If You Are the Son of God

Description: This significant book written a few years before his death presents Elluls fullest understanding of the meaning of Jesus life. One finds all of the major themes of Elluls writings. The first half of this book deals with Jesus sufferings which are by no means limited to Good Friday. Through Jesus identification with the whole human condition we are offered the possibility of both enduring and overcoming suffering. Similarly the temptations are understood beyond the wilderness temptation narrative since Jesus experiences them throughout his ministry. Ellul believes temptations are ultimately human avenues for tempting God and so focuses on the discussion power and non-power be it on personal or political levels. Appropriately Ellul enters into the passion narrative not simply in the context of suffering but in the context of temptation where Jesus could have easily proved his divinity but chose instead to reveal both the character and way of God.