Unfollowers: Unlikely Lessons on Faith From Those Who Doubted Jesus

Following a Savior Who Doesn't Fit the Job Description

Most of us have an internal list of all the things that a Savior should be and do. Most of all, we want him to be like us, so that we can remain comfortable with who we already are. So what happens when the one who claims to be Savior doesn't meet our expectations?

Many of the people whose stories are told in the Gospels had a similar set of expectations about all that the Messiah would be and do. But Jesus didn't seem to match their job description. He didn't keep the right company, cater to the powerful, or affirm their brand of theology.

In Unfollowers, Derek Cooper and Ed Cyzewski ask the question - what can those of us who want to follow Jesus learn from the dropouts, detractors, and doubters of the Gospels. Their stories guide us in overcoming common obstacles to discipleship and remind us that we follow a Savior who just might surprise us!

Derek Cooper is assistant professor biblical studies and historical theology at Biblical Theological Seminary in Hatfield, PA. He is an ordained minister in the Nazarene Church.

Ed Cyzewski is a freelance writer, speaker, and author of Coffeehouse Theology: Reflecting on God in Everyday Life. He earned his master of divinity at Biblical Theological Seminary in Hatfield, PA.