This three-volume work, authored by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, offers a theological exploration of the life and ministry of Christ. Drawing upon biblical scholarship, historical context, and personal reflection, the volumes present an interpretation of Jesus’s public ministry, from his baptism in the Jordan to his crucifixion and resurrection. The first volume focuses on Jesus’s early life and ministry up to the Transfiguration, while the second covers the events of Holy Week and the Resurrection. A shorter, third volume examines the infancy narratives found in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke.
Published between 2007 and 2012, this work provides valuable insights into the thought of one of the most prominent theological figures of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. It represents a significant contribution to Christological literature, aiming to bridge the gap between academic scholarship and spiritual reflection. The author seeks to present a portrait of Jesus that is both historically grounded and relevant for contemporary believers. It is important to note that while written by a Pope, the work was explicitly presented as a personal theological reflection, not as an official teaching document of the Catholic Church.