The Glory of the Cross

A great read for those for whom Easter has, dare I say it, got a bit perfunctory. They know their sin, they know the story, they know the cross. Is that you? Well, I pray you’ll have the courage and energy to go on this journey through John’s Gospel and let your blindness be exposed. I found it profoundly enlightening and refreshing.

The Glory of the Cross is a brilliant resource. Tim writes beautifully, accessibly and concisely. As well as shedding light on the text of John’s Gospel, he adds a rich diversity of comments and prayers from the full range of Christian history. The chapters are rich enough for anyone to benefit from, but short enough for anyone to manage (a rare balance!). While the idea of 47 readings for “Lent” may not immediately resonate with many of us, this book provides a marvellous way to work through John’s Gospel in the run-up to Easter (or actually, at any time). I hope this book is widely used, for if it is, the benefit to God’s people as we chew over John’s Gospel will be significant.

Lent is usually a time for fasting, but this new book by Tim Chester will help you to enjoy it as a time of feasting on God’s word. Short yet profound daily readings in John’s Gospel, which are deeply devotional without sacrificing exegetic rigour, will help you to meet Jesus and to gaze on his glory as revealed by his word and actions, and especially through the cross and resurrection. Suggested prayers and mediations will help you to apply these truths to your heart, strengthening your faith and love for Christ. Although structured especially for use in Lent, this book would be spiritually profitable for daily readings at any time of year.

What a helpful book. Clear: it focuses us on Jesus. Wise: it reminds us that his work on the cross is sufficient. Rewarding: it offers reflections and prayers that reveal the treasures of John’s Gospel. A great resource to use through Lent. Buy it for yourself and give one to a friend.

I would want a good supply of these Lenten readings to be on our bookstall right through the year. So often books of readings are cheesy, shallow, frothy and self-centred. These three-page readings however are honouring to Christ, careful with the text, perceptive and edifying. You can give this book to a seeker, new Christian or long-time disciple. Tim Chester takes sections of John’s Gospel and shows us the majesty and mercy of Jesus, giving us a great resource.

So clearly written and heart-warming, accompanied by a judicious sprinkling of quotes from hymn-writers and luminaries of the Christian church down the centuries, united in finding glory in the cross because of the One who died on it for us. What a splendid resource for Lent!

Reading The Glory of the Cross made me sad and glad! The sadness was the realisation of how hard I find it to see the real glory of Jesus because I am so self-centred. The gladness was that through John’s Gospel I was constantly reminded of how wonderful Christ is. This book will clarify the heart of Easter: our fallibility and Christ’s magnificent strength to save.

In this book Tim takes us through daily reflections on Jesus life, death and resurrection, one for each day of Lent. The events of Easter are so familiar, yet reading this book helped me to see afresh how profound, terrible, horrific yet beautiful Jesus' death and resurrection are. Engaging and simple enough to read with a friend. Insightful and creative enough to stretch those of us who've heard it all before. Don't just give up stuff for Lent - take up daily looking at Christ!