David Kitz’s masterfully written book, The Soldier Who Killed a King, had me hooked from the beginning. In it, a fictional centurion named Marcus Longinus recounts his involvement in the Passion of Christ. And how he came to see who Christ really is.
The Gospel comes alive
Sometimes we become so familiar with the stories of the Bible that they lose much of their impact.
But this gripping narrative will have you walking the streets of ancient Jerusalem with Marcus. You will be caught up with him in all the intriguing political machinations that were taking place.
As you follow the final days of the Lord in Jerusalem, it will seem that you, not Simon of Cyrene, are carrying the cross. And that you are standing with Marcus at the foot of the cross, feeling his desperate need for truth, meaning and freedom.
But let me take you there with an excerpt from the book…
“It was a horrible night. Horrible! I could not sleep. The events of the day kept flooding over my mind – a constant bloody torrent. During the daylight hours you can steel yourself against another man’s suffering. But at night your hard shell dissolves from around you, and you are left in just your own skin again. Then their suffering soaks into your flesh, and it becomes your own…” ¹
The Good News
Best of all, David’s book presents the Good News of Christ in a dynamic yet gentle way. It shows Christ’s love for all of us and creates a longing to know the One who gave so much for us.
Be sure to get and read this book that “will astonish you afresh with how completely Christ’s resurrection changed history, one life at a time.” ² And be sure check out David’s blog, I Love the Psalms, where he brings the Psalms to life with the same gentle wisdom!
He also offers a free PDF study guide for The Soldier Who Killed a King, designed for groups who want to read and discuss the book together.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author, in exchange for my honest review. I received no other compensation.
1. Quote taken from “The Soldier Who Killed a King,” (chapter 34), ©2017 by David Kitz. Published by Kregel Publications, Grand Rapids MI, USA. Used by permission of the publisher. All rights reserved.
2. Quote taken from the book’s back cover.
📷 Image credits: crucifixion by Sweet Publishing, FreeBibleImages.org; book cover from dzk productions, used under Fair Use Standards.
Great review. Thanks for the recommendation!
Thanks Eric! I really think you’ll like it. I found it riveting. Plan to make it part of my yearly Easter readings!
Much thanks for a great review, Sheila.
You are more than welcome, David. I love your book, and it is one that I will definitely reread from time to time!