YESHUA

Jaksa’s work of historical fiction imagines Jesus Christ’s early life.

Before Jesus Christ became the Jesus of the Bible, he lived the life of a shepherd, not unlike other boys and young men in Nazareth. That’s the core of Jaksa’s often compelling work of historical fiction, which looks at the early years of Yeshua (the name for Jesus that the author uses), from 8 to his early 30s. The narrator is David of Nazareth, a shepherd who takes 8-year-old Yeshua, son of Mary and Yosef, under his wing, forming a lifelong bond with him. Portends abound, including when 8-year-old Yeshua heals David’s young sister of a stomach ailment. “Most remarkable of all, Yeshua had a way of showing uncommon kindness toward everyone he met,” David says. In addition to being exceptionally gentle, Yeshua is portrayed as a happy boy and young man, wise beyond his years, interested in learning, and a faithful follower of his religion. We’re told of the death of Yosef when Yeshua is just 16, holiday pilgrimages the family makes to Jerusalem, and Yeshua’s burgeoning career as a healer and preacher. Along the way, we’re introduced to some people who figure prominently in the Bible, including Lazarus, Pontius Pilate, John the Baptizer, and the men who would eventually become Jesus’ core disciples. The prose is straightforward and clear, and Jaksa uses a variety of sources to bring Yeshua’s story to life, including the writings of Roman-Jewish historian Flavius Josephus. It’s a side of Yeshua not often seen in texts, with some moments foreshadowing well-known biblical events (for instance, 13-year-old Yeshua yearns to see King Herod, who a couple of decades later will figure prominently in his death). But that death isn’t depicted here. The book ends as Yeshua’s ministry is gaining steam, ripe for the two sequels the author promises in his historical notes. This is a readable look at Yeshua for both religious readers and others who simply want to learn more about one of the most well-known historical figures of all time.

Thorough research animates an important part of pre-biblical history.