Overview A fictional account of the life of Jesus seen through the eyes of a contemporary named Simon who witnesses the birth, life, and death of Jesus Christ. The main character Simon is based on the Simon the Cyrenian in the Bible who a Roman guard sees and demands come forward to help carry the cross in the last moments of Jesus’ mortal life, symbolically pledging to continue to spread the Gospels. Simon visits many of the cities where Jesus ministered. He witnesses the Sermon on the Mount, hears of the parables and testimonies, and observes some of the miracles, all at a distance. From intellectual curiosity, disbelief, humility, sincere investigation, moments of inspiration-with the typical setbacks and victories of that process, and finally turning himself completely over to Christianity. Cultural and historical accuracy of the story has been reviewed by experts of Roman-period Palestine and Jewish culture. The story celebrates the birth of the baby Jesus and ends with the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ making this an ideal book for both the Christmas and Easter holidays.
