Alexander Semenyuk’s rich and engrossing novella peers reverently into Jesus of Nazareth’s long walk in the desert. Using a valuable literary device recently revived and popularized by the creators of The Chosen, the author paints a fully believable extra-biblical picture of what Jesus Christ could have done and felt during his 40 day self-imposed exile in the desert. It is a picture that drew me in viscerally.
Semenyuk captures vividly many aspects of the suffering that Jesus’ humanity would have experienced in the dryness and heat. The author portrays Satan in a classical yet creative fashion, lending a cutting voice to the dark angel. The characterization of Jesus is at once reverent and relevant.
What I found most impressive was the author’s handling of the concept of Jesus as both God and Man, consubstantial and eternal, through Christ’s visions and reminiscences of key historical events from The Creation, to Jesus‘s own days of ministry and Passion, through the 21st century. And, yes, the three temptations are portrayed, once again linking the story directly to scripture.
40 Days is biblically grounded, realistic and imaginative. With scenes untethered in time, it adds surreal quality and also poses thoughtful responses to questions believers might have as to how Jesus the Christ could have known everything across history, including his betrayer and his horrible suffering, and yet still concede to his fate so that he could assume all of our sins—past present and future. I strongly recommend this novella as a short and thoughtful read.
I really needed to read that. One of these days I will explain but right now, thank you for these words.
God bless, nothing better than helping each other
Beautiful and moving. Thank you for sharing this.
Thank you! So glad you enjoyed!
Strongly recommended! I encourage your followers to buy at least the Kindle version.
I provided a review on Amazon and am happy to share that more broadly if you like, Alexander. Would you like me to message it to you?
Thank you so much! That means a lot! Yes please!
Certainly! Actually it is posted on Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6829388384
Here is the text:
Jesus and the Temptations through New Eyes
Alexander Semenyuk’s rich and engrossing novella peers reverently into Jesus of Nazareth’s long walk in the desert. Using a valuable literary device recently revived and popularized by the creators of The Chosen, the author paints a fully believable extra-biblical picture of what Jesus Christ could have done and felt during his 40 day self-imposed exile in the desert. It is a picture that drew me in viscerally.
Semenyuk captures vividly many aspects of the suffering that Jesus’ humanity would have experienced in the dryness and heat. The author portrays Satan in a classical yet creative fashion, lending a cutting voice to the dark angel. The characterization of Jesus is at once reverent and relevant.
What I found most impressive was the author’s handling of the concept of Jesus as both God and Man, consubstantial and eternal, through Christ’s visions and reminiscences of key historical events from The Creation, to Jesus‘s own days of ministry and Passion, through the 21st century. And, yes, the three temptations are portrayed, once again linking the story directly to scripture.
40 Days is biblically grounded, realistic and imaginative. With scenes untethered in time, it adds surreal quality and also poses thoughtful responses to questions believers might have as to how Jesus the Christ could have known everything across history, including his betrayer and his horrible suffering, and yet still concede to his fate so that he could assume all of our sins—past present and future. I strongly recommend this novella as a short and thoughtful read.
-Mark Paalman
Amazing review, that really made my day, I will be sharing it as well!
Your words are a beautiful blessing.
Thank you so much!
Beautifully written! Thank you!
Glad you liked it!