Saints and Scoundrels in the Story of Jesus

by Nancy Guthrie

Overview

The story of Jesus includes all kinds of characters. Some see these people as mere examples to follow or to avoid, and some have only heard about them in Sunday school stories. But their interactions with Jesus reveal much more about the person of Jesus himself and the message he has for us. Saints and Scoundrels in the Story of Jesus tells the story of 10 people or groups of people who are integral to the story of Jesus told in the Gospels. Each chapter takes a character off the Sunday school felt board and reveals them as a three-dimensional person with desires, motivations, flaws, and limitations. They are more than examples—they show us a unique angle on the grace available through Jesus for sinners. Each chapter also offers challenging applications to the lives of readers.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781433566127
Publisher:	Crossway
Publication date:	04/14/2020
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	240
File size:	933 KB

About the Author

Nancy Guthrie teaches the Bible at her home church, Cornerstone Presbyterian Church in Franklin, Tennessee, as well as at conferences around the country and internationally, including her Biblical Theology Workshop for Women. She is the author of numerous books and the host of the Help Me Teach the Bible podcast with the Gospel Coalition. She and her husband founded Respite Retreats for couples who have faced the death of a child, and they are cohosts of the GriefShare video series. 

Nancy Guthrie teaches the Bible at her home church, Cornerstone Presbyterian Church in Franklin, Tennessee, as well as at conferences around the country and internationally, including her Biblical Theology Workshop for Women. She is the author of numerous books and the host of the Help Me Teach the Bible podcast with the Gospel Coalition. She and her husband founded Respite Retreats for couples who have faced the death of a child, and they are cohosts of the GriefShare video series. 

Table of Contents

Introduction 11

1 The Voice 13

2 The Family 37

3 The Rock 55

4 The Hypocrites 73

5 The Crook 97

6 The Opportunist 113

7 The Priest 133

8 The Criminals 151

9 The Disciple 167

10 The Worst 187

Group Discussion Guide 203

Notes 213

Bibliography 215

General Index 219

Scripture Index 225

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

“How grateful I am to God for Nancy Guthrie’s new book and personal Bible study, Saints and Scoundrels in the Story of Jesus! This is the book that I will put in the hands of all my women friends, from the not-yet believer to the seasoned saint. Unfolding like a drama, this book presents in clear light the people with whom Jesus lived and interacted (mostly) during his earthly ministry. Like a mirror, this book beckons the reader to behold herself in the reflected light of how real people interacted with the real and the resurrected Jesus. The exposure from this reflection would be awful if Nancy was not such a faithful guide, reminding us at every turn that repentance is the way forward and that what humbles you can never hurt you. Saints and Scoundrels is convicting and comforting at once, reminding all true believers that God’s family is rough around the edges and held together by grace and blood and faith and the King of kings and Lord of lords who makes himself lowly and gentle for the salvation of his people. The clarion call of the gospel life rings loud and true in this book. Oh, what a Savior! Oh, what a book!”
—Rosaria Butterfield, former Professor of English and Women’s Studies, Syracuse University; author, The Gospel Comes with a House Key and Five Lies of Our Anti-Christian Age

“I have a deep appreciation for Nancy Guthrie’s ability to commend the wonders of grace with such wonderful prose, and this book is no exception. Saints and Scoundrels in the Story of Jesus is a brilliant ‘rogues’ gallery’ of redemption with a heart-stirring focus on the Saint who came unabashedly for scoundrels like you and me. Read and be refreshed again in the gospel.”
—Jared C. Wilson, Assistant Professor of Pastoral Ministry and Author in Residence, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; author, The Imperfect Disciple and Love Me Anyway

“If you have ever felt that the Bible belongs to another world, you must read this book. Nancy Guthrie’s compelling cameos will draw you into the lives of people whose interactions with Jesus are surprisingly like our own. These characters will speak directly to the realities of your life, giving you a fresh glimpse of all that can be yours in Jesus Christ. Get ready to see yourself in the scoundrels and, by God’s grace, become more like the saints.”
—Colin Smith, Senior Pastor, The Orchard, Arlington Heights, Illinois; Founder and Bible Teacher, Open the Bible

“Nancy Guthrie rightly sees Christ in all of Scripture. Even in the details of biblical accounts, Saints and Scoundrels in the Story of Jesus points to the overarching story of the one who transforms sinners. Gather some friends and get drawn into the stories to see the impact Jesus had on the lives of hypocrites, crooks, and criminals. You might just find yourself mirrored in the characters, and your heart will be stirred as you come to know Christ better.”
—Keri Folmar, pastor’s wife in Dubai; author; cohost, Priscilla Talk