The Forgotten Jesus: How Western Christians Should Follow an Eastern Rabbi

I cannot say enough great things about this book. I own all of his books and this one is by far my favorite. The information he presents to the reader is easy to digest and it challenges what you thought you understood about the Old Testament and its relation to the New Testament. I had no idea prior to reading this book that Isaac was not a young boy forced to give himself as a sacrifice, but an adult, who freely did his fathers bidding. That in revelation in itself made this book worth the purchase. Pastor Gallaty's vivid descriptions of traditional Jewish practices that get lost many times in the discussions in Evangelical discussions were very beneficial in allowing me to view things I read from a new perspective.Each chapter of this book uncovered more information on tradition and ceremonial aspects of Jewish culture than I had ever viewed prior to this. These explanations bring so much of the Scriptures into a whole new light for me. It also made me understand Jesus better and the development of his ministry. Descriptions of cultural reasons things occurred in the timeline in which they did were enlightening.Perhaps my favorite part of the book was the description of the woman in John 8 and the discussion of why her healing was truly such a big deal. Had I not had a cultural context in which to associate it to, it would not hold the meaning it does now that I have read this book. Chapter 8 was a blessing during this week of Easter as well. "A Colt-Riding, Table-Turning, Tree-Cursing Messiah". Read it first if you buy it before Easter.This book was wonderful. The illustrations, the history and tradition, the backing of scriptural comparisons, all formed to make a surprisingly easy read. I feel that reading this has made me a better believer, a better small group leader, and a better disciple of Christ.I highly encourage it. I look forward to buying whatever he puts out next!

The author makes assertions in the book but does not adequately back them up. Either there is no reference or the citation is from a website. One footnote cites that he heard the sourced referenced at a lecture/seminar.This is a good starter book, in my opinion. It can whet your appetite for learning the difference between the ‘oriental’ (Middle Eastern) culture from ‘occidental’ (Western) culture. It can motivate to go further.The ‘Hebrew Roots of Christianity’ movement has been around for 30+ years. Some is useful. What I experienced, many went overboard; adherents have the idea that they have more exclusive, better insights. Then some go outside orthodoxy and begin applying the ‘insights’ of the Talmud, Mishnah, and Gemara along with the Jewish fathers to the interpretation of scripture. This book isn’t one of them. It stays within the boundaries of orthodoxy and is worth the reading.

Why read this book? Well, I can give many reasons why. One of the main reasons I read the book was because I wanted to have my understanding of Jesus and the Bible stretched. I didn’t want to open a book that would just rehash things I have learned before. I wanted to be challenged to think.Robby Gallaty’s book, The Forgotten Jesus, challenged me to think, understand and consider who Jesus was as a Rabbi. The book starts with an introduction titled, How Have We Lost the Jewishness of Jesus, and from there the journey to discover Jesus from a Jewish mindset begins. The author is a Baptist pastor. He isn’t Jewish, but the depth of understanding that comes from discovering Jesus from an eastern mindset instead of a western one was thought-provoking and life-changing!While the book “looks” like it might not have much in it when one considers there are only 9 chapters. Perhaps folks might even be tempted to pass it by. Don’t. Please don’t. I found the insights into the culture, history and original language very eye opening. I know I will not look or read the Scriptures the same way again. As with all authors there are points made, I didn’t necessarily understand or conclusions that I agree with, but the point for me was to broaden my understanding.As I read, there were many pages I marked so I can go back and consider again what was written or share with friends what I learned. Books are great tools that help us learn, think and grow. I hope that readers will grab a copy and read what the author shares. There were many times in talking with others I would share an insight or a question I thought of as I read. I hope you consider reading this with others and having a conversation.I am not revealing much about what the author specifically shared because I think that what would be helpful is a reader discovering for themselves what is written. If you approach the book with an open mind and heart, you will come away with a deeper love for God, Jesus, His Word, His people and the world. I will share what the author states on page 204 for you to consider as a reason to read the book and the Bible, “Ultimately, the goal of knowledge is not to fill your head with useless facts, but to instill in you a hunger to read and study God’s Word. In particular, I hope that you begin to see how we cannot truly grasp the message of the New Testament without an understanding of the Old. As the two complement one another and only make sense when they are studied together.” Makes sense doesn’t it? After all the Bible is one book from Genesis to Revelation.

A must read! Robby has done a great job in looking at the Jewishness of Jesus. He does a good job in showing how the Old Testament and Jewish culture can shed light on the New Testament. The Jewish "use of both hands" in talking about Scripture is what we need to understand in our American Christianity. I highly recommend this book.

Robby Gallaty has impressed me again. I have very much enjoyed this book. It has made me think and question. I appreciate his deep research and desire to teach us, so we can try to understand where Jesus came from. As a person who loves learning about history I found this book full of wonderful facts I was never taught growing up in Church. I love how he brings us back to the Old Testament over and over. I highly recommend this book and I will be giving it out as gifts to friends and family.

This book takes you right back to the ORIGINAL Jesus and his day and his obedience to the Torah. It shows how orthodox and very faithful His parents were and many explanations of words in the /Bible. I would recommend it to any serious person of faith.

Not bad for the basics. Author could have read some Kenneth Bailey first though.

Le di cinco estrellas porque es un libro estupendo.De todos los libros de la vida de Jesús que he leído, este es uno de los que definitivamente recomendaría.El trasfondo de sus enseñanzas dado su origen judío y algunos principios de hermenéutica que por lo general se desconocen entre los que predican, hacen de esta una herramienta indispensable en el acervo cultural de todo predicador o maestro de la Biblia.Super recomendado para todo estudiante de la Biblia o interesado en la vida de Jesús.