Introducing Jesus/Foreword

Nothing is more necessary for the maturing of the church than conscientious, biblical and contemporary preaching. One such preacher is Roy Clements. Cambridge University students flock to Eden Baptist Church in their hundreds to listen to the word of God through his ministry. And I can understand why. For I have myself profited from his expositions, have sat under his able chairmanship at Council meetings of the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity, and have now read this his first book. In it he expounds the seven main discourses of Jesus in John's Gospel, beginning with the conversation with Nicodemus and ending with the Prologue. In this way, he introduces Jesus, as the book’s title indicates. The marks of authentic Christian preaching are here.

To begin with, Roy Clements is faithful to the biblical text. He knows Greek but does not parade his knowledge. He has read the commentators, but does not follow them slavishly. He is not afraid to adopt unfashionable positions, if integrity requires him to do so. For he interprets the text in both its historical and its biblical contexts. When there are alternative possibilities, he tells us not only which he chooses, but why. I admire his robust common sense and balanced judgement.

Secondly, Roy Clements is contemporary in his applications. He moves freely in the world of Marx and Freud, Sartre and William Golding, of religious pluralism and scientific secularism, of empty existentialism and revolutionary violence. He is also familiar with the modern theological and Christological debates. It is against the background of all this intellectual ferment that he invites us to listen afresh to the message of Jesus, and to grasp its relevance to our lives.

Thirdly, he is serious in his purpose. True, he knows the foibles of fallen beings, and sometimes pokes fun at them. But there is nothing flippant here. For Dr Clements is concerned that we should see Jesus. He wants to get behind the discourses to the speaker, behind the popular image to the real person. He portrays him as John witnesses to him, defends him against his detractors, and commends him to modern men and women. No attempt has been made to disguise the fact that these chapters began their life as sermons. So the preacher still addresses us directly and outspokenly. Some readers will surely be brought by the Holy Spirit to faith in Jesus. Others will have their faith clarified and strengthened. None of us can fail to be enriched.

John Stott

December 1985