Alongside

‘The real Jesus’ life was by no means struggle-free. If like him, we trace our spiritual ancestry back to Jacob, we should not expect exemption from struggles in our lives. They are integral to our learning, thriving, believing, and living.’ This fascinating book of short reflections on Gospel accounts of Jesus facing struggles in life, each followed by a prayer, then grouped questions to consider, makes for valuable reading—at Lent, Advent, or any time of year. Chapters are themed by Jesus’ struggles with his family, with his friends, with religious people and structures, with the crowds as the Kingdom dawned, and with his destiny. There are also chapters on things that trouble us but with which Jesus did not struggle.

Henry Martin is an artist, writer, and ordained Anglican minister. His first book was the acclaimed Eavesdropping, and he has also illustrated Brian Sibley’s book Joseph and the Three Gifts. He has worked in ministry in Dagenham, Salford and most recently for seven years as the Managing Chaplain at HMP Manchester (Strangeways).