Prior to Easter, I’ve been watching the new The Chosen series about the life of Christ and his apostles. There are things I like about it, like the fact that it focuses on the apostles and shows Jesus in a more human light. However, sometimes I wonder if they are trying too hard to be humorous. Regardless, it got me thinking about all the books I have in my historical fiction section of my bookshelf about the life of Jesus that I have yet to read. Below I’ve listed some I would like to delve further into that revolve around the life of Jesus and those close to Him.
Maximus by Richard L. Black
It’s taken me a few years to get started with this one, but I’ve been delving back into it. This story follows a Roman centurion and a Jewish girl whose stories bring them together and to a man named Jesus of Nazareth.
The Kingdom and the Crown Series by Gerald N. Lund
This series is set in the backdrop of Christ’s mortal ministry and follows various characters as they grapple with family dynamics and their livelihood while testing their faith in the promised Messiah.
Mary Called Magdalene by Margaret George
In this book we get a glimpse into the life of Mary of Magdalene in a diary-like narrative, from her childhood through adulthood and her journey to becoming a disciple of Jesus Christ.
Risen by Angela Hunt
I loved the movie, so I would like to read the book (which was written by one of my favorite Christian authors and I didn’t even realize it!) about a Roman centurion who is set on a quest to find the body of a crucified man named Jesus, which has mysteriously disappeared.
The Fisherman’s Bride: The Untold Story of the Wife of Simon Peter by Catherine Magia
I think this one speaks for itself. I would like to read a book about Peter and how he was chosen to become the senior apostle of Jesus. But it would also be interesting to read a tale from his wife’s perspective.
The Living Water Series by Stephanie Landsem
This series takes you through three of the events of Jesus’s ministry and the three people whose lives were changed because of Him.
The Weeping Chamber by Sigmund Brouwer
This story follows a man named Simeon who is looking for a miracle and finds one when he encounters Christ during His last hours.
Memoirs of Pontius Pilate: A Novel by James R. Mills
Reflecting on his life, Pilate recounts the story of his encounter with Jesus and his feelings about the event.
The Brother’s Keeper by Tracy Groot
This story is one I’m curious about, seeing as how I am interested in learning more about the siblings of Jesus and how they felt having the Savior as their brother.
The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare
I’ve already read this one, but since it’s been about 10 years, I think it’s due for a reread. The main character has spent his whole life waiting for the promised Messiah who was prophesied to liberate Israel. He is disappointed to find that this liberator—who he thought would free him from the Romans—is a humble wandering rabbi, until he learns that there is a deeper understanding to this liberation than meets the eye.
Ashley Weaver 