Book Review: When Jesus Wept

Guest review by Sydney.

Knowing that the Thoenes penned over 65 works of historical fiction and are awarded authors, I was thrilled at the opportunity to read this novel.

"When Jesus Wept" is written from Lazarus' perspective of various Biblical occurrences, such as hearing the message of repentance from John the Baptist, witnessing Jesus' baptism, which was the first time Lazarus laid eyes on Jesus. 

The Authors vividly depict the unfolding events, miracles and controversy that surrounded Jesus' ministry. The Thoene's managed to intertwine the Biblical accuracies of the time along with great Historical fiction content amazingly. 

I appreciated them including many conversations that we find in the Bible between Jesus and Lazarus. 

The friendship that Lazarus and Jesus establish is vividly described throughout the book. The correlation of Lazarus being an owner of a vineyard and Jesus being the One True Vine is written out in picturesque detail.

Lazarus new all to well the care that went into having a vineyard that bore a delicious bounty of grapes.  He knew that much pruning to remove the fruitless branches was necessary in order to create a healthy atmosphere in which to grow in. The message that Jesus' is the One True Vine who lovingly prunes and trains as necessary so we may also bear good fruit was captured impressively.

Other characters of the book such as Lazarus' overseer and the Jerusalem Sparrows provided a more developed story line of the intimate and personal account of Lazarus and his family happenings.

This is the first novel I am reading by Bodie & Brock Thoene. The historical Christian genre drew me in and I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I look forward to reading more from the Jerusalem Series.