Jesus (Yeshua) is a Worm...and a Snake Too, Among Other Things

by Kendall T Shoulders

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Pub Date Mar 15 2015 | Archive Date Jul 07 2016

Wheatmark

Christian | Religion & Spirituality

Description

Jesus made many bold claims about himself throughout scripture. The boldest being that he is the Son of God. This primary claim alienates many around the world. Other religions say that Jesus was a great philosopher, teacher, humanitarian, and perhaps even one of the world's greatest prophets. All stop short of the claim that Jesus is the Son of God. Jesus claimed to be the "Way, the Truth, and the Life." He stated that he was the "Door" to his Father in Heaven. He also mentioned that he was the "Bread that came down from Heaven." In another section of scripture he touts being the "Alpha and the Omega" and the "Beginning and the End." He introduces himself as being eternal in the Gospel of John while claiming to be the co-creator of all things. He continues by describing himself as the "Light" that was called upon in the beginning of the book of Genesis when God said "Let there be light." Of the many claims that Jesus made, one stands out as being the most obscure but intriguing characteristics in scripture. Jesus called himself a "worm."

How can a man who claims to be equal with God also make himself equivalent to a worm?! If this is true, what does it mean for all of those who believe in him? What does it mean for all of those who do not? Jesus Is a Worm meticulously analyzes and contextualizes this overlooked metaphor in the Bible and explains how the symbolic power of a particular worm--the tola worm--holds significant lessons for all who would dare to listen. From its entomological roots to its status in Biblical societies, the tola worm was a recognizable and essential allegory in ancient times. Over the centuries, however, its importance in the Bible's teachings waned. Without Kendall Shoulder's passion for the truth, it may have disappeared entirely. Standing at the foot of Mount Herman at the altar of Zeus, Jesus asked a rather profound question of his disciples. He wanted to know from their perspective how they defined him. Before that time, there had been many angel-like gods that were purported to be God, and were presented in dramatic and powerfully deceptive ways. After reading Jesus Is a Worm, the same question will be asked of you. Who do you say he is?

Advance Praise

"Wow! What an interesting and engrossing book. I was fascinated with the writing from the word "go". This has been the single best read on the various aspects of the Bible that lay people need help with to understand and appreciate. ..." - Dr. Oliva Dsouza for Readers' Favorite

"As a non-religious person myself, I found Shoulders' exploration to be well explained and constantly backed by quotations and additional facts, whilst also delivered in a conversational style that felt engaging but not preachy. Readers may not agree with all the ideas presented in this book, but it's unarguable that this is a well-crafted and thought provoking read." - K.C Finn of Readers Favorite." - K.C Finn of Readers Favorite

"Kendall T. Shoulders challenges the reader with his analogy of the Tola worm mentioned in Psalm 22:6. This prophetic passage states, 'But I am a worm...' Chapter by chapter, Shoulders unlocks hidden meanings and the significance of this unusual worm noted in the scriptures. Then, he compares these findings with the prophecies pertaining to Jesus Christ, boldly proclaiming, 'Even in what man would consider obscure passages, Jesus is there.' " - Cheryl E. Rodriguez for Readers' Favorite

"I think this book would make good study material both for personal meditation as well as in a group setting since there is lots of food for thought and each person is likely to be struck by something different as they work their way through. I would recommend this book for those studying the Bible for a better understanding of how God was making ready and preparing evidence to prove Jesus was and is His Son. " - Emilija Ryks of Readers Favorite

"Throughout the narrative, Shoulders asks the reader thought provoking questions, and then leads them to the discovery of answers. By explaining the symbolism, imagery and figurative descriptions of the Bible, he brings a deeper understanding of prophecies. Although profound, he does not confound the reader. However, there were a few illuminating concepts I never considered before. The book never strays off topic. It is well researched, and is filled with insightful scripture references" - Cheryl E. Rodriguez of Readers Favorites

"I was always intrigued by the Tola worm in relationship to Christ and the meaning inherent in that relationship. However, I never thought to look at all the instances of the Tola in the Old Testament. Kendall Shoulders does a wonderful job of exploring the Old Testament references to the Tola worm and putting those references in context of Christ's work on the cross. His interpretations led me to search the Scriptures in search of Christ. If you want to read a book that inspires you to search the Scripture and learn more about the work of Christ for you, read this book!" John Salmon

