An introduction appropriate for newcomers as well as those familiar with the teachings of Jesus, this exploration of his life and words is helpful without being preachy and extreme. For those struggling with the challenges of 21st-century life -- new kinds of war, shaky stock markets, a scarcity of jobs -- this book encourages readers to look to Jesus to bring focus to their lives. Emerging in the four Gospels as a man who was supremely confident about who he was and what he wanted to accomplish, Jesus had a radical humility both toward God and toward mankind. The text explores Jesus' radical call to commitment and the understanding that it can only be accepted in the context of God's extravagant generosity. This generous and challenging portrayal is unveiled in such a way as to inspire people to know him more intimately.