Yancey begins his book with a look at the Jesus he learned about in church in his childhood years. He then describes how his view of Jesus changes over the years as he matures and as he has different experiences with Jesus and the people who claim to be Jesus' followers. It is a result of these confusing experiences that Yancey decides to try to strip away all the layers of bias that the church and the followers of Jesus add to His life and message.

Next, Yancey continues with a study of Jesus' message to His followers. He concentrates mainly on the message of the Sermon on the Mount, hoping to dispel some confusion found in Jesus' teachings. Yancey also studies Jesus' lessons on love as well as His demonstrations of grace. The miracles of Jesus are another topic Yancey attacks. In his discussion, Yancey hopes not only to properly describe what a religious miracle actually is, but to also explain why Jesus stopped performing miracles.

Yancey also addresses the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. While Yancey acknowledges the historical meaning of these happenings, he also admits it is these occurrences some find hard to believe and even turn away from Jesus on account of their confusing nature. In his straightforward way, Yancey explains why each step is included in the end of Jesus' time on Earth and why the end has to be played out as it is.

Finally, Yancey discusses the effect the life and death of Jesus should have on the lives of believers today. He explains that by ascending to heaven, Jesus left the Earth in the hands of humans and we are to carry on His message. Until the time He returns, as He has promised He will, Christians are simply waiting in expectation of that day.