Introduction
In this episode of The Greater Heritage podcast we present a Dane Ortlund book review of Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers, published by Crossway.
Who is Jesus to you? How do you feel about Him? Have you sought to know Him as He has revealed Himself in the Bible?
Or have you relied on your own ideas to inform your understanding of Who He is? Perhaps you have primarily relied on the definitions of others?“We are only able to be like Jesus as much as our understanding of Him will allow us.”
These are essential questions that all Christians must answer, for we are only able to be like Jesus as much as our understanding of Him will allow us.
If we look outside the Bible to know Him we will be spiritually unbalanced, and our spiritual, emotional and psychological growth will be stunted.
So, how do we cultivate a proper theology and understanding of Jesus? How can we learn to be like Him and enjoy Him?
Dane Ortlund Book Review (Gentle and Lowly)
First, we must look to the Bible above all else. Second, we must look at what Jesus teaches about Himself, specifically we must learn about His very heart.
The later is the subject of Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers by Dane C. Ortlund, which teaches readers all about Jesus’ from a Biblical, first-person perspective.
The title itself is based on what Jesus Himself said about His heart in Matthew 11:29, where He states “for I am gentle and lowly in heart.”
From that premise, and in 23 concise, readable, yet deep chapters, Ortlund takes readers on a journey of discovery into Jesus’ heart, attributes and love, which all serves to teach us a proper and Biblical understanding of our Savior.
The subject of the book, that of the heart of Jesus, is a neat turn that hones in on an oft neglected topic.“This is a tremendously freeing book that encourages readers to appreciate, desire and seek out Jesus more than they have before.”
Especially welcomed is the book’s emphasis on the use of proper Christology (the study and learning about who Jesus is) in an effort to untie Christians from the psychological bonds that their improper views of Jesus cause.
The reality is that all Christians struggle with getting Jesus right, because each of us still live in the flesh even after being saved.
As a result, the importance of a book like Gentle and Lowly cannot be understated.
Ultimately, the Biblical Jesus, and the Jesus presented in the book, is a loving Savior Who delights in dealing with the sins of His children.
He is approachable, gentle, full of mercies, our advocate and so much more.
No sin or setback or fear will change that, in fact it is these that Jesus is especially qualified to handle.
As such, in reading Gentle and Lowly, one cannot help but be in greater awe of Jesus’ love for sinners and sufferers.
Ultimately, this is a tremendously freeing book that encourages readers to appreciate, desire and seek out Jesus more than they have before.
Other topics, such as the Holy Spirit, legalism, the trinity and more are also touched on throughout the book.
Ortlund also invokes many of the greatest Puritan thinkers such as Bunyan, Goodwin, Owen and more, giving readers a nice introduction to them.
Conclusion
Gentle and Lowly comes highly recommended. At its core it is a book of stirring encouragement.
Yet is also a nice primer on Christology that contains a staggering amount of theology in just about 200 pages.
We also recommend the book especially for counselors and Christian therapists, as it really helps untangle messy and self-oppressive views of Jesus.
Intro and outro music provided by Five Minute Plan. Be sure to check them out!
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this review are solely those of the reviewer. They do not represent any endorsement from the publisher.