I found this book to be quite helpful in a number of ways. As is typical of virtually every encounter I have with Keller’s work, I took a number of insights away from this book. Especially memorable to me were the following:
On Mark 10:37-38, the request of James and John that they might sit at Jesus’ right and left hand when he comes into this glory. Keller makes sense of Jesus’ response. I must confess I had never quite understood exactly what Jesus was saying to the two disciples. When he responds by saying, ‘You do not know what you are asking,’ he has the cross in view. It is as if he is saying, ‘You will have to be crucified at my right and left to be with me when I come into my glory.’ Indeed they would taste of the cup, of the death of martyrdom, but not in the fashion of Jesus. For he would taste in his death the full wrath of God for the sins of all mankind. Truly they didn’t know what they were asking.
Is it not true then that when we seek after sanctification, becoming more like Jesus, that we know not what we ask as well? We seek blessing and prosperity, but Christ-likeness entails suffering. To be made high we must first be made low. The way up is to be brought low, etc.
On the story of the rich young ruler, Keller makes the point ultimately that Jesus was the true rich young Ruler who gave up everything for our sakes. I found this moving. This is characteristic of the way Keller preaches the Old Testament, showing that Jesus is often the fulfillment of its types and characters. But this is effective in the proclamation of the New Testament as well.
Perhaps this is what I appreciate about Keller most – he always has gospel insight. I am struck by how often we preach New Testament texts, even Gospel texts, and somehow fail to really point out the glory of Christ when it is right in front of us. I am encouraged by this book, and thankful for having picked it up at the library.
Also noteworthy is that Keller uses events in the Princess and the Goblin extensively as illustrations at one point (specifically, the part where Irene is following her Great Grandmother’s thread, even when it seems to be leading her in a less that desirable direction).
