Book Review of THE SEVEN LAST WORDS FROM THE CROSS by Fleming Rutledge

THE SEVEN LAST WORDS FROM THE CROSS
By Fleming Rutledge
Published by Eerdmans
Reviewed by Clint Walker

Fleming Rutledge is an Episcopal priest, and a well known preacher and teacher in more progressive mainline circles. I recently read her series of sermons on the passion entitled THE SEVEN LAST WORDS FROM THE CROSS. I found her writing compelling, thoughtful, and insightful.

Each meditation begins with the Scripture text, moves on to her sermon, and ends with a hymn that brings the message of the text into song. My favorite of her mediations is the “Behold thy Mother…Behold thy Son” message. In this particular section of the book, she very clearly defines what she is NOT trying to communicate, and then very forcefully makes her case for what she does want to communicate. Her insights helped me understand the passage in a new way.

If you want a Good Friday reflection that is both briefly written and deftly insightful, pick up this book by Rutledge. You will not be disappointed.