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Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite
Ralph E. Jarrells’ Jesus and Judas: Best Friends Forever is a work of Christian fiction that begins beneath an extraordinary sky and unfolds into a thoughtful exploration of companionship before destiny takes shape. The novel opens on a night so clear it seems endless, with countless stars stretching from horizon to horizon. Into that stillness comes a sudden flash in the East, brighter than the sun, followed by a single star burning more intensely than all the rest. This moment frames the story’s central premise: the birth of Judah bar Simon, a child whose life will one day alter the course of history, though nothing in his earliest days suggests notoriety or infamy. The novel imagines early relationships formed through shared work, conversation, and curiosity, long before public ministry or followers. Here, friendship is built on familiarity and trust rather than prophecy or expectation.
The pacing is calm and reflective, with the author favoring description and interior thought over dramatic turns. Dialogue drives much of the story’s movement, allowing characters to voice questions about belief, loyalty, and purpose without forcing conclusions. The writing style mirrors the novel’s themes, lingering on moments that might otherwise pass unnoticed and suggesting how small choices can shape larger paths. Jesus and Judas will appeal to readers who enjoy biblical fiction that explores familiar history from a quieter angle. By imagining a friendship that precedes both calling and consequence, Ralph E. Jarrells invites reflection on how closeness, trust, and difference coexist within shared journeys. The novel offers space to consider how lives intersect long before they are remembered and how beginnings often carry meanings not yet understood.
