The Surprising Genius of Jesus

How the Story of the Prodigal Son Illuminates Jesus’s Genius

When someone thinks of Jesus, “genius” is not likely the first word that comes to mind. But when studied in detail, Jesus’s teachings and interactions with others combined high levels of knowledge and insight, verbal skill, and simplicity—showing his genius.

In The Surprising Genius of Jesus, Peter J. Williams examines the story of the prodigal son in Luke 15 to show the genius, creativity, and wisdom of Jesus’s teachings. He used simple but powerful stories to confront the Pharisees and scribes of the day, drawing on his knowledge of the Jewish Scriptures to teach his audience through complex layers and themes. Williams challenges those who question whether Jesus really was the source of the parables recorded in the Gospels, pointing readers to the truth of who Jesus is and why that matters for them today.

Clear and Insightful: Accessible for general listeners with in-depth footnotes for those wanting to learn more

Biblical: Comprehensive, interscriptural analysis of the story of the prodigal son

1. Opening Credits
2. Preface
3. Introduction: The Problem of the Christian Self
4. Chapter 1: A Brilliant Story
5. Chapter 2: Connecting with Genesis
6. Chapter 3: More Stories Inspired by the Old Testament
7. Chapter 4: Was Jesus the Genius?
8. Chapter 5: Much More Than a Storyteller
9. Closing Credits