Piper has gathered many of Jesus' demands from the four Gospels and puts the demands in a redemptive, historical context, then concisely examines each. The result is an accessible introduction for thoughtful inquirers and new believers, as well as meditative meat for veteran believers who want to know Jesus better.
Download and start listening now!
"This is a great book to just go through just to see what Jesus actually commanded Christians to know. It is not overly difficult to read and is not quite as hard to read as most of Piper's books. But it was a good book to focus back on Jesus and what he said. "
— Korby (4 out of 5 stars)
“This is a peculiar book. It assumes that the four Gospels are true and unified. It assumes that Jesus not only does things for us but also makes demands of us. And it assumes that Jesus has authority over everyone regardless of their religion, gender, race, income, sexuality, nationality, or culture. You will likely not agree with every point. But you will hear from a Jesus who is more than a soft-spoken, effeminate, marginalized, Galilean hippie-peasant in a dress and has the peculiar notion that he alone is Lord.”
— Mark Driscoll, #1 New York Times bestselling coauthor of Real Marriage“This is now my favorite book by John Piper. In the best tradition of Adolf Schlatter’s Do We Know Jesus? and his ‘hermeneutic of perception,’ What Jesus Demands from the World has changed my life and will certainly change yours because it is based on the pure words of Jesus as revealed in the four Gospels. A must-read for every true follower of Christ.”
— Andreas J. Kostenberger, senior research professor of New Testament and Biblical Theology, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary" Though occasionally the demands felt redundant, What Jesus Demands from the World was a good book. Challenging and interesting! "
— Amy, 2/20/2014" Demand is not a word that I often associate with Christ, wanting to think more in the softer Jesus. Piper does a great job of relating Christ as having authority to demand and demonstrate the love that is the motive behind the demands "
— Jmajors, 2/12/2014" Justin and I are going through this book weekly in Bible study, starting this month... "
— Linette, 1/28/2014" really liked this b/c it is broken up into small chapters that are easier to digest from Piper than some of his other books "
— Kelly, 1/6/2014" I love this book. Simple and to the point. Doesn't make Jesus a wuss. "
— Daniel, 12/22/2013" Good book on various subjects. The chapters are short and could easily be used as a daily devotion book. "
— Todd, 12/21/2013" Great book. Applicable. Not sure about what he was saying about marriage after divorce being adultery. Will have to think about that some more. "
— Jonny, 12/20/2013" This is a great book to just go through just to see what Jesus actually commanded Christians to know. It is not overly difficult to read and is not quite as hard to read as most of Piper's books. But it was a good book to focus back on Jesus and what he said. "
— Korby, 12/11/2013" This should be required reading in my opinion. I've never read Piper before, but am thrilled he is so prolific. The Lord sent me this book at just the right time in my life. "
— Ti-Leigh, 12/5/2013" Amazing resource on things Jesus has demanded and insight into what that means for life now. I learned a lot about serving God or money, about loving my enemies... "
— Jenn, 11/27/2013" Haven't read the whole thing, just bits and pieces. What I have read has been thought provoking and convicting. "
— Wendy, 11/19/2013" I cannot put into words how this book impacted my personal walk with Jesus and delight in Him on a day-to-day basis. The book is divided into short chapters which make it a perfect, pre-worship devotional or a quick reminder of truth during a busy day. "
— Jessica, 9/25/2013" It took me a while to get through this book and I struggled to focus on the message in some areas. However, overall this book is well worth the read and I recommend it. "
— Mike, 6/27/2013" Hard-core study of some of the basic theology of Christians. Well written and profound. I highly recommend it to anyone. "
— Ki, 5/15/2013" This is a great get-back-to-basics book. I like that Piper takes Jesus' commands and relates them to the state of our hearts- he's not legalistic about the demands. "
— Julie, 1/26/2013" What Jesus Demands from the World by John Piper (2006) "
— Laura, 11/10/2012" Does God simply offer an invitation to join Christ or is it a command? This book will tackle the difficult questions of God's sovereignty, authority, and his plan of salvation. "
— Stacy, 10/28/2012" Wonderful study into what Jesus expects from Christians. "
— Mikecorban, 6/28/2012" This is a very beneficial and enlightening book. I found myself disappointed when I reached the end that there was nothing more to read. "
— Christina, 4/5/2012" A great read! This book takes scripture for what it is--authoritative. Thank you, Dr. Piper, for writing this book! "
— Kim, 3/26/2012" Bite-sized chapters, clear, well-developed insights. Love John Piper's writings and his worldview. "
— Molly, 12/25/2011" What does Jesus demand from the world? What does Jesus demand from His followers? It is a great read in pointing to the truth claims and demands from God Himself about Himself. "
— Jared, 6/8/2011" Demand is not a word that I often associate with Christ, wanting to think more in the softer Jesus. Piper does a great job of relating Christ as having authority to demand and demonstrate the love that is the motive behind the demands "
— Jmajors, 5/9/2011" Bite-sized chapters, clear, well-developed insights. Love John Piper's writings and his worldview. "
— Molly, 4/26/2011" really liked this b/c it is broken up into small chapters that are easier to digest from Piper than some of his other books "
— Kelly, 5/10/2010" I cannot put into words how this book impacted my personal walk with Jesus and delight in Him on a day-to-day basis. The book is divided into short chapters which make it a perfect, pre-worship devotional or a quick reminder of truth during a busy day. "
— Jessica, 4/13/2010" Justin and I are going through this book weekly in Bible study, starting this month... "
— Linette, 1/18/2010" What Jesus Demands from the World by John Piper (2006) "
— Laura, 5/29/2009" A great read! This book takes scripture for what it is--authoritative. Thank you, Dr. Piper, for writing this book! "
— Kim, 10/13/2008" Wonderful study into what Jesus expects from Christians. "
— Mikecorban, 6/26/2008" Amazing resource on things Jesus has demanded and insight into what that means for life now. I learned a lot about serving God or money, about loving my enemies... "
— Jenn, 5/19/2008" Hard-core study of some of the basic theology of Christians. Well written and profound. I highly recommend it to anyone. "
— Ki, 5/6/2008" This is a great get-back-to-basics book. I like that Piper takes Jesus' commands and relates them to the state of our hearts- he's not legalistic about the demands. "
— Julie, 5/1/2008" What does Jesus demand from the world? What does Jesus demand from His followers? It is a great read in pointing to the truth claims and demands from God Himself about Himself. "
— Jared, 1/26/2008" Great book on the teachings of Jesus. Introduction is a really great to liberal NT scholars. "
— Duane, 1/20/2008John Piper (DTheol, University of Munich) is the founder and teacher of DesiringGod.org and the chancellor of Bethlehem College and Seminary. He served for thirty-three years as the senior pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and is the author of more than fifty books, including Desiring God, Don’t Waste Your Life, This Momentary Marriage, A Peculiar Glory, and Reading the Bible Supernaturally.
David Cochran Heath is a professional actor with more than 30 years of experience on the stage in over 130 productions. He is also a lifelong fan of radio theater and has done a variety of narration and character work. He lives in San Diego with his wife, Beth.