One of the complaints against Christianity lodged by skeptics is that “Jesus didn’t even write a book.” It is true that Jesus did not personally write a book for inclusion in the New Testament. The only time we know of Him writing anything, is when He wrote on the ground — and we don’t even know the words (Jn. 8:6, 8). So, what about the criticism?
First, believers know Jesus was intimately involved in writing the New Testament. He told the apostles He would send the Holy Spirit to remind them of all things He said (Jn. 14:26). He also said He would send the Holy Spirit to guide them into all truth (Jn. 16:13). The Holy Spirit spoke those things told Him (Jn. 16:13-15).
Second, is it better to write something about yourself or to let others do it for you? Would the skeptics suddenly believe a book personally written by Jesus? Or, would they say He wrote it out of His own self interests?
Third, if Jesus did write a book, men would be apt to worship it. After all, men worshipped the brass serpent (2 Kgs. 18:4). Too, men would elevate what Jesus wrote above what the inspired apostles wrote. There is already a problem with people believing the “red writing” is essential, but the “black” is optional. Yet, we know, to reject the apostles is to reject Christ (Lk. 10:16).
No, Jesus did not personally write a book. He did not need to. He, being God, and in conjunction with the Father and the Holy Spirit, had the ability to deliver a message through men — a message sufficient to save man (Rom. 1:16). If this is not enough for the skeptics, neither would a book from the hand of Christ.
