Joseph Girzone's bestselling parables in the "Joshua" series present Jesus as a transforming figure in the lives of those around him. Now this priest asks what kind of man was Jesus of Nazareth — especially in the eyes of his contemporaries? Girzone combs the Gospels and finds a charismatic and loving soul who, as the Irish put it, didn't "put on the pious." He writes: "With his vastly comprehensive vision of life in all its facets and deep sense of mission, there is no hint of obsession or paranoia. It is a subtle indication of his divinity. His relaxed casualness is disarming. People enjoyed being near Him."

Girzone marvels at Jesus' knowledge of the natural world, his keen sense of justice, his intimacy with God, his acceptance of people's flaws, and his serenity in the face of death. The author calculates that this man walked nearly 6,000 miles in his three-year public ministry. Most importantly, Girzone emphasizes that Jesus was an authentic free spirit whose words and deeds convey life at its peak.