The most recommended books about Jesus

Who picked these books? Meet our 160 experts.

160 authors created a book list connected to Jesus, and here are their favorite Jesus books.
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Book cover of She Smiles Without Fear

Cheri Swalwell Author Of Sisters in Christ: Defeat the Enemy One Powerful Prayer At a Time

From my list on how to build a Sister in Christ relationship (and why you want one!).

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve had other Sisters in Christ, but it wasn’t until God introduced me to an amazing woman that I truly started to understand what it meant to be a Sister in Christ. A Sister in Christ is someone who encourages you, speaks the truth in love, and always points you back to God’s truths. She laughs with you, cries with you, and simply loves to do life with you. Sisters in Christ was born from this amazing friendship. To have this type of relationship is truly a blessing from God that needs to be shared in a community of fellow believers. 

Cheri's book list on how to build a Sister in Christ relationship (and why you want one!)

Cheri Swalwell Why did Cheri love this book?

This book talks about belonging in a community of sisters in Christ.

It is a five-week Bible study that helps a woman dig into the Bible to find her place in the body of Christ. It’s interactive with journaling along the way, lots of Scripture and examples from the Bible, talks about topics that allow a woman to really think about the way she relates to others and how to be “we” focused instead of “me” focused.

She uses stories from her own personal life and others to help drive home the points of belonging and why we should belong. I love how she talks about the importance of belonging to a local church to find community there as well.

By Katy McCown,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked She Smiles Without Fear as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Bible Study with Digital Video Sessions Included. Find Access Code on Back Page of Book!

Many women live with anticipation—but also great anxiety—about what the future may bring. So they work hard to stay one step ahead of their worst-case scenarios. While they’re focused on arranging a secure tomorrow, their fear strangles the peace, joy, and purpose from today. With the Proverbs 31 woman as a guide, Katy McCown takes readers on a five-week journey to discover how to find security in God’s plans and confidence in His control.

McCown’s Bible study provides a fresh perspective of the Proverbs 31…


Book cover of Chronicles of the Hidden Realms: Return of the Light

Brae Wyckoff Author Of The Orb of Truth

From my list on epic fantasy that are under the radar.

Why am I passionate about this?

I grew up playing Dungeons & Dragons. I’m always on the hunt for not just good but great stories. One of the most profound things I have done revolving around fantasy writing was walk the same streets as the legends walked. Oxford, UK is a magical location and the place where Narnia and The Hobbits were born. I visited CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien gravesites. I visited their homes where they wrote their works. Adventure is around every corner in life. If we choose it. Here is a dwarven proverb from my book series, “May your light shine bright and blind your enemies.”

Brae's book list on epic fantasy that are under the radar

Brae Wyckoff Why did Brae love this book?

Being a huge Chronicles of Narnia fan, I was taken in by Leah’s storytelling.

This is a middle-grade novel but I thoroughly enjoyed it and it brought me back to the time I read Narnia. Fighting evil, perseverance, overcoming trials, battling the darkness, and maintaining the hero’s resolve. This is what attracted me to this book. It’s a keeper and looking forward to the next adventure.

By Leah Ann Brown,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Chronicles of the Hidden Realms as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

An unknown past reveals a destiny long foretold.


Peter and Isabella Toth thought they were like any ordinary fourteen or twelve-year-old living in Garavelle, until they encounter Light Snatchers in the woods, and their world is flipped upside down. Imagine their surprise learning they are from another realm, the Land of Light, and are being hunted by the Dark Lord Gog who cursed their homeland long ago.


Together, this brother and sister, along with their friend Sarah, are forced into a perilous journey where a destiny calls them to return the light back to their kingdom. They must discover courage…


Book cover of A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23

Elizabeth Bristol Author Of Mary Me: One Woman’s Incredible Adventure with God

From my list on finding your own adventure with God.

Why am I passionate about this?

