Beautiful Outlaw: Experiencing the Playful, Disruptive, Extravagant Personality of Jesus

I have read several John and Stasi Eldredge books, and they have been a revelation. \\r\\nI read the first chapter of this book and burst into tears because I suddenly realized that other people had experienced the character of Jesus as he has revealed himself to me. He is indeed a playful, extravagant personality with a sense of humour. \\r\\nJohn takes the ordinary black-and-white events of the gospels that you know so well and makes you REALLY think about them. Have you ever really thought about what that reunion on the beach with the disciples would have looked like after Jesus was risen from the dead? You will when you read this book, and that is just one story. \\r\\nJohn says Jesus was a man who was frequently embroiled in conflict - most of it of his own making. And that is true! But it doesn't fit with most people's one dimensional view of Jesus' peaceful nature. \\r\\n\\r\\nThis book is a revelation. It will possibly be momentarily uncomfortable for some people, but every observance John makes is backed up with scripture. It truly does turn on the sound and brings a revelation of the amazingly intricate nature and heart of Jesus. If you struggle with understanding his heart from basic biblical account, I believe this book will give you the ability to meditate on those accounts and have Jesus reveal himself to you the way he wants to. \\r\\n

I found this book by the grace of God when I was desperately searching for the true Jesus-Jesus of the Bible, not the Jesus of the religion. And I have to say this book didn't let me down. In fact it was hard to put it down once I began to read because it's full of golden nuggets of unveiling of Jesus Christ in every page. I can't help loving this Jesus as John Eldredge was introducing to us. I am also amazed by his knowledge and revelation of Jesus Christ. Not every christian has it. I recommend this book to those who know the Father but not so much the Son as He really is. I can see Jesus smiling up there when He is introduced to us in this way. \\r\\n

I've read and enjoyed several of John Eldredge's books before, and this one looked interesting so I figured I'd give it a try. It was well worth it! I enjoy the author's particular style of writing, and found myself caught up almost from the first page. Many books on the life of Jesus can be dry and religious; this one was interesting and engaging while also capturing a picture of Jesus that is Biblically accurate and real. Rather than a mild, long-haired man in white robes surrounded by sheep and little children, this Jesus was a counter-cultural revolutionary who would probably be kicked out of half the churches I've ever been in. As soon as I finished this book, I went straight out and bought another copy as a Christmas present!

This is truly an amazing book!! Whilst the Bible will always far outstrip anything that us humans can put together, Beautiful Outlaw is a truly stunning look at WHO Jesus really is (not was, but is!), based on how He lived while He was here on earth. I really did fall in love all over again with Jesus, and this time it wasn't with the white-robed, pale, smooth-hands Jesus, but the live, laugh and love among us Jesus, in whose image we are made!! Based on Scripture, this book looks at the setting and context of Jesus life, the detailed descriptions of what He said, and how He did things, to draw very vivid conclusions about the type of God He is, and how, in light of that, we can relate confidently to Him. Written with humour, intelligence and I suspect a good dose of inspiration from the Holy Spirit, this fascinating book is far from a dry intellectual text, but is in every way a very engaging book. I cannot see how anyone could come away from this book unaffected by this description of our amazing God. It is a God that I think we could very easily miss, and be all the poorer for having not known. A definite must-read!!

I first checked this out on DVD and then read the book, both times I found myself touched by the beautiful portrayal of Jesus and the perfect example he set for us. Don't underestimate the power in the message of this book - on finishing it I felt I needed to read it again. This book may have a plain cover but there is gold on the inside!