Add “Jesus the King” to Your Recommended List

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jesus the kingI spent some time with a new study this week that I think you’re going to want to know about and add to your recommended list. Jesus the King: Exploring the Life and Death of the Son of God, is a 9 session study by Tim Keller and Spence Shelton. While this study will be a challenge for less committed or less experienced group members, it will be just the right study for groups desiring a serious opportunity to deeply explore the life and death of “the most influential man to every walk the earth.”

Jesus the King is a study of Tim Keller’s book by the same title (originally published as King’s Cross in 2011) and the Gospel of Mark. The book was based on a series of messages given by Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in 2006 and 2007. Newsweek called Keller “a C.S. Lewis for the twenty-first century” and according to Christianity Today, “Fifty years from now, if evangelical Christians are widely known for their love of cities, their commitment to mercy and justice, and their love of their neighbors, Tim Keller will be remembered as a pioneer of the new urban Christians.”

Each session of this nine session study is broken into three parts: Pre-Group, Group Discussion, and On Your Own. “Pre-Group and Group Discussion are essential for a great group experience, while On Your Own is designed to help you dig further into the concepts if you so desire (from the How to Use This Study Guide section).”

The study guide, developed in collaboration with Spence Shelton (a grouplife veteran with “a deep understanding of the real-world dynamics of the gospel”) is well-written and very easy to use. It will almost lead itself and the design of the study will make it easy to facilitate. Thoughtfully developed questions will help members thoroughly engage in the discussion and as a result, call each member to “look anew at his or her relationship with God (from the cover).”

A significant challenge to the study is the required reading. While Keller is an excellent writer and his books reflect his speaking style, each session of the study calls for a couple chapters of a 252 page book (25 pages a week). The book captures the reader from the opening paragraphs and those who dig in and do the reading will be rewarded. At the same time, it’s important to note that the group discussion rests on the Pre-Group reading and study (i.e., if you haven’t done the Pre-Group reading and study, you will have little to contribute).

The Pre-Group section also includes a personal reflection assessment and a short set of Bible investigation questions.

Every small group ministry needs a recommended study list that includes some studies that are more challenging. Jesus the King is a challenging study that will reward those groups and group members that fully engage. I love this study and I think you will too.

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above may be “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am also the Small Group Specialist for LifeWay. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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