God's Final Envoy addresses many issues about Jesus that have been the cause of much discussion throughout the history of Christianity. The author, De Jonge, has meticulously studied the scriptures and other historical writings in attempts to piece together part of the puzzle that has been handed down from century to century. De Jonge provides exquisite detail of each of his central themes, often including word by word interpretation and notation. However, to allow for the greatest amount of comprehension, it is necessary to have the Bible on hand to examine the references and discover context.
The book is organized well and is as user friendly as I imagine a book on this topic can be. An entire chapter is dedicated to identifying the sources and methods used to write this book. Also included is an entire index of names and scripture references. A select bibliography of the previously printed materials used in the preparation of this book is presented in the back and is quite helpful for further review and study on the material.
There are several different topics that are discussed at length in this book. Each of these topics is discussed with the presented thought that Jesus was God's final envoy to Israel. The key topic is summed up in part of the sub-title - Jesus' Own View of His Mission. De Jonge addresses this idea throughout the whole book. He examines Jesus' own view of his relationship and role of His death on the cross, the Kingdom of God, His direct relationship to God, and the second coming.
It is not certain how Jesus viewed his death on the cross. There are three different models of interpretation presented for us. First is the idea that Jesus saw rejection and possible death as part of the role of an envoy to Israel. The second model is that Jesus viewed himself as an obedient, suffering servant. The third thought is that Jesus regarded his death as a sort of martyrdom. Whichever model is correct, an underlying factor that links all of them is the fact that Jesus was somehow related to God in a unique way, and his death brought about lasting change.
Jesus' mission while here on earth was to teach about the Kingdom of God. It is uncertain exactly when and how and where the Kingdom of God will come about, but it is reiterated throughout Jesus' teachings that the Kingdom of God will bring about a change to the world and the inhabitants therein, providing a differing outcome for those who prepare and follow the ways of the Lord versus those who do not.
Jesus' direct relationship with God is cause for much debate. Even while he walked the earth, many different ideas about this relationship were floating about. Jesus however did view himself as God's envoy, sent to earth. He addressed himself as "the Son of God", and addressed God as, "abba, Father." Though this relationship was not believed by everyone, this truth was revealed to some. The disciples who witnessed the transfiguration of Jesus helped spread this account and shaped the Christology of the early church.
Finally is the role Jesus has in the second coming. It is the parousia of Jesus that gives meaning to all the aforementioned topics. There roles that Jesus is said to play in the second coming are vast. Some verses in scripture refer to him as a judge or a ruler. Some say that he will finally establish the Kingdom of God, some say that he will bring the established Kingdom to earth. Jesus saw himself as a messenger, going about God's work. His second coming will be the final vindication for all that has taken place leading up to that point.
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