Cults have twisted His words, skeptics scoffed at them and Christians often puzzle over them. Misunderstanding or misinterpreting His words can do more than start an argument; it can have eternal consequences. Grasping their true meaning can bring satisfaction for the believer and eternal life for the seeker of truth.

Author Ron Rhodes, president of Reasoning from the Scriptures Ministries, a Christian apologetics organization, has taken about 150 of Jesus’ sayings and removed the apparent mystery from them to reveal plain truths that anyone can grasp. Rhodes discusses each saying in the linguistic, cultural and historical contexts necessary to make them come alive to a reader living in the late 20th century. Many of the sayings Rhodes examines are parables. He explains why Jesus used this method and clarifies the illustrations where needed.

The book is organized into topical chapters, such as “Jesus’ Claims About Himself,” and “Living Ethically.” There is a Scripture and subject glossary in the back, too. The book is useful if read cover to cover, opened randomly or searched for answers to specific questions — or to settle debates.

Perhaps the most rewarding aspect of the book is the way it immerses the reader in the sayings of Jesus, forcing him to ponder what the Savior said and challenging him to act on his faith.

In a day when some so-called Christian books focus on the author and what he or she has to say, Rhodes has wisely put the spotlight on Christ’s words and helped the reader sharpen his focus on their meaning.

As with many of Rhodes’ previous writings, his latest volume is yet another valuable tool which will enable the Christian to strive to be “a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).

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