The Characters of Easter - by Daniel Darling (Paperback)

About the Book

Meet the unlikely people who witnessed history's greatest event.

At Easter, the Son of God took on the world's sin and defeated the devil, death, and grave. How is it, then, that history's most glorious moment is surrounded by fearful fishermen, despised tax collectors, marginalized women, feeble politicians, and traitorous friends?

In The Characters of Easter, you'll become acquainted with the unlikely collection of ordinary people who witnessed the miracle of Christ's death and resurrection. Enter their stories and ultimately draw closer to Christ Himself as you encounter His Passion through their experiences. TheCharacters of Easter provides a fresh approach to the Lenten season and can be used as a devotional or study for both individuals and groups.

Book Synopsis

Meet the unlikely people who witnessed history's greatest event.

At Easter, the Son of God took on the world's sin and defeated the devil, death, and grave. How is it, then, that history's most glorious moment is surrounded by fearful fishermen, despised tax collectors, marginalized women, feeble politicians, and traitorous friends?

In The Characters of Easter, you'll become acquainted with the unlikely collection of ordinary people who witnessed the miracle of Christ's death and resurrection. Enter their stories and ultimately draw closer to Christ Himself as you encounter His Passion through their experiences. Take a journey back to first-century Palestine and walk in the shoes of legendary people like Simon Peter, Judas, Pilate, John, Mary Magdalene and others.

This book provides a fresh approach to the Lenten season and can be used as a devotional or study for both individuals and groups. Once you've learned about the characters of Easter, meet those who witnessed the birth of Christ in the companion title The Characters of Christmas.

From the Back Cover

A New Look at the Ancient Story of Easter

You've heard the story more times than you can count. The arrest of Jesus. The trials before the judges. The passion. And of course, the resurrection. A story like that can never grow old--but it can become so familiar that you miss the parts that are right before your eyes.

Following up on his The Characters of Christmas, Daniel Darling's The Characters of Easter takes a new look at the people and circumstances that were part of the greatest story ever told. With a skillful blend of in-depth Bible interpretation and sanctified imagination, Darling introduces you to the villains, heroes, cowards, and crooks who witnessed history's biggest miracle. Each chapter is accompanied by questions for group study as well as suggested songs--both old and new--that lead to heartfelt worship. Let The Characters of Easter lead your soul to rejoice with that ancient cry, "He is risen indeed!"

Break free from the familiar, and discover untold treasures in the story you thought you knew.

You'll read about:

• SIMON PETER
• JUDAS
• PILATE
• JOHN
• MARY MAGDALENE
• AND OTHERS
  

About the Author

DANIEL DARLING is an author, pastor, and leader. He was recently appointed as the director of the Land Center for Cultural Engagement at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Dan is a bestselling author of several books, including The Original Jesus, The Dignity Revolution, The Characters of Christmas, The Characters of Easter, and A Way With Words. He is the general editor, along with Trillia Newbell, of a small group study on racial reconciliation, The Church and the Racial Divide and is a contributor to The Worldview Study Bible.

Dan is an award-winning writer whose work has appeared in numerous publications. He is a columnist for World Magazine, and a regular contributor to USA Today. His work is often featured in Christianity Today and The Gospel Coalition and his op-eds have appeared in The Washington Post, CNN, Washington Times, Time, Huffington Post, National Review, First Things, and other leading outlets. Publisher's Weekly called his writing style "substantive and punchy."

Dan speaks and preaches around the country and is regularly interviewed on radio and television, including MSNBC's Morning Joe, CNN, and Fox. He is the host of a popular weekly podcast The Way Home where he interviews Christian leaders, politicians, and journalists. He holds a bachelor's degree in pastoral ministry from Dayspring Bible College, has studied at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and is a graduate of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has served churches in Illinois and Tennessee. He and his wife Angela have four children.