Introduction & First Impressions
The Jesus Bible (NIV, Leathersoft, Multi-Color) is part of a modern “story of Jesus across all Scripture” project. It aims to help the reader see Christ from Genesis to Revelation, not just in the Gospels. The design is attractive, with a leathersoft cover (soft-touch, flexible binding) and colorful accents meant to draw you into the text.
When you first open it, you’ll notice:
- Margins and note space designed for journaling
- Sidebars and articles that point to Jesus in unexpected places
- A layout that balances readability with commentary
- A cover that lies relatively flat when open (in many editions)
For many readers, it feels like a “Bible + devotional guide / study companion” all in one.
Key Features & What Makes It Unique
| Feature | Description / Benefit |
|---|---|
| Christ-centered study articles | Over 300 full-page articles and nearly 700 sidebar articles across the Bible, highlighting how Jesus is present in each book. |
| Book intros & narrative essays | Each of the 66 books has an introduction that places it in the grand story of Jesus. |
| Flexible binding / leathersoft cover | Many editions lie flat and feel nice to hold; good for daily reading or study |
| Journaling & margins | Designed with space for notes, reflections, sermon thoughts, or prayers |
| Readable type / Comfort Print | Editions use a Comfort Print or readable font to reduce eye strain over long readings |
| Ribbon markers, interior design | Includes one or two ribbon markers to help you track your place |
| Bridges Old & New Testament | Emphasis on seeing Christ even in Old Testament passages (e.g., promises, foreshadowing) |
For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible … all things have been created through him and for him. — Colossians 1:16
This echoes the project’s aim: to see Jesus at work from the first pages of Genesis onward.
Versions, Translations & Editions
The Jesus Bible isn’t limited to one translation or style; there are multiple options:
-
Translations / Versions Available
- NIV (New International Version) – a popular, accessible English translation.
- ESV (English Standard Version) – a more literal translation alternative.
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Editions & Styles
- Leathersoft / soft covers (like the one highlighted here)
- Cloth over board / hardcover
- Artist Editions (featuring special cover art, unique designs)
- Comfort Print variants (for ease of reading)
So depending on your taste (soft cover, art cover, more durable binding), you have options to choose a style that works for daily reading, sermon prep, or gifting.
The Jesus Bible Study Series
This Bible is part of a larger ecosystem of study tools. The Jesus Bible Study Series is built around six thematic volumes that walk you through the overarching story of creation, fall, redemption, and restoration—always with Jesus as the central thread.
Structure of the Study Series
Each study workbook contains six lessons, and within each lesson are four sections: Welcome, Read, Reflect, and Close. These help the group or individual dig into Scripture, ask questions, and apply what’s discovered.
- Beginnings – The creation story and God’s design
- Revolt – The fall, sin, brokenness, and God’s response
- People – The nation of Israel, God’s covenant people
- Savior – The coming of Christ and redemptive work
- Church – The early church and how Jesus is displayed in community
- Forever – The consummation, new creation, and God making all things right
This series aims to help “connect your story to God’s great story.”
Pros of using the study series:
- Strong thematic flow across all Scripture
- Helps users see continuity (not just disjointed passages)
- Good for small groups or personal study
Possible drawbacks / things to watch:
- Requires commitment of time (six lessons per volume)
- Some users may prefer book-by-book depth over thematic approach
The Jesus Bible Journals
Complementing the Bible and study series is a line of journals, tailored for both Old Testament and New Testament books. These journals combine Scripture, commentary, and space for personal reflection.
Journal Types & Collections
- Individual Book Journals – For example, The Jesus Bible Journal – John (NIV, Comfort Print, Paperback) includes Scripture text, study features, and lined pages for journaling.
- Box Sets – The New Testament Box Set includes 9 volumes covering Matthew through Revelation. Old Testament box sets also exist (Genesis, Deuteronomy, Psalms, Isaiah, Minor Prophets).
- Multi-Volume Sets – For example, a 5-volume set covering Genesis, Deuteronomy, Psalms, Isaiah, and Minor Prophets.
What You Get in a Journal
- Scripture text (or portions) plus study/insight features
- Essays or commentary drawn from The Jesus Bible
- Alternating pages for lined journaling
- Space for reflection, prayers, or sermon notes
These journals are nice tools to engage more personally with Scripture, especially in books you want to meditate on slowly rather than read continuously.
Pros & Cons: Is This Bible Right for You?
| Advantages | Disadvantages / Considerations |
|---|---|
| Encourages a Christ-centered reading of all Scripture | Might feel dense for some new Bible readers |
| Rich supplemental articles, commentaries, and sidebars | Some may prefer full commentary or theological depth |
| Beautiful design and journaling space | Leathersoft bindings may be less durable long-term than full leather or hardcover |
| Flexible in style: NIV or ESV, artist editions, etc. | More costly than a plain text Bible |
| Strong support with studies and journals | You may feel tempted to read commentary more than the Word |
If your goal is to grow in recognizing Jesus in every part of the Bible, this volume and its companion tools do a strong job. But if you’re looking for deep, technical exegesis or scholarly apparatus (original language, etc.), you might supplement it with a more academic Bible.
Real-Life Use & Examples
- A small group could work through Beginnings to see how Jesus is present from creation.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. — John 1:1
- Someone reading Isaiah might, via a journal edition, see how prophetic passages point to Christ as a suffering servant.
But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. — Isaiah 53:5
- A preacher could use the study articles to find sermon illustrations showing how Old Testament promises fulfill in the New Testament.
- A person journaling through Romans could write reflections in margins about how Paul’s gospel reveals Christ in doctrine, ethics, and hope.
Final Thoughts
The Jesus Bible (especially the NIV Leathersoft, Multi-Color edition) is more than just a Bible—it’s an integrated tool for seeing the consistent presence and work of Jesus in every chapter. Its design, articles, journaling features, and companion studies make it attractive to readers who want both Scripture and guidance walking through it.
If you enjoy narratively tracking God’s redemptive plan and want tools to reflect along the way, this might become one of your favorite “go-to” Bibles.
