Preach Magazine Issue 1 - Creativity and innovation in preaching | Page 35

REVIEWS

PREACHING THE HARD
WORDS OF JESUS

THE MINISTRY OF
A MESSY HOUSE

Steven D Mathewson,
Hendrickson Press/
Alban Books (2013)

35

Amanda Robbie, IVP (2013)
This is a book that challenges
the prevailing culture’s value of
perfectionism, external polish and
materialism, and reminds us that
what matters is grace. As someone
whose kitchen compost bin is always
overflowing, the contents of whose
Tupperware cupboard falls on her
head whenever she opens the door,
whose ironing pile is a permanent
feature of her bedroom floor, I found
Amanda’s honesty, kindness and
wisdom deeply comforting.

There are many ‘hard’ sayings of Jesus.
They may seem offensive, hard work
or a million miles away from where
we are today culturally – yet surely
they still have something to say to us.
This book takes up the challenge of
preachers helping their listeners to
understand the hard sayings of Jesus.
Mathewson helpfully examines
linguistic techniques such as
hyperbole and exaggeration as part
of Jesus’ tactics, as well as tracing Old
Testament echoes and cultural insights.
He is not afraid to say exactly how he
thinks these hard passages should be
preached – in a way that reflects his
own Evangelical perspective. In this
way it is rather narrow.
Despite this book being about ‘hard
sayings’, it is an easy read; very
accessible and with lots of food
for thought. It is interesting, well
researched and an encouragement to
explore those passages that we might
be tempted to avoid.
This is a useful book for any preacher.
It would equally help anyone interested
in Bible study.
PAM WEBSTER

LWPT8173 - Preach Magazine - Issue 1 v3.indd 35

Amanda looks at mess in the home,
the family, the church and the
wider community, opening the door
wide on her own life as a vicar’s
wife, mother and writer. She puts
her finger on ѡ