New DVD-Driven study from John Ortberg: Who Is This Man?

I heard John Ortberg give a talk based on this topic at this years Leadership Summit. His opening lines guaranteed that this study was coming and that it would be an important addition to the library of great studies with cross-cultural topics.

In his talk, Ortberg said, “Forget religion.  Forget what you might think of claims of his divinity. Consider him just as a person who was born, lived, died. Look honestly and without prejudice at his impact on the world…you have to ask, who was this man?”

Who Is This Man? The Unpredictable Impact of the Inescapable Jesus has a very simple premise.  Whatever people think about Jesus being the Son of God…people everywhere readily acknowledge that they admire his teachings.

In Who Is This Man?, Ortberg shows how Jesus’ influence has swept over history, bringing his inspiration to the evolution of art, science, government, medicine, and education. And how his vision for us to lead lives of dignity, compassion, forgiveness, and hope continues to inspire and challenge humanity today.

The five DVD sessions run 17 to 22 minutes.  Well paced and featuring Ortberg, the video is very engaging.  Whether you’re very familiar with Jesus and his life or you’re discovering who he was for the first time, you’ll find yourself listening with anticipation.  Truthfully, I heard some things I’d never heard before.

The study guide includes a listening guide to help you follow along with the video teaching.  You’ll also find a set of very good discussion questions, exercises that will help bring truth to life, and a personal study section to be completed in between sessions.

Although a leader’s guide is not included, Who Is This Man? is a fairly straightforward study.  Easy-to-follow directions precede every section and should make facilitating doable for most leaders.

If you’re looking for a study that will appeal to members and neighbors alike…you need to take a look at Who Is this Man?  I think lots of churches will make this study part of their recommended list.  I loved it and I’m pretty sure you will too.