This book is a search for the Jesus of history, the Jesus experienced by his disciples during his public life. Its objective is to discover the authentic words and deeds attributable to Jesus with historical certitude. It accounts for his Jewish religious background and the historical context in which he carried out his mission. Central to this work is Jesus' relationship to his Abba and his personal understanding of his mission. Special attention is devoted to the major events and teaching of Jesus: his baptism, his miracles, his preaching and parables, and his Last Supper. The Jesus of history, the person and his words and deeds, are foundational for the faith of the early church and the written Scriptures that followed his death and resurrection. They are also foundational for contemporary faith.

This book is based on and benefits greatly from the most recent biblical and theological scholarship. It attempts to make manageable a large amount of scholarly literature that can be intimidating to the casual reader. Its aim is also to serve both faith and theological enquiry by providing an effective source for the reader's personal reflection, intellectual curiosity, and a basis for faith.