I would like to offer a brief synopsis of "The Gospel According to Lazarus," by Paul Breitsprecher. It is the story of the life of Jesus as seen through the eyes of participant and friend, Lazarus of Bethany.

The story begins in Nazareth with Mary as a young woman announcing to her parents that she was visited by the angel Gabriel and that he told her she was to bear a son who would be the "Light of the World." She weds Joseph, a widowed cabinet-maker, and the two migrate to Bethlehem, thereby fulfilling the ancient prophesy. There, she gives birth to a son and they call his name Jesus.

From the first, Mary knows her son is special. The local shepherds come to worship after following the bright star that hung over the stable where Jesus was born. Drawn by the same star, three wise men travel from far countries to bring gifts to the child destined to become the Messiah. The Magi warns of political plots against Jesus by the Tetrarch Archelaus. One of the wise men, Mechior of Egypt, offers his protection and the family moves to Pelusium, on the west bank of the water dividing Sinai from Egypt.

While in Egypt, Mary is widowed, but manages to educate Jesus in Messianic Law and the arts of Healing with the help of the wealthy and wise Melchior. Eventually they return to Nazareth and Jesus meets Lazarus of Bethany and his two sisters, Martha and Mary.

While familiar to most people, the story of the life of Jesus is gleaned from sketchy references found in fragments from almost 2000 years ago. The job of the biographer actually breathing life into the characters and filling in the gaps in the story requires much extensive research and creativity. 

This book presents us with a complete picture of Jesus from birth, through the missing middle years, to his final ascension into Heaven following the resurrection. Paul has provided a fairly extensive bibliography of books, music, and video to stimulate readers in their own personal search for our Savior.

-Sue Schueler

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