I have to be honest and say that a book on gardening is not the first one I pick up when I wander around a bookshop ñ unlike David, I am not a gardener! However, a book with Jesus in the title would make me pick it up as the nurture of my own faith is a passion of my life! David, sharing with us his own faith, and with great skill, develops the Gospel accounts of Jesus and those times when horticulture and agriculture feature in his earthly life and ministry. David is an accomplished preacher and this is seen in the way the sermons are written and developed so that we have a better understanding of the call of Christ in our own lives and as we face the challenge of discipleship and faith today. I would encourage preachers to use this resource to cultivate their own preaching, and pray that all will find, through this book, their own relationship with God and Jesus more firmly

The Rev’d Andrew de Ville
Superintendent Minister, The Methodist Church.

Jesus on Gardening by David Muskett is a clever and creative book, linking together many of Jesus’ teachings drawn from the rural life He saw around Him. Written in an easy-to-read, conversational style David manages to bring to life the agricultural practices of two millennia ago and apply them to us today with the sort of punch that Jesus’ first hearers must have felt. Each chapter begins with the relevant Bible passage which is helpful as it means the book can be read anywhere without having to have a chunky Bible to hand. It also ensures that the ‘sermons’ remain biblically focussed ñ always a good idea for preachers! I would warmly recommend this book not only for budding and experienced preachers but for anyone who wants to bring the changes’ and bring a fresh approach to their daily Quiet Times or devotions. Most chapters refer to other Bible passages beyond the main text (usually printed out) and so could provide reflective material for several days.

Keith Field
Cranleigh Baptist Church

These sermons are easy to read – but not easy reading. I like the clear, simple language. The good humour of the preacher shines through his words, as does his careful observation of everyday life on the farm and in the garden. Heís learned that from Jesus’ way of teaching. And with the sayings of Jesus he leads us beneath the everyday surface, to the root of things, to dig up a selection of challenges for everyday Christians. These are pastoral sermons in more senses than one. They are an enjoyable walk through field and garden, but they nourish our faith too. David tills the soil well.

Paul Johns
Methodist preacher; former director of the College of Preachers

Having just acquired a new garden I was delighted to receive this book. David emphasises that Jesus’ teachings are not a treatise on gardening, but an everyday way of understanding more about the Kingdom of God and life within that Kingdom. With gentle humour and theological insight David takes the reader through the agricultural aspects of Jesus’ teaching. Ideal for personal devotion as well as for sermon material, this book has enabled my ‘garden pottering’ to be an opportunity for reflection on God’s word.
The final section of the book on sermon preparation, preaching and listening provides very helpful guidelines for both the new and the more experienced preacher. Those who are not preachers will find this section gives suggestions for personal reflection on passages of Scripture and on sermons! I warmly recommend this book ñ an easy read with spiritual depth that will help you grow in your faith.

Jeanette Richardson