What moved the boy Jesus that would later set him preaching to multitudes -- and get him crucified? This is a glimpse into this young person before he became famous. It shows how he might have dealt with sexuality, politics, prayer, friendship, and violence.

Not all history is open to us, but we want to fill in gaps that seem important. In the case of Jesus' adolescence and young adulthood, Herb Dimock's Yeshua is fresh and imaginative. Still, we feel grounded in history because Dimock is also a careful student of the Biblical world.

The book is ideal as a Bible study topic and for teen Bible discussion groups

EXERPT:

Yeshua sensed that here was a person whose method of survival was always the same -- begging. Arni dug into his pouch, lifted out several silver coins and dropped them into the waiting hands. Yeshua was moved to offer one of the coins in his possession, but Arni laid a restraining hand on his arm, and they moved on as the beggar bobbed his head up and down as a formal thank you.

"Save your money, 'Shua. I give something to the old man every time I come through. He expects it."

"But isn't there some way for him to get beyond begging and find a useful way to make a living?"

"He comes from the families that are Canaanite outcasts. They have no land. They depend on charity."

"But they need more than handouts. They need love. They need to feel that they belong, that they are connected to the rest of the people of Taanach."

Arni grimaced at Yeshua's pushing of his viewpoint. "I know what you are saying, but it can't happen now. Maybe after the messiah comes. For the present I do what I can. It's my way of loving them."

"But that man didn't feel he was being loved. He was using you, because he knew you are rich."

$15 U.S.    220 pg pb