The Problem of Jesus (Paperback)

The modern world portrays Jesus in many ways for many reasons. Some are well-intentioned but misguided, others are aberrations, still others have some but not all the essential keys. In order to see and understand the real Jesus and what the Gospels say about him, we have to see him in his first-century context—and work out from there.

Here is a portrait of Jesus that in some ways will affirm what traditional Christianity has always understood about him...and, in other ways, upend it altogether.

Award-winning author Mark Clark delves into the person and work of Jesus of Nazareth: his parables and miracles, his controversial challenge of discipleship and obedience, his seemingly insane claim to be God, and what his death and resurrection (if they did happen) actually mean.

Mark is unafraid to tackle questions such as:

• What would first-century Jews have immediately recognized about Jesus that modern Christians often miss?
• What do the Gospels accomplish, and can we trust them?
• Is there a problem with science and Jesus' miracles?
• What are the barriers stopping people from following him?
• And what is Christianity in light of an accurate portrayal of the object of its faith?

The Problem of Jesus engages with ideas from all realms of study: from Malcolm Gladwell and Jordan Peterson to historians, scientists, and philosophers; from N.T. Wright to C.S. Lewis; from Star Wars to Pretty Woman—all unite to form a breathtaking and accurate portrait of Jesus, the man, the message, and the mission, who forever altered the course of human history. 

"As a former atheist, I would call this book philosophical dynamite...The Problem of Jesus will take your thinking about Jesus—and your relationship with him—to whole new levels." —Pastor and author, Ray Johnston.

Mark Clark founded Village Church, a multi-site church with locations and online presence around the world, and is now one of the Senior Pastors at Bayside Church in California and speaks all around the world. He is the author of The Problem of Jesus (2021) and The Problem of God (2017), winner of the 2018 Word Award. Mark has been the subject of several articles in Christianity Today and recently Outreach Magazine voted him one of the Top 26 Leaders to Watch. He is married to Erin, and they have three daughters.