Title: Unraveling the Family History of Jesus: History of the Extended Family of Jesus from 100 BC
Author: Steven Donald Norris
Publisher: Pen House LLC
ISBN: 978 1951961503
Pages: 604
Genre: Religion
Reviewer: Lily Amanda

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Numerous books have been written about Jesus, with no shelf large enough to contain them. Most books, however, delve into the activities and messages of Jesus which shaped the path of his earliest followers. Still, questions keep cropping up about his history before his birth, the setting of his growth and development, and the few generations after his death and resurrection. Unraveling the Family History of Jesus is an ambitious undertaking by author Steven Donald Norris which walks readers through an overview of Jesus’ extended family from 100 BC to 100 AD, highlighting their impact on Him, and the development of Christianity in the region of Judea.

A vital inclusion for every Christian collection, this text provides a deeper insight into the royal heritage of Jesus, in a genealogical sense, beyond presenting him as the Son of David. The book further sheds light on the lives of significant people mentioned in the books of Luke and Matthew, making them relatable and providing the richness and emotional intricacy. An example of these is Mary, the mother of Jesus, who the book suggests may have been dedicated to the temple and joined the Order of the Temple Virgins after the death of her parents at a young age, and became a consecrated virgin. Another example is Joseph, the father of Jesus, who the text explains was likely a student of Hillel, a Jewish religious elder and scholar, and whose teachings on the Jewish traditions Joseph had possibly taught his son, Jesus.

These personalities and many more are well-wrought and powerfully presented, with the author offering a sweeping scope into their little-known lives, including their contributions to the Messianic movement throughout Judea. Norris does not stop there but goes further to provide mind-shifting revelations about those who supported the ministry of Jesus, some wealthy and influential, and yet, some in his lineage, becoming the main contenders in the final revolt that led to the destruction of Jerusalem. The last part of the book sheds a firm glimpse on the lives of the Apostles and their relationship with Jesus.

Ultimately, this well-researched and grounded work succeeds in fully positioning Jesus Christ as the legitimate heir to the position of a Jewish high priest with blood from royalty. Unraveling the Family History of Jesus by Steven Donald Norris left me fascinated and enlightened as a Christian. It presents game-changing information on the human nature of Jesus, the environment that shaped Him, His ministry, and the impact those who lived before Him, with Him, and after Him had on His life. This text is not only a pathfinder in the Christian circles but also an excellent resource that eliminates background assumptions about the history, ministry, and lineage of Jesus Christ. In the end, this study provides a solution to a riddle that anyone keen on finding out more about the genealogy of Jesus and His ministry, even after His death, will find to be a welcome exposition.