The Sage from Galilee: Rediscovering Jesus' Genius

Table of Contents:Forward, by R. Steven NotleyIntroducing David Flusser's Jesus, by James H. CharlesworthPreface1: The Sources2. Ancestry3. Baptism4. Law5. Love6. Ethics7. The Kingdom of Heaven8. The Son9. The Son of Man10. Jerusalem11. Death12. EpilogueChronological TableBibliographyIndex of SubjectsIndex of Scripture ReferencesFrom Chapter 1 to the end of Chapter 12 it is 165 pages.In David Flusser's own words, "The main purpose of this book is to show that it is possible to write the story of Jesus' life." This work is the conclusion of many decades of research and dedication to understanding the second temple period and Jesus. Originally, this was German book published in 1968. From that time, this book was translated into English in 1997. The content of the book has matured since the first editions in German and English through the archeological discoveries and maturing of David Flusser's own thinking. The first edition can be considered a mere beginning of his investigations and this edition is the culmination of his life's work. As such, this book should be treated more as a new work rather than a revision.Some of Flusser's driving belief structures are discussed in chapter 1 and continue to be divulged through the course of the book. Some of these beliefs are 1) it is possible to tell the story of Jesus through the Gospel accounts 2) foundationally, Jesus functioned as a miracle worker and preacher; not a "kerygmatic" risen Lord 3) Jesus learned Judaism (thus was impacted by His contemporary teachers/movements) and revolutionized certain aspects of Judaism 4) the gospel accounts are based on one or more non-extant with Luke being the most accurate at preserving the early source of the historical Jesus.Pros: David Flusser does a great job of combing through tons of second temple (and post temple period) literature and showing parallels between Jesus and other movements. Flusser did not set down all the technical details of those things which will ease the load for the average reader and provide a foundation for further research. Among varies literatures that the author utilizes, he most often went back to Essene for comparisons which is relatively new scholarship. Flusser also show examples of other people who were similar to Jesus, such as the Galileans Abba Hilkia and Rabbi Hanina ben Dosa. Flusser does a great job in highlighting what Jesus revolutionized: 1) "radical interpretation of the commandment of mutual love" 2) "the call for a new morality" and 3) "the idea of the kingdom of heaven."Cons: I can't mention many cons for myself, but one I know would be important to others. Flusser does not accept that the so called "kerygmatic" is the actual Jesus. As such, he believes there has been some tampering to the gospel accounts to make a "kerygmatic" Christ. This would be the largest stumbling block for some Christians I know.Conclusions: David Flusser has built the historical Jesus, and this book is well worth reading and studying. Even though David Flusser does not accept the full gospel story, it should not prevent the reader from making his/her own judgments on a great deal of material.

Flusser's work on the parables is groundbreaking. I've had the pleasure of being able to learn under his student (and the student of his student) and it seems to be that this work (shortened here for English publication) is his crowning glory.Informed, full of contextual insight, and from the lips of a Jew specializing in the study of late second temple Judaism, this book gives a look at Jesus that doesn't contradict the Christian faith but, rather, enhance it. It's a bit overwhelming for a layman. But for new insight on the tension between Jesus and John the Baptist, what the phrase "the kingdom of heaven" means, why Jesus kept using "the son of man" in reference to himself, and many, many other subjects, this book is for you.

This book in its first incarnation was simply called "Jesus". It had a lot of David Flusser's points of view about the place of Jesus in the world, as well as his personal experience with Bohemian and Mennonite Christians. It then proceded with a series of scholarly esseys and various themes of the teachings and life of Jesus. And it finished with several shorter esseys of lesser priority. This book had one major revision. This last revision, the current book has been tidied up a bit, brought up to date a second time, and given a more popular format. I particularly enjoyed the first version (translation, actually). Flusser provides a really important 1st century Jewish background to the historical Jesus.When I first read the book, it was not available so my son at Univ. of Washington got it out of one of their libraries. Then it was available and I bought and reread it. It was, the second edition. Finally this one came out and I have read it too. If I have confused or got some of this wrong please provide corrections.

This is book is very informative. It is not an easy book to read though. It has a lot of good information and is intriguing but not fast read because it is the kind of book you read for information not for escape.

Davis Flusser was Professor of Early Christianity and Second Temple Judaism at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. He held that post for years and was in constant contact and in working relationships with Christian scholars in Jerusalem. He sees Jesus as a Jew of the first century. He respects the Gospel records. He thoroughly understands the more contempory accounts: Josephus, Philo, etc. He is also immersed in the Dead Sea Scrolls and what they teach us about the various currents of Judaism in the time of Jesus.We lost David Flusser to death in 2000. There is not likely to be a scholar rise up to equal him. He was in many ways unique. He wrote in Hebrew, German and English. This volumn is the fourth English edition and has been brought up to date by Steven Notley, Professor of Biblical Studies at the New York City campus of Nyack Collage.It will give the reader a fresh look at Jesus within his own time and culture. It will place him within the religious ferment of his time and show what he accepted and what he rejected of the various Judaisms that surrounded him. It is less difficult to read than some of Flusser's work and not overly long. This edition runs 191 pages.Like its author "THE SAGE OF GALILEE" is unique. It reflects an enormous respect for Jesus, and a focused attempt to understand him as a Jew of his time and place.