Available Editions

EDITION	Other Format
ISBN	9781627872232
PRICE	$0.00 (USD)

Additional Information

Average rating from 8 members

Featured Reviews

Scott N, Reviewer

Very interesting book. I had never made the connection in Psalm 22 with the Tola worm and the death of Jesus. It added greatly to my understanding of the passion and purpose of Jesus' on the cross. By tracing the 'worm" imagery through Scripture, Shoulders has provided a useful tool for understanding the scope of salvation. A great read especially in this Lenten season. I will be sharing these insights with my congregation.

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Jennifer L, Reviewer

Jesus (Yeshua) is a worm…and a snake too among other things by Kendall T. Shoulders is an interesting in-depth study of the imagery throughout the Bible as it points to Jesus as the Messiah. The book is actually two books in one. Book 1 focuses on the imagery of the worm and a snake to indicate the coming of the Messiah in Jesus. Book 2 continues that theme as similarities between figures of the Old Testament to Jesus and the prophecy of Revelation. Book 1 is the Jesus as the tola worm as it is used throughout the Old Testament. The tola worm is an important worm to the ancient world. It was a source of dye for cloth. It was environmental cleaning. Parallels between the tola worm’s appearance in the Old Testament and the events of Jesus’ life is amazing. The imagery that is drawn between the parallels are mind-blowing. The author also draws conclusions about the use of the materials and decorations in the Tabernacle to Christ. The use of gold, silver, bronze and the colors used in the priestly garments all have a purpose pointing to the coming of Christ. The tola worm’s presence in the story of Jonah teaches that “a self-righteous attitude compels us to compare ourselves to other people” and how easy it is to accept God’s grace on our behalf but how difficult it is to accept God’s grace and even extend grace to others. The author also draws a parallel with a snake and Jesus in Book 1. While many believers would see the snake as a symbol of Satan, an interesting point was made in the story of Exodus. When Moses makes his request to Pharaoh to let the Israelites go, Aaron’s staff becomes a snake. The Pharaoh’s wise men and sorcerers perform the same feat (Exodus 7:8-13). However, Aaron’s snake swallowed the other snakes. This is an image of Jesus “swallowing our sins, including every possible vile, evil thing that Satan could imagine.” The author also takes the story of the Israelites in the desert and they were told to look at a bronze snake in order to be healed from a sickness brought on by the people’s constant complaining (Numbers 21:4-9). Those who looked at the bronze snake high on a pole were healed, those did not died. This story seems to be a foreshadowing of Jesus on the cross. Those who look to him are healed and saved from their sins and those who don’t…
Book 2 is a bonus section which continues the theme of how Jesus is the fulfillment of all things concerning the Law (Genesis through Deuteronomy), the Psalms and the prophets. From Adam to Isaiah, images and prophecies foreshadow an event of Jesus’s life. It’s a great way to see how every book of the Old Testament points to the Messiah in Jesus. The author compares interesting similarities Genesis figures to Christ, Satan and the end times. While some are interesting and thought provoking, I found some to be a bit of a stretch. For instance, the author claims that Abel’s birth points to the virgin birth of Christ because the Bible states that “Adam lay with his wife Eve, and she became pregnant and gave birth to Cain” (Genesis 4:1); however, in verse 2 simply states “Later she gave birth to his brother Abel.” He claim is that Adam did not “lay with” Eve in order for her to conceive Abel, this is a foreshadowing of Christ’s miracle birth. Is he wrong? I don’t know but there isn’t any evidence to say it’s true. Jesus (Yeshua) is a worm…and a snake too among other things is an interesting and thought provoking look into the Bible and how Jesus is “seen” in every story. When I first saw this book as it was available to review, the title caught me off guard. I requested to review it as I was anticipating being angered at the possibilities of what the title seems to suggest. However, once I started reading, I realized the title doesn’t fully give the picture of what an amazing book it is. While I disagreed with some of the author’s claims, he presents them with verses and cultural references for support. I highly recommend this book as a new and unique look into the amazing works of God as it is told in His Word.