Contrary to what many believe today, neither the truth that Jesus is both really God and really man, nor the way that He views the people on this earth, are ideas about which you can simply make up your own opinion. These truths are clearly taught in the pages of Scripture and are “profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (II Tim. 3:16).
So who is Jesus? John’s inspired gospel account of our Saviour’s ministry will help you answer this question biblically and show you just how important is the answer to the question. When you fall into sin or are tempted to sin or when you suffer hardship and loss, there is great comfort in knowing who Jesus is—the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!
Book Review
by Sarah Mowery
Who is Jesus? Book 1 by Abby Van Solkema consists of 28 devotionals on John chapters 1—4. As noted on its cover, the book was written for teens. It serves its purpose well. It is accessible: each Bible passage (KJV) is printed in full prior to its corresponding meditation, so one can slip this compact book into a purse or backpack without needing to carry a Bible as well. The one-page meditations are Reformed, concise, and informative. Did you know that the phrase “under the fig tree” can mean “time spent meditating on Scripture”? Or that the John includes only seven of Jesus’ miracles in his gospel account? Not only is this devotional accessible: it is applicable. Both in the meditations and the two questions that follow each one, Van Solkema guides teens to consider the implications of God’s word on their lives. The three prayer prompts that follow the questions nudged me out of ruts in my own prayer life. If you are one who benefits from jotting down your thoughts, the book includes space for journaling following each question and after the prayer prompts.
This devotional is intended for teens, but like most good books, other ages would be blessed by reading it. I read several of the devotions aloud to all of my children at breakfast; now I’m passing it along to the four teens in our home to read in its entirety. And I’m looking forward to the next three instalments in the series. In my busy season of life … I’m grateful for the opportunities this little book granted me to consider, Who is Jesus? After all, there is no other question in all the world that is more important or more urgent.
Book Review
by Michelle Drnek
Parents of small children do devotions with their young ones, often reading a Bible story, before putting them to bed. As our children get a bit older, perhaps we read a passage with them and talk it over. But then they move toward independence in many things, including in their devotional life. Sometimes it’s difficult for a teenager to know what to read for devotions, and how to meditate on what they read.
The RFPA just released a new book by Abby Van Solkema titled Who Is Jesus? This book is a devotional intended for teens. It is the first book in what is intended to be a four-book series. Abby’s purpose is to help teens grow in their personal relationship with God by helping them to see from scripture who Jesus is and what implications that truth has for daily life (page 1).
Who Is Jesus? goes through the first four chapters of the book of John in 28 days. Each day covers a few verses of a chapter. After reading the verses, there is a short meditation/devotional followed by two questions and a few suggestions of things to pray for.
Since each day only covers a few verses, teens see that the goal of Scripture reading isn’t just to make it to the end of a chapter. This book slows them down and encourages meditation on God’s Word. Within the passage, Abby highlights one phrase. The devotional explains the passage, especially focusing on the highlighted phrase. But, while the truths of scripture are very much central, the devotional does not stop at doctrine. The Word of God is also applied, with a special focus on teenagers. The questions that follow further apply the Word, encouraging self-reflection based on the text. The things to pray for flow from the Bible reading, as they should. They suggest things to praise, ask, thank, and confess to God.
Who is Jesus? The apostle John tells us that he wrote his book so that we would believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God (John 20:31). Throughout the 28 days of this devotional, there is a strong focus on who Jesus is: the light shining in darkness, the lamb of God, the one who knows all things, the one who showed his glory, etc. And, while the meditations and questions include application, the focus is on God. As the author says (p. 85), “God’s word is primarily about him, not about you”.
The devotionals, questions, and prayer prompts are intended to help teens understand how to study the Bible. The author hopes that teens will be able to use this 28-day study to learn how to study the Bible, to consider who God is, to apply what is read, and to pray. As a mom of teens, it is also my prayer that my teenagers will use this devotional to that end and that your teens, too, will be blessed as they use Who Is Jesus? in their personal devotions.
Read additional reviews by Luke Potjer and Elizabeth Machiele.