Hi, I'm Elizabeth Bristol and I’m just a regular person. For a long time, I ran from God because, well, I didn’t want Him telling me what to do. Then something amazing happened. Mary Me: One Woman’s Incredible Adventure with God describes my journey into this wild new relationship with God through Jesus Christ who helped me break free from the lies I’d believed so I could be the me He created me to be. I found out God’s way cooler than I ever imagined and that He has an adventure for everyone. So, I became passionate about wanting to help others find theirs because no matter where you are with God, there's always more!

Elizabeth's book list on finding your own adventure with God

Elizabeth Bristol Why did Elizabeth love this book?

This is one of my all-time favorite books.

Why?

First, I love sheep. I don’t know why. Maybe it’s because I identify with all of Jesus’ examples about those simple creatures.

And I get that I need as much of God's help as they do.

Second, I love the way Keller applies the gospel to his life as (a shepherd) in helpful and practical ways that help readers more fully understand what Jesus meant by what He said.

Just talking about this book makes me want to go back and read it again.

If you’re a dog person, Keller also wrote a similar book called Lessons from a Sheep Dog. That’s a good one, too! (Please don't tell my sheep dog I recommended the sheep book over of the dog book. ☺️)

By W. Phillip Keller,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Travel the Shepherd's path to the green pastures and cool, refreshing waters of Psalm 23. As a shepherd himself, W. Phillip Keller shares his insights into the life and character of sheep--and of the Good Shepherd who loves and cares for them. A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 will give new meaning to the ageless Shepherd Psalm, enriching your trust in and love for the Lord who watches closely over you.

Keller infuses new hope into our relationship with Christ. This timeless classic:

Is perfect as a treasured self-purchase or gift for any occasion Showcases Scripture which has been the…


God on a Budget: and other stories in dialogue

By J.M. Unrue,

Book cover of God on a Budget: and other stories in dialogue

J.M. Unrue Author Of The Festival of Sin: and other tales of fantasy

New book alert!

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m an old guy. I say this with a bit of cheek and a certain amount of incongruity. All the books on my list are old. That’s one area of continuity. Another, and I’ll probably stop at two, is that they all deal with ordinary people caught in extraordinary circumstances—those curveballs of life we flail at with an unfamiliar bat; the getting stuck on the Interstate behind a semi and some geezer in a golf cap hogging the passing lane in a Buick Le Sabre. No one makes it through this life unscathed. How we cope does more to define us than a thousand smiles when things are rosy. Thus endeth the lesson.

J.M.'s book list on showing that somebody has it worse than you do

What is my book about?

Nine Stories Told Completely in Dialogue is a unique collection of narratives, each unfolding entirely through conversations between its characters. The book opens with "God on a Budget," a tale of a man's surreal nighttime visitation that offers a blend of the mundane and the mystical. In "Doctor in the House," readers are plunged into the emotionally charged moment when an oncologist delivers a life-altering diagnosis to a patient. The collection then shifts to "Prisoner 8086," a story about the unlikely friendship that blossoms between a prison volunteer and a habitual offender, exploring themes of redemption and human connection.

The heart of the book continues with "The Reunion," a touching narrative about high school sweethearts reuniting, stirring up poignant memories and unspoken feelings. "The Therapy Session" adds a lighter touch, presenting a serio-comic exchange between a therapist and a challenging patient. In "The Fishing Trip," a father imparts crucial life lessons to his daughter during an eventful outing, leading to unexpected consequences. "Mortality" offers a deeply personal moment as a mother shares a cherished, secret story from her past with her son.

The collection then takes a romantic turn in "The Singles Cruise," where two individuals find connection amidst shared stories on a cruise for singles. Finally, "Jesus and Buddha in the Garden of Eden" provides a satirical, thought-provoking encounter in the afterlife between two spiritual figures. The book concludes with "The Breakup," a nuanced portrayal of a young couple's separation, told from both perspectives, encapsulating the complexities of relationships and the human experience.

God on a Budget: and other stories in dialogue

By J.M. Unrue,

What is this book about?

