Prototype {Review}

Prototype: What Happens When You Discover You’re More Like Jesus Than You Think?

Recently, I was given a copy of the book Prototype by Jonathan Martin to read and review. The book is based on the author’s premise that we, human beings, are God’s beloved. That if Jesus is our prototype we are styled after, and Jesus is God’s beloved, then so are we. That God loves us, no matter what. So why don’t we believe that? Throughout the book, Jonathan uses scripture, humor, quotes, stories, and thought provoking statements (aka Truth Bombs) to get the reader to think, to laugh, to cry, or just…search their soul. This book aims to bring us closer to God, to aim to be more like Jesus, and to remember all that has been done for us without our asking.

The book also came along with the small group DVD, which is a six-lesson study covering his book, Prototype. It comes with a leader’s guide to help ask questions and lead the discussions within your own group, whether a church group, book club, or your own personal study. The DVD has beautiful scenery and each lesson runs about 15 minutes. Each lesson is a recap of that section of the book, but it presents another format that works well in getting your group to study from another angle that maybe they didn’t think of from reading the text itself.

This is the first book of Jonathan Martin’s I’ve read, so I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. Based on his picture on the back of the book or during the DVD, he certainly doesn’t look like any pastor I’ve ever had in church! LOL But I liked his views on why we should not be afraid of trying to be like our prototype. God already has said He loves us, what more do we need to hear to believe it? Jonathan would throw in those Truth Bombs and some really made me stop, read it again, and put the book down. Not because I was upset or angry, but I needed time to consider the point.

Over and over again, I sensed Him reminding me that I was His beloved son – and that He loved me exactly as I was.If God is love, and perfect love casts out fear, then fear is the opposite of everything that God is.If we listen attentively to the Spirit, we hear God singing. If we listen a bit closer, we hear Him weeping.

All in all, I enjoyed the book and DVD study guide. I think it would be a good stepping stone for a group getting to know each other (like a youth group or newly married couples).

Disclaimer: Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book & DVD.