from the dead and deserving of all worship. By synthesizing these diverse aspects, the book urges readers—whether skeptics or believers—to move past popular myths and confront the remarkable person revealed in the Gospels.

Confronting Jesus is a winsome, thoroughly researched, and effective work of popular apologetics. The book excels at making dense theological and historical concepts accessible by integrating pop culture references—from Hamilton to Doctor Who—to illustrate biblical truths in a fresh way. 

The book is particularly recommended as an evangelistic tool for those exploring the Christian faith or for believers who want a clearer, more biblically grounded understanding of their Savior. It is a compelling call to encounter the central figure of Christianity.

Some Notes:

• See further details about this volume and McLaughlin's Confronting Christianity. Cf. my goodreads & reviews of volumes in the ESV Commentary series; Thanks to Crossway for this review copy.