Nine Stories Told Completely in Dialogue is a unique collection of narratives, each unfolding entirely through conversations between its characters. The book opens with "God on a Budget," a tale of a man's surreal nighttime visitation that offers a blend of the mundane and the mystical. In "Doctor in the House," readers are plunged into the emotionally charged moment when an oncologist delivers a life-altering diagnosis to a patient. The collection then shifts to "Prisoner 8086," a story about the unlikely friendship that blossoms between a prison volunteer and a habitual offender, exploring themes of redemption and human connection.

The…


Book cover of Millions of Cats

Pamela Erens Author Of Matasha

From my list on children’s books that don’t condescend to children.

Why am I passionate about this?

Like Matasha, my eleven-year-old heroine, I am the product of a big-city Midwestern 1970s childhood. I was a rabid reader who always felt that books made the world make more sense. Now as then, I am drawn to characters who are allowed to be complicated and to endings that don’t tie things up with a tidy bow. I believe “unlikeability” in fiction is a myth. I love children’s books that show kids thinking and feeling deeply.

Pamela's book list on children’s books that don’t condescend to children

Pamela Erens Why did Pamela love this book?

An elderly man goes in search of a cat to make him and his wife less lonely. He comes home with not one but millions of them: how to choose which to keep? The cats solve the problem by fighting among themselves until “they must have eaten each other all up.” But one unexpected little kitten is left…. 

I couldn’t have articulated this when I first sat raptly turning its pages, but Ga’g’s fable, with its handwritten text and charming 1928 black-and-white drawings, acknowledges both the ferocious and the vulnerable in children’s natures.

By Wanda Gág,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Millions of Cats as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

An American classic with a refrain that millions of kids love to chant: Hundreds of cats, thousands of cats, millions and billions and trillions of cats.

Once upon a time there was an old man and an old woman who were very lonely. They decided to get a cat, but when the old man went out searching, he found not one cat, but millions and billions and trillions of cats! Unable to decide which one would be the best pet, he brought them all home.

How the old couple came to have just one cat to call their own is…


Book cover of Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence

Betsy Duffey Author Of More Love

From my list on Christian devotional books to build your faith.

Why am I passionate about this?

Books have been an important part of my faith journey. I set aside time each morning to read scripture, and devotional material, to meditate and pray. As I read about the experiences of others my faith increases and I know God better. As a writer I express my own faith through words and invite others to know God better by experiencing Him with time set aside in the mornings. More Love is part of a series of small books that I have created to give readers experiences to connect with God and to know His love. 

Betsy's book list on Christian devotional books to build your faith

Betsy Duffey Why did Betsy love this book?

Sarah Young writes as if Jesus is speaking to the reader, “All I require of you is to take the next step, clinging to my hand for strength and direction.” This book speaks to me, especially in difficult years. It brings me to an awareness of God’s comfort and love for me. Simple, short daily readings are based on scripture. Sitting with this book in the morning is like spending time with Jesus. 

By Sarah Young,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Jesus Calling as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Experience a deeper relationship with Jesus as you savor the presence of the One who understands you perfectly and loves you forever. With Scripture and personal reflections, New York Times bestselling author Sarah Young brings Jesus' message of peace-for today and every day.

Jesus Calling is your yearlong guide to living a more peaceful life. The Jesus Calling (R) brand has impacted over 40 million lives.

By spending time in the presence of the Savior with the much-loved devotions in Jesus Calling, you will:

Feel comforted by words of hope and encouragement Be reassured of Jesus' unending love for you…


Book cover of Paul: Follower of Jesus or Founder of Christianity?

Craig L. Blomberg Author Of Making Sense of the New Testament

From my list on making sense of the New Testament.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have just retired after teaching 35 years in the New Testament department at Denver Seminary. I have authored, co-authored, or co-edited thirty books related to New Testament studies and more than 150 peer-reviewed journal articles or chapters in multi-author books. I have learned that most of the reasons people don’t believe in part or all of the Bible is because they don’t understand it properly, so my passion is to try to rectify that. The New Testament changed my life for the better, as it has hundreds of millions of other people. I just want to help that number continue to grow.

