42. Man of Sorrows, King of Glory

Man of Sorrows, King of Glory: What the Humiliation and Exaltation of Jesus Mean for Us. Jonty Rhodes. 2021. [June] Crossway. 160 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: What has Jesus done for you? Ask that question in any Bible-honoring church, and you'll likely hear the same answer, "He died for me." Christians are known as the people of the cross, and rightly so. The cross stands at the center of the good news of the salvation for sinners.

The title and subtitle really tell potential readers all they need to know about to expect. I don't know if my attempt at a summary is even necessary. 

Essentially this book focuses on the person and work of Jesus Christ the Son of God examining what he planned to do from before creation, what he has done, what he is doing, and what he will do for us who are united to Him. This book touches on every aspect--not just the cross, not just the resurrection, but everything.

It is saturated in Scripture. It was LOVELY to see. Rhodes uses Scripture throughout and uses it liberally--and by liberally I mean generously and lavishly. We see from Scripture itself--along with Rhodes own conclusions--just how marvelous and FULL the gospel is. 

There are three sections.

Part 1: The Journey of the Son of God

Part 2: To The Far Country 

Part 3: To the Father's Right Hand

I found the book informative and encouraging. It was not an intimidating read. It would be a good book for those new to theology or a great basic refresher for those more experienced in their reading. 

Quotes: 

• To say the cross is at the center of Christ's work immediately implies that there's a wider picture; a broader canvas that has to be center. 
• The cross must not become detached from the resurrection, the ascension, or any other event in Christ's life. We may be able to answer the question "Why did Jesus die for you?" But why did he rise? Why was he buried? Why was he circumcised? Does it even matter? Yes, I suggest it does. God has spoken about all these things in his word, and God doesn't waste his breath. All the events of Christ's life are part of his saving work: he was buried for us, he was circumcised for us, he was baptized for us. Each has something to teach us. The cross connects not just to every other event in Christ's life but to every aspect of his ministry. Historically, this ministry has been viewed through the lens of Christ's threefold office. Jesus is our prophet, priest, and king. 
• The tomb of Christ was the womb of a whole new world.

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible