What if Jesus is Right?

What if Jesus is Right?, Douglas Groothuis and Lindsey Medenwalt. Tyndale | Elevate (ISBN: 9798400501487) 2026.

Summary Beyond the influence of Jesus, looks at what he actually said and what it would mean for us if it is true.

The recent interest in The Chosen series shows that, no matter what people think about Christianity or the church, they are fascinated by Jesus. Veteran apologist Douglas Groothuis, joined by one of his former students, Lindsey Medenwalt, would agree and contend that he is worth listening to today. Not only that, they argue in this book that what Jesus says is true and can be trusted.

But before they make their case, they engage in some ground-clearing. They maintain that along with true presentations of Jesus there are “fake Jesuses” and those who make false claims about him. First, some will say he is only a great teacher. Yet, if what Jesus says about himself is false, either he is a liar (and not good) or a lunatic (self-deceived). Neither is good. Only if he is Lord is he also truly a good teacher.

Second, they challenge the idea that he was radically inclusive. Yes, he ate with sinners, but called them out of their sin to live transformed lives. While the writers affirm LGBTQ+ persons, they do not affirm same sex intimacy, on biblical grounds. Finally, they take on the health and prosperity Jesus. They show that trusting Jesus offers no guarantees of either but the presence of Christ even in life’s hardest moments (a testimony to which Groothuis offers in an epilogue about the untimely death of his first wife, Becky).

The second part of the book turns to the positive claims of Jesus. But first they urge the reader to examine the biblical accounts of Jesus for themselves. They offer helps for reading and believe that this is the best way to determine that Jesus is trustworthy. Then they consider four sets of Jesus’ claims. First, there are the “I am” statements, language identifying Jesus with the “I am” God. Second, there is the claim that in him, God’s kingdom is at hand. The Sermon on the Mount, with its high standards, outlines life in that kingdom. Third, Jesus claims the authority to forgive sins. Not only is this audacious, but Jesus asserts that through him, life may begin anew for those who trust him. Lastly, Jesus to know the future, including predicting the fall of Jerusalem.

Groothuis and Medenwalt conclude their case by discussing the evidence for the resurrection, and hence life in his name. They also consider the evidence not only for the deity of Christ but that he, himself, taught this. All this leads up to asking the reader personally to decide, “is Jesus right?” They address points of possible resistance and how one may respond when they are ready to follow Jesus.

The book can be helpful not only for Christians who want to articulate the case for Christ but also for those seriously seeking. Each chapter offers questions for reflection as well as additional resources. Perhaps the best thing would be to read and discuss the book together with a seeking friend. Because the book challenges what the authors call “fake Jesuses” some may put it down. However, this is consistent with the idea that we must meet Jesus on his terms, for who he is, and not who we’d want him to be. That’s what it means for Jesus to be “right.”

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for review.