Craig's book list on making sense of the New Testament

Craig L. Blomberg Why did Craig love this book?

Nothing has superseded this in the twenty-seven years since it was published. Wenham has spent his entire career returning again and again to the issue of Jesus and Paul, showing that despite many superficial differences, the core messages of these two crucial figures at the beginning of Christianity mesh well with each other. It contains discussions as well of all the places where Paul actually quotes or alludes to Jesus’ teaching, though many scholars have not always recognized these. Despite frequent claims to the contrary, Paul is most decidedly not the true founder of Christianity but a faithful follower of Jesus. Now retired, Wenham has been a great encouragement to me at key stages of my scholarly career.

By David Wenham,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Paul as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

This book provides a broad, popular look at the relationship between Paul and Jesus. Wenham studies the Gospels and Paul's letters, systematically compares the teachings of Jesus and Paul, and reveals the intriguing connections and differences between the two. His conclusions make this volume a ground-breaking work with exciting implications.


Book cover of Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal

Debby Dodds Author Of Amish Guys Don't Call

From my list on serious subjects that are also hilariously funny.

Why am I passionate about this?

In my first career as an actress, I often got cast as the “comic relief” in more serious films and plays. I cut my acting chops on improv comedy before getting my BFA in drama from NYU and performing in everything from Shakespeare to Seinfeld. I wrote and performed in stage shows at Disneyland and Disney World and screamed myself hoarse in B-horror films. As an author, I like to write about serious topics but I just can’t help being funny. I received my MFA from Antioch University and have had over 30 short stories and essays published. While I read voraciously (and genre-indiscriminately), my favorite books are often “darkly comedic” or “funny yet poignant.”

Debby's book list on serious subjects that are also hilariously funny

Debby Dodds Why did Debby love this book?

Although Moore is one of my favorite authors, most of his books are not exactly about austere topics. His brand of absurdism features outlandish characters such as demons, vampires, stupid angels, tricksters, and lustful sea beasts. Yet Moore writes with a superlative intelligence that never disappoints me. This novel was an easy pick for my list. In it, Moore retells the story of Christ with a paradoxically reverent irreverence. It’s well-researched and details facts about Eastern religious traditions and Roman history as well Biblical events. I’ve recommended this book to so many people. And only a few of them were deeply offended. :-)

By Christopher Moore,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked Lamb as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The birth of Jesus has been well chronicled, as have his glorious teachings, acts, and divine sacrifice after his thirtieth birthday. But no one knows about the early life of the Son of God, the missing years - except Biff, the Messiah's best bud, who has been resurrected to tell the story in this divinely hilarious, yet heartfelt work 'reminiscent of Vonnegut and Douglas Adams' (Philadelphia Inquirer). Verily, the story Biff has to tell is a miraculous one, filled with remarkable journeys, magic, healings, kung fu, corpse reanimations, demons, and hot babes, Even the considerable wiles and devotion of the…


Book cover of Bones

William M. Hayes Author Of Save Him

From my list on “what if” books that will have you thinking “WTF”.

Why am I passionate about this?

I love reading and writing "what if" stories. When I came up with the idea for my book, I thought, that's one whopper of an idea. Then I thought, how the heck will I pull this off? An elite military unit sent back in time to when Jesus walked the earth. And one of the members of the unit decides to save Christ. With that crazy concept, the result is my book Save Him, which has won seven writing awards as I write this. As a kid, I always tried to tell the best stories around the campfire, and I guess that's what I'm still trying to do now.

William's book list on “what if” books that will have you thinking “WTF”

William M. Hayes Why did William love this book?

