The reprints of this book have gone into several languages. The Book has brought out the gist of modern writers’ writings and an attempt to answer the question, “What do you think of the Christ?” based from the New Testament, according to the author, Leon Morris.
Morris pointed out that “The aim throughout has not been to clear up matters which are in disputes, but to set out what the New Testament has to say on the subject.”
Anyone who is interested in the subject should be able to benefit greatly from this book.
The book has the following 8 divisions. In the first chapter, the writer talked about “Jesus of Nazareth”—- his teachings, implications of his teachings. He explored further on the “personality of Jesus” and the ‘miracles’ he performed.
Into the second chapter, he showed us ”Jesus view of himself”—-as “the Son of Man,” as “The Messiah” and as “The Servant”. We are being BOOKreview Morris, Leon (1995). The Lord from Heaven–Jesus: God and Man. England: Inter-Varsity Press. 111. shown clearly as he is “The Forgiver of Sins” and on top of all these, as a “Giver of a New Law” and showed us what “men’s deepest needs” are. In many ways, we are being made to understand that “Jesus (is) the man”. As a religious man, the writer expounded furthermore on “the Limitations of Jesus’ Knowledge.” Jesus was also being tempted as a man. In the 4th chapter, Jesus was also a prince and a savior. Moreover, Morris talked about “the Divine Act in Jesus.” How he was being called “The Lord.” This chapter is concluded with his summary on “Men’s Attitude to Jesus”. And he is such a Man, and what attitude(s) do you and I hold towards Him, His teachings?
He is “the Lord of Glory”. This is the theme of the next chapter. Paul works here have been largely referred to. Jesus had sacrificed himself and emptied himself to mankind. And so what should be our attitude toward such his sacrifice? “A great High Priest he is, but Jesus lived as He was, but on “the Divine Appointment’.” What a pleasure it was for men being able to carry on with His teachings of salvation. That is His end purpose!
As I attempt to take an unusual step, that is to leave you now with the final 2 chapters on “God the Word” (a large portion of this chapter has made direct reference to the John’s gospel and his epistles) and “Conclusion,” I am in no way to say that you should not refer to these 2 chapters. Perhaps, leaving you in this manner may provoke you to ponder further and do more own studies using this book.
And the final word but which is a helpful pointer I would like to add here is that a great number of footnotes/references have been provided at almost every bottom page of the book with some reference dating back as far as 1909. This will certainly help you in your own time of study and meditation.
by Wong Siew Tung,
Lecturer at Methodist Theological School, Sibu