Copyright Page
2017 by Lois Tverberg
Published by Baker Books
a division of Baker Publishing Group
PO Box 6287, Grand Rapids, MI 49516-6287
www.bakerbooks.com
Ebook edition created 2017
Ebook corrections 01.14.2019
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any meansfor example, electronic, photocopy, recordingwithout the prior written permission of the publisher. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is on file at the Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
ISBN 978-1-4934-1267-9
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV), copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. ESV Text Edition: 2011
Scripture quotations labeled HCSB are from the Holman Christian Standard Bible, copyright 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Holman Christian Standard Bible, Holman CSB, and HCSB are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.
Scripture quotations labeled KJV are from the King James Version of the Bible.
Scripture quotations labeled NASB are from the New American Standard Bible, copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. (www.Lockman.org)
Scripture quotations labeled NIV are from the Holy Bible, New International Version. NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com
Scripture quotations labeled NJPS are from the New Jewish Publication Society Version 1985 by The Jewish Publication Society. All rights reserved.
Published in association with the literary agency of Ann Spangler and Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Endorsements
In her delightful style, Lois Tverberg engagingly leads us across cultures to begin to envision a different worldview, a worldview more consistent with the world of most of Scripture. In so doing, she brings alive biblical texts from the inside.
Craig S. Keener, F. M. and Ada Thompson Professor of Biblical Studies, Asbury Theological Seminary
Thanks to the good work of biblical scholars, the historical Jesus of Nazareth is once again situated in his divinely designed Second Temple period Jewish context. The next critical step is to understand that hearing him in his original setting equips us to follow him more faithfully in ours. The latest from Lois Tverberg is a meaningful contribution to that end. Read this book for a more informed reading of The Book.
James C. Whitman, president, Center for Judaic-Christian Studies
In Reading the Bible with Rabbi Jesus , Lois Tverberg opens up the Scriptures we all love and shines a fascinating new light on them. As she gracefully bridges the culture gap between Jesus first Jewish followers and twenty-first century Christians and unites the Old and New Testaments, I found myself falling in love with the Bible all over again. Lois is a superb teacher, using story and gentle humor to great effect. I devoured this fascinating book. Highly recommended!
Lynn Austin, author of Where We Belong
Just what exactly did Jesus share with his disciples on the road to Emmaus? This excellent book unfolds so many valuable truths in the Scriptures that are often ignored or misunderstood. Lois Tverberg is a trustworthy guide whose insightful discoveries provide a delightful appetizer to some of the most exciting passages in the Old Testament. Im recommending it to everyone I know.
Todd Bolen, professor of biblical studies, The Masters University
Lois Tverberg is back with her most insightful work yet. Every chapter takes us on a journey of discovery, opening our eyes to astounding realities and clarifying confusing or misunderstood passages that have significant impact in our reading of the Bible and our relationship with Jesus Christ. Every Christian should read this book!
Brad Gray, author of Make Your Mark and founder of Walking The Text Ministries
Though the truth in the written Word of God transcends time, place, and culture, understanding the Bibles context adds depth of meaning to every jot and tittle it contains. Lois Tverberg is an apt guide to the Jewish context of the Bible, and her mix of thoughtful research and relatable application will help readers discover new riches within its pages. She offers an entry ramp to the time, place, and culture in which the Bible was first given with the goal of enriching not only personal reading and study but also strengthening the church in her identity and mission here and now. Highly recommended!
Michelle Van Loon, author of Moments & Days: How Our Holy Celebrations Shape Our Faith
In Reading the Bible with Rabbi Jesus , Lois Tverberg gives us a front row seat at the feet of Jesus as familiar passages in the Bible come alive. By taking us on a journey into the culture of the first century and the Hebraic mindset of Jesus, Lois teaches us how to bend our ear to hear the Galilean accent of our Jewish Rabbi. Open your Bible, grab a highlighter, and dive into the world of the first century like never before.
Robby Gallaty, pastor of Long Hollow Baptist Church and author of The Forgotten Jesus
Lois Tverberg has written still another classic Reading the Bible with Rabbi Jesus compliments her Walking in the Dust of Rabbi Jesus , but goes beyond. Tverberg clarifies what it meant to study Moses and all the Prophets with the sage from Galilee, Yeshua of Nazareth. For those who want to know what it was like to be one of Jesus inner circle of disciples and sit down with him to study Scripture, Tverbergs new book is the place to start.
David N. Bivin, founder and editor of Jerusalem Perspective
How odd of God / To choose the Jews. It is not certain who wrote that epigram and why, but what is certain is that God did indeed choose the Jews to show us what he is like. His Son Yeshua , whom we know as Jesus, was a Jew. How wonderfully and mysteriously strange is the incarnation! That the infinite maker of heaven and earth would definitively reveal himself in a particular man, of a particular ethnicity, in a particular culture, who spoke a particular language, in a particular time and place in history. Lois Tverbergs splendid book explores that divine oddity with clarity, good humor, and even startling insight, showing how Jesus the first century Jew is oddly the Savior and Lord of all peoples in all times and places.
Ben Patterson, campus pastor, Westmont College
Dedication
In loving memory of my mother,
Laura Evelyn Ritland Tverberg
19222017
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the L ORD is to be praised.
Honor her for all that her hands have done,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
Proverbs 31:3031 NIV
Contents
Cover
Title Page
Copyright Page
Endorsements
Dedication
1. Opening the Bible with Jesus
Emmaus Is Still There
Part 1: Repacking Our Mental Bags
Tools for the Journey
2. Learning to Be There
A Clash of Cultures
3. What Does Christ Mean, Anyway?
A Perplexing Word
4. Painting in Hebrew
Bold Colors, Broad Brushstrokes
Part 2: How the Bible Thinks
Big Picture Ideas That You Need to Understand
5. Greek Brain, Hebrew Brain
Cows, Creeds, and Concrete Metaphors
6. Why Jesus Needs Those Boring Begats
Knowing the Family Rules