Jesus' Emotions in the Gospels

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Jesus' Emotions in the Gospels investigates richness and variety of the emotional life of Jesus as depicted in the four gospels. Attention is often paid to the events of Jesus' life, his teaching, and his ministry - but rarely is Jesus' emotional life considered. Stephen Voorwinde presents all sixty references to the emotions of Jesus as they appear in the gospels, enabling readers to think deeply about how they can relate to the different aspect of Jesus which each evangelist presents.

Readers are introduced to the compassionate king' of Matthew's gospel, and to the man of sorrows' in Mark's gospel. The Jesus of Luke's gospel is seen as a sympathetic son' and finally the Jesus presented by John as loving Lord'. Voorwinde builds a careful picture of Jesus within the theological framework of each evangelist, considering the Historical Jesus debate, the synoptic problem, and the individual literary characteristics of each evangelist. The emotional challenges posed throughout the New Testament gain new significance when considered side-by-side with the emotional character of Jesus.

Reviews

In a trail blazing study of Jesus' emotions in the Gospels, Stephen Voorwinde shows that the Jesus of Scripture is not an iconic statue with a heart of stone inside. Instead, he presents to us the fully orbed humanity of a compassionate king, a suffering servant, a sympathetic prophet, and a loving Lord. Voorwinde's study reminds me of what the writer to the Hebrews said about Jesus, that "he had to be made like his brothers and sisters in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God". An informative read for anyone interested in the Gospels or Christology. -- Michael F. Bird, Bible College of Queensland, Australia.
I enjoyed reading this book and often found myself being encouraged to take up the ideas and themes mentioned for my own preaching ministry. I heartily recommend it as a useful addition to any pastor's library and also to those who are keen to know Jesus better. * Vox Reformata *
Recognizing the emotions of Jesus, Voorwinde concludes, has implications that are both theological (emphasizing Jesus' authentic humanity) and pastoral (emphasizing Jesus' sufferings and the cost of discipleship). * The Bible Today *
Voorwinde offers important observations that make his work a useful starting point for anyone who wants to explore particular emotions of Jesus in further detail. * Theologische Rundschau [Bloomsbury translation] *

Author Bio

Stephen Voorwinde is Lecturer in New Testament at the Reformed Theological College, Geelong, Victoria, Australia.