What if the remains of Jesus Christ were discovered? What would happen to everyone involved in the archaeological discovery? And this premise is what makes for such an enticing read when it comes to Bones by Bob Springett. Everyone involved from a scientific, religious, and even a political point of view would have clashing opinions if the news got out about such a discovery. And Springett sets up all these scenarios amazingly. A terrific story by a very gifted author.

By Bob Springett,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Bones as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

An archaeological dig in Palestine unearths a document. But this is a document with a difference! Could this be one of the eye-witness accounts' that Luke used when writing his Gospel?


Another dig finds two skeletons. Could one of these be the bones of Jesus of Nazareth?


Christians of all persuasions, Muslims, Israelis, archaeologists, atheist politicians, all try to bend the evidence to suit their own agendas. Conspiracy theories abound and war is imminent.


What is the truth here? Or is seeking the 'Truth' the most elusive agenda of them all?


Book cover of Quarantine

Jonathan Trigell Author Of The Tongues of Men or Angels

From my list on fiction with Jesus as a character.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m the author of five extremely different novels: Boy A (which was made into an award-winning film), Cham, Genus, The Tongues of Men or Angels, and Under Country. They share almost nothing in subject or setting. Ranging from first-century Judaea to a future London. From ski resort workers in France to young offender prisons in Britain. My latest work - Under Country - is about the 1984 Miners’ Strike and its still lingering scars in the North East pit villages. Yet, I suppose, if there were a unifying theme between them, it would be that each, in its own way, is influenced by and fascinated with Christianity.

Jonathan's book list on fiction with Jesus as a character

Jonathan Trigell Why did Jonathan love this book?

Written long before quarantines became so fashionable, Jesus in Jim Crace’s novel is an almost peripheral player, because set during Christ’s forty days in the wilderness six other people share in the inhospitable desert caves, miracles, and hallucinations. Each character has their own troubles and trials; their own battles with demons to resolve; which they hope isolation and fasting will accomplish. And for each, in ingenious ways, it does… I am a big fan of Crace’s style, rhythm, and invention, and this is one of his finest works.

By Jim Crace,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Quarantine as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

With an introduction by Stuart Evers

So this is happiness, she thought. Or this, at least, is what adds up to happiness. The prospect of never running after men and camels any more, of being Miri without shame or hesitation, of letting drop her headscarf for a change so that nothing intervened between her and the sky.

Five travellers venture into the Judean wilderness in search of redemption. Instead, amidst the barren rocks, they are met by a dangerous man, Musa, and fall under his dark influence. As the unforgiving days and bitter nights erode their resolve, it becomes clear…


Book cover of Lady of the Church

Lakisha Johnson Author Of Almost Destroyed

From my list on African American Christian fiction.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve had a love for Christianity since I was a child. However, it wouldn’t be until years later that the love for it would turn into a passion for penning Christian Fiction. I began my journey in ministry in 2014 and two years later, I released the first novel. Since then, God has allowed me to write on many different topics I’ve now recognized were needed. I want others to see Christian Fiction doesn’t have to be boring or dry, but can be entertaining, inspirational, and full of life. This is why I’ve chosen these books as recommendations and I hope the readers will enjoy them even more than I have.

Lakisha's book list on African American Christian fiction

Lakisha Johnson Why did Lakisha love this book?

Lady of the Church is a realistic depiction of a lady who feels as though she’s losing her identity. To many, they only cared about “First Lady,” the title, and not Sabrina, the person. This book made me laugh, sad, happy, and mad at the same time. I even found myself questioning whether or not I was guilty of judging a person based on their stature and not character. Overall, I enjoyed this book and would recommend it.

By Khara Campbell,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Lady of the Church as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Sabrina Dean did not sign up for her role as First Lady of Everlasting Love Ministry, but that’s what happened when she married a preacher’s kid. The role requires far more than she bargained for. There is the pressure of perfection. Isolation from not being treated like a “regular” sister in Christ and the judgment. Oh, the judgmental remarks she endures. It also doesn’t help that things at home aren’t as perfect as people think. Sabrina puts on a brave face, one of many, but how much more pressure can she take?