Jesus Mean and Wild: The Unexpected Love of an Untamable God

Many Christians are used to the idea of a meek and mild Jesus, the stereotypical "nice guy." Countering these all too prevalent notions, Mark Galli offers a unique study of seventeen troubling passages from the Gospel of Mark to prove we should be anything but comfortable with Christ.
Highlighting the undeniable fact of an untamable and often militant Messiah, Galli gives readers a training manual in spiritual growth to awaken sleeping believers and transform them into devoted disciples. Hinging on the compelling nature of the love of God, he explains how this mean and wild Jesus shows us truer love than our pleasant construct ever could. Striking and bold, always rooted in Scripture, Jesus Mean and Wild will put readers on the road to true discipleship. Now available in trade paper.

From the Back Cover

God loves you and has a wonderful difficult plan for your life.

The contemporary church loves to paint Jesus as gentle, meek . . . nice. But in this striking book, Mark Galli introduces us to a different sort of savior--one who often makes other people feel decidedly uncomfortable.

Focusing on Jesus as he is portrayed in Mark's Gospel, Galli unveils the power of Christ in his militancy--an aspect frequently ignored in many churches today. Through biblical episodes, stories of saints--classic and contemporary--personal snapshots, and discussion questions, Galli shows that Christ's deep love for his people is richer and more difficult than we imagine. But it is in this persistent, fearsome, and untamed love that we can find true joy.

"A well-written, thoroughly researched look at Jesus. Galli's writing is clear and concise, his logic smooth, and his conclusion inescapable."--Publishers Weekly

"Mark writes of a Jesus that is unleashed, untamed, undomesticated, and unpredictable. I want to know this Jesus, though he scares me a little."--John Ortberg, teaching pastor, Menlo Park Presbyterian Church

"In this wonderfully provocative book, Galli recovers a more multifaceted portrait of Jesus, insisting that Jesus's plan for our lives is demanding and difficult--and in that difficulty we find real love."--Lauren F. Winner, author, Girl Meets God and Real Sex

"Finally, a Jesus who was potent enough to cause commotion and even (temporary) chaos."--Scot McKnight, author, The Jesus Creed and Embracing Grace

"Can he say that? Galli's vigorous presentation of the 'mean and wild' aspects of Jesus will help clear our vision to behold a Lord who is anything but tame."--Frederica Mathewes-Green, author, The Illumined Heart

Mark Galli is the senior managing editor of Christianity Today. A former Presbyterian minister, he is the author or coauthor of several books, including 131 Christians Everyone Should Know and Beyond Smells and Bells.