Holy Week Reading Recommendations
With Palm Sunday-Good Friday-Easter observations only a couple of weeks away, and knowing that many people will be looking for some focused reading during that week to aid their understanding and growth in grace, I thought I’d mention some brief books - and a couple of longer ones - that are certain to take us deeper in our devotion to Jesus.
The Seven Last Words from the Cross, by Fleming Rutledge
This book has seven beautiful and brief meditations spread over 81 pages. Rutledge is a masterful writer, and her pastoral wisdom shines through her prose, directing us to the love of God given to us in Jesus.
The Seven Sayings of the Savior on the Cross, by AW Pink
Pink’s style will be somewhat dated for those only used to contemporary authors, but you’d be hard-pressed to beat his insights in these seven studies that occupy 134 pages. Here is robust theological content that leads to heart-felt worship and thanksgiving at the foot of the cross.
Death on a Friday Afternoon, by Richard John Neuhaus
Back when First Things could be counted on for brilliant analysis communicated in sparkling prose, its editor was Richard John Neuhaus. Likewise, this meditation on Jesus’ seven sayings from the cross has all the marks of Neuhaus’ fertile thought, devoted passion, and pointed, precise language. More lengthy than either Rutledge or Pink (260 pages), I commend this book to you and hope you will read it, if not this year, then soon.
Crucifixion, by Martin Hengel
Unlike the previous recommendations, Hengel’s book is a historical study rather than a devotional classic. In Hengel’s own words, it is “a summary of the use of crucifixion as a penalty in the Graeco-Roman world.” And yet it is far more than this. In this brief 90-page book, Hengel ably introduces readers to the “data” of the sociological, medical, and legal aspects of ancient crucifixion, but he does much more. His work contributes significantly to our understanding of Paul’s assertion that the word of the cross is foolishness and a stumbling block, a terrible offense to all who first heard the apostolic message. Even if you don’t read this book this year during holy week, you do need it among your books for reference and reading it will greatly enhance your grasp of the mystery of Jesus’ suffering on our behalf.
The Message of the Cross, Derek Tidball
This is a longer study of the death of Christ, and what I like most about it is the author’s rooting of the Gospel in the First Testament. Starting with The Cross Anticipated, Tidball masterfully weaves the story of Abraham and Isaac at Mt Moriah together with the Psalms and the Prophets to underscore the prophetic fulfillment of Jesus’ coming, death, and resurrection. All 317 pages are packed with rich Biblical theology carefully crafted and compellingly written, culminating in the final chapter on the worship we offer our Savior, Worthy is the Lamb. All who love the Lord Jesus and the Bible will savor this beautiful exposition. Tidball is a prolific author and should be more widely noted.
The Cross of Christ, by John RW Stott
Lastly, I can’t come to this season without commending Stott’s remarkable book. This is a longer book that will demand more of your attention, but it will also reward your effort with great riches in Gospel grace and truth. I read it yearly, and my original 1986 edition is falling apart from constant use. If the house was on fire, this is one of two or three books I’d be grabbing on the way out the door. The work is divided into four sections: Approaching the Cross, The Heart of the Cross; The Achievement of the Cross, and Living Under the Cross. Those familiar with Stott’s writing and preaching will know what to expect: a penetrating exegesis of the Biblical text, clear exposition of the Biblical text, and profound evangelistic, pastoral, and prophetic application of the Biblical text. While I would not hesitate to commend Fleming Rutledge’s remarkable book on Christ’s crucifixion, I always commend Stott first. I hope you will read it soon, doing so slowly and patiently.
This is a very ecumenical list of recommended authors, reminding us of our essential and beautiful unity in Christ’s Church, knit together by his Spirit at the foot of his cross. May the Lord find us drawing near to him in the coming weeks, thankful for the death he died on our behalf and the life he gives us in his resurrection.