John Henson's re-telling of the gospel story from the perspective of the 'beloved disciple' is original, provocative and gripping. He manages to make the story fresh (no mean feat in itself), and creates a world, and a Jesus, we can believe in. Henson's interpretation is based on a mixture of solid scholarship and imaginative reconstruction, and is inspired by his passionate commitment to the inclusivity of the ministry of Jesus. But first and foremost it is a right rollicking yarn that draws one in and keeps the pages turning - fast. As with his stunning achievement in 'Good As New', Henson brings the biblical documents alive in startling and compelling ways. We are in his debt for that.' ~ Dr. Nicola Slee, Queen's College, Birmingham, prominent feminist theologian and poet.

Jesus often tested people's motives, telling parables and bringing provocative teachings that were hard to take - to see whether their discipleship was sincere. This story will surely identify the religious "Tartuffes" and distinguish them from genuine disicples! , ~ Jeremy Marks, COURAGE

I enjoyed this book. Henson has breathed new life into these old familiar Bible stories. They are told afresh in a compelling and imaginative way. Henson has managed to resurrect what was buried. Once again I was made to think in a new way about Jesus and Christianity. Maybe there is hope that there are some Christians around who can practice what Christ preached, that there is a chance of the new world of peace and love. ~ , Accessline

John offers the reflective reader a perspective on incidents and characters which at the very least make one think and which often help sharpen ones perception of what was, or might have been, going on. He manages to combine the strengths of the Sunday papers columnist approach with the radical evangelical message delivery of one who invite you to think! ~ Meic Phillips, ONE co-ordinator

This is a provocative book in the best sense. Scholarship and imagination are seamlessly blended to draw back the veil on the convention that somehow those around the historic Jesus - and indeed Jesus himself - were unreal. In passing, but rather importantly in the present climate, it shows a Jesus - and a God - for whom constancy, not sexual orientation was and still is the test of true discipleship. ~ Gethin Abraham-Williams, Onetime Moderator of the Committee for Ecumenical Partnerships in England and former Chief Executive of Churches Together in Wales

Imaginative yet rooted in biblical scholarship, John Henson provokes us to look afresh at the person of Jesus through the stories of those who were close to him. We are made to think again about the identity of the beloved disciple and his significance in the life experience of Jesus. ~ Dr Fiona Liddell, Iona Community & Living Spirituality Network, former Warden of Coleg Trefeca, Lay Training and Retreat Centre.