Hard Sayings of Jesus (The Hard Sayings Series)

This book is a helpful companion when reading the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.In short 2-7 page sections, F.F. Bruce helps the reader to interpret sayings that are difficult to understand in an initial (or more) reading.Some hard sayings considered are: - eating the flesh & drinking the blood of the Son of Man - if your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out - lead us not into temptation - Jesus cursing the fig tree - ...and many moreThe passages addressed often seem unsettling at first glance, if not downright weird. The author provides context and details which prompt us to move beyond a surface-level understanding and into deeper knowledge of the message Jesus taught.You could read straight through this book. But I use it more for researching sayings as I come across them in the gospel text.The author's goal is writing the book was to "help readers to see what the main emphases of [Jesus's] teaching were" and I think he succeeded.

Why skim over Bible passages which are perplexing- when you have the opportunity to refer to a condensed book like this? Helpful but not the final word on passages that are difficult first read. A worthy purchase to consider.

Many of those who listened to Jesus during His earthly ministry and those who read His words in the Gospels today find many of His teachings hard to understand and difficult to live by. Jesus taught many things that ran against the grain of society and were counter to the culture of His day. His teachings truly were radical. He made no provisions in offending those who were in authority, and was often found praising those who were considered the trash heap of society. All of His teachings make both the hearer and reader think, not only about their own lives, but how they are to live amongst and interact with others. In his book, "The Hard Sayings of Jesus" F.F. Bruce explores many of these difficult teachings and exposits them in a way which allows the student of the Bible to better understand what Jesus taught on these more difficult subjects.The reading of, "The Hard Sayings of Jesus" by F.F. Bruce was instrumental in helping me gain a better understanding to some of the more challenging passages found throughout the Gospels, particularly certain teachings of Christ. Jesus often used spiritual allegory, parables, and symbolic illustrations to help teach certain truths to His disciples. However, Jesus also employed the use of literal teachings absent of any illustrations or allegory, proclaiming truths for all of us to live by that are pertinent to us today. How does the student of the Bible distinguish between spiritual allegory and literal interpretation? I believe Bruce clearly differentiated the two throughout his book and clearly articulated what is to be taken as symbolic versus literal.From a personal level, this book helped me understand some of the teachings of Christ that I myself struggled with. For example, in the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 21), Jesus explains that certain things will occur within "this generation". Was He speaking to the generation of the disciples, or was He speaking of a future generation? I believe Bruce cleared up this matter very clearly. I also struggled with the passage concerning Jesus' instructions for His disciples to purchase two swords (see Luke 22:36). Why would Jesus who taught peace and non-violence contradict himself and do such a thing? Again, Bruce cleared up this matter very well in that the swords are not literal, but a figurative understanding of what the disciples will soon experience.Lastly, understanding some of these more difficult passages will better equip me, as a missionary, to communicate the true meaning of Jesus' teachings to a people group who do not yet know Him. As a part of my ministry serving amongst the Roma people of Albania, I will be conducting Bible studies to non-believers as a tool for evangelism. Furthermore, I will be conducting Bible studies to new believers and will help disciple them into mature and faithful followers of Jesus Christ. Imparting the truth behind some of these more difficult teachings of Christ to both the non-believers and believers alike will certainly help them truly understand who Jesus is.

The book is from 1983 - but literally looks brand new! No marks or blemishes. Crisp pages. No odors. Outstanding quality! Hardcover at fraction of the cost of the paperback version Thank you.

This book is impeccably researched and offers many persuasive explanations for the sometimes shocking sayings of Jesus. Caveat: the Kindle edition has no page numbers.

I will keep this book forever. Used for class

Bruce obviously has the background of biblical language and an understanding of the customs of the first century to make these sayings of Jesus clear in terminology that is in current use today. I found this book to be both interesting and helpful.

Not the easiest book to read but filled with thought provoking explanations. Reading this book is insightful but requires much consideration surrounding the authors approach. Anyone can gain valuable insight, especially Christians.

Great book. The author engages in a well and articulate manner with some of the hard sayings found in the Bible. An important read for anyone questioning the words of Jesus

Helpful to dig deeper!

Très bien

As someone who regularly preaches, I am often challenged about difficulties with scripture. F.F.Bruce offers measured and well researched answers.