Three Days The Search for the Boy Messiah - Chris Stepien

Three Days:
The Search for the Boy Messiah
Chris Stepien
Wellspring Publishing
formerly
Beacon Publishing for
Dynamic Catholic
ISBN 9781937509927
eISBN 9781942611103
ASIN B00UCD73O6

I am always a little leery of books that attempt to expand upon biblical events in a fictional way. It is so easy for them to go sideways. But this book comes with a recommendation from Matthew Kelly, and from a publisher that I trust. So even with my cautious approach to reading this book, I was greatly surprised. Once I started reading this book I could hardly put it down. 

The first part of the book is preparation for the Passover feast, including the family's travel to Jerusalem. This part of the book can be reconstructed from numerous historical sources about the life and times of Jesus Christ; from sources in the Jewish tradition, from Roman documents and also from other historical documents from the time. It was fascinating to see Jesus in his home setting, whit friends, in school, working in Joseph's shop. To see his friendships, his day to day life was a fascinating insight. The journey and celebration of the feat of Passover was amazing to read. It really brought the historical events to life.

The three days are 100% speculation, from how Jesus was separated from the caravan to what he did. Many of his actions in this imaginative account mirror things he would later do in his public ministry. His few encounters with a younger Caiaphas were interesting even if a big stretch. His interactions with a street thief, slaver, leper were all interesting to read.

All of Jesus's speech in this book is scripture. It was a little weird seeing phrases spoken with new testament references prior to their occurrence. Even if the author wanted all of the words of Jesus to come from the bible maybe footnotes or end notes would have worked better. But even though it is a bit distracting does not hinder the story.

This book was a wonderful read. I found myself transported back and immersed into the events. I highly recommend it.

Books by Chris Stepien:
Three Days: The Search for the Boy Messiah
Dying to Be Happy: Discovering the Truth about Life