Encountering the Life of Jesus at a Glance: A Short Journey Back to Our First Love
One of the most talked–about animations this year, both in North America and in Korea, is The King of Kings. As I mentioned in this month’s view.log, this film moves audiences regardless of age, depth of faith, or even religious background. Yet, because of the natural limitations of the animation format, it cannot possibly contain the entirety of Christ’s public ministry.
For those who walked away from the theater longing for more, turning to the book that inspired the film—Charles Dickens’ The Life of Our Lord—is a meaningful next step. After watching The King of Kings in July, I myself purchased the book and was deeply moved by the experience of reading it.
A Translation with Biblical Balance
The Life of Our Lord has been published by several houses and translated by various hands over the years. Because Dickens originally wrote it to tell his children about the life of Jesus, some expressions inevitably diverge from the biblical text, or differ in interpretation.
What is particularly noteworthy is that one recent edition has sought to bring the narrative into closer alignment with Scripture. On July 23, 2025, Duranno published a revised translation under the title The Life of Our Lord by Charles Dickens. According to the publisher, this edition respects the original yet corrects certain points: for instance, emphasizing Christ’s Messiahship with additional sentences, maintaining the sequence of His parables and ministry, but also setting the foot-washing scene firmly at the Last Supper, as Scripture records. For readers seeking a more biblically reliable version, this translation is especially commendable.
The Richness Beyond Animation
The animation provides a helpful overview of Christ’s life, but by nature it condenses and omits details. The book allows us to linger over the richness of His ministry and teachings, offering a more complete picture.
Of course, the best way to encounter Jesus is through the four Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Yet as a preparatory step, Dickens’ work can serve as an excellent introduction, especially for youth or new believers who may find Scripture overwhelming at first. It opens a broad view of the Savior’s life and then naturally directs us back to the Bible itself.
For Those Long in the Faith
Even seasoned Christians will find this book spiritually refreshing. In Revelation, the church in Ephesus was warned for abandoning its first love (Rev. 2:4–5). We too, over years of familiarity, can drift into a faith that lacks the fervor we once knew. Revisiting Christ’s redemptive work is one of the surest ways to rekindle our devotion. Dickens’ account provides a concise yet stirring reminder of Jesus’ ministry and sacrificial love.
“Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first.” (Revelation 2:5, NIV)
A Story Told in Simple Language
Another strength of this book lies in its accessibility. Unlike the sometimes daunting prose of Scripture for new readers, Dickens’ narrative unfolds in clear, simple storytelling. This makes it approachable for teenagers, seekers, or those returning to the Word after a season of distance.
As the pages unfold, Christ’s teachings and His works of compassion come alive, speaking to us in a way that feels close and personal. More than just a cultural text, this book becomes a spiritual mirror—prompting us to ask: Am I truly living according to the teachings of Christ?
“Walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Ephesians 5:2, NIV)
Back to Scripture
In the end, every blessing we receive from this book leads us back to the Scriptures themselves, particularly the Gospels. The book does not replace the Bible. Instead, it awakens a thirst for the Word, becoming a bridge that guides us once again to Christ in Scripture.
If your spiritual life has grown dull, or if you have drifted from the Word, perhaps this book can serve as a starting point for renewal. To encounter again, at a glance, the life of our Lord Jesus is to begin a short journey back to our first love.
Final Reflection
As believers, we all know the tendency of our hearts to grow cold. The first thrill of meeting Jesus can fade into routine, leaving us going through motions rather than burning with love.
Dickens’ The Life of Our Lord challenges us to pause and reflect. When was the last time I truly meditated on the life of Christ? How am I embodying His love and mercy in my daily life?
Recovering our first love is not about nostalgia but about returning to the heart of the Gospel. By retracing Christ’s footsteps in this book and then returning to the Gospels themselves, our faith can find fresh breath and new vigor. Right now, in this very moment, choosing to return to Him can indeed become our “short journey back to our first love.”
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faith.log
A journal that connects faith and everyday life. In each small piece of writing, we share the grace of God and the depth of life together.
