The Most Important Words of Jesus

Lohfink always impresses with the detailed care with which he delves into significant biblical texts. This extensive probe into seventy major 'words' of Jesus in the synoptic gospels, under the headings of The Coming of the Reign of God, The Mission of the Twelve, A Disciple’s Existence, Living in Light of the Reign of God, Jesus’ Exalted Claim, and Israel’s Crisis will keep the reader thinking but also praying for a good long time. These 'important words' as Lohfink reads them both inform and challenge our own discipleship. If we take up or renew our acceptance of Jesus’ daily invitation, 'Come, follow me,' Lohfink spells out the consequences with a most satisfying blend of theological depth and spiritual wisdom.

Gerhard Lohfink has graced us with many books that have helped us to see the New Testament in a refreshingly new way. In The Most Important Words of Jesus, he explains seventy of Jesus’s sayings that deal with his mission and its meaning for contemporary life. Those familiar with Lohfink’s writings will not be disappointed. Those who have not read his works will be amazed. This is a sure resource for those who preach the gospel and for those who seek to be nourished by it.

The result of a life of serious and faithful scholarship, Lofink’s newest book sharpens our prayer, deepens our faith, and gently challenges both the scholarly and general reader to put into practice what we learn from the seventy sayings of Jesus so profoundly illuminated herein. I highly recommend it for both study and devotion.

It is rare to find a prolific writer who has not become stale or redundant in their publications. Yet, in The Most Important Words of Jesus, Gerhard Lohfink adds yet another tile to the rich mosaic of his many creative books. Faithfully gleaning from the fruits of modern methods of biblical interpretation, The Most Important Words of Jesus remains eminently accessible and applicable to the spiritual life of all Christians. Teaming with life and vitality–Lohfink helps the reader reframe familiar logia (sayings) of Jesus in new and unexpected ways. The seriousness of his scholarship will no doubt win the respect of the academy, while the insights he offers about Jesus’ most prominent sayings will win the hearts of pastors seeking resources for serious and transformational homiletics.