CHARACTER
The Book of Longingsby Sue Monk Kidd

Jesus

Jesus Character Analysis

Jesus in Sue Monk Kidd's The Book of Longings is not the divine figure of traditional Christianity, but a fully realized human being. He is a stonemason, a husband to Ana, a brother, and a son, grappling with faith, doubt, and a growing sense of purpose. Through his relationship with Ana, the novel explores a humanized Jesus whose spiritual journey is intertwined with love, duty, and empathy for the marginalized.

Quick Facts

  • Role: Husband to Ana, stonemason, spiritual leader
  • First Appearance: Chapter 1
  • Key Relationships: Ana, Judas, Mary (his mother), John the Immerser

Who He Is

Jesus is a man caught between the ordinary and the extraordinary. He is a skilled craftsman providing for his family, yet he feels a deep, unshakeable spiritual calling. His love for Ana is passionate and egalitarian, a partnership of minds and souls that challenges the patriarchal norms of his time. He is a figure of profound empathy, drawn to the suffering of others and driven by a desire to create a more just and compassionate world.

Personality & Traits

Jesus is portrayed as a man of gentle kindness, spiritual depth, and quiet radicalism. He is not a firebrand or a zealot, but a thoughtful and compassionate leader who inspires through love and understanding.

  • Empathetic and Compassionate: Jesus feels the suffering of others as his own. He is moved by the plight of the poor and the outcasts, telling Ana, "They are condemned as impure, but God is love. He would not be so cruel as to condemn them."
  • Playful and Humorous: Despite his serious nature, Jesus possesses a lighthearted side. He nicknames Ana "Little Thunder," revealing his ability to see and appreciate her powerful spirit with loving amusement.
  • Spiritually Inquisitive: Jesus's faith is not dogmatic but deeply personal and questioning. He admits to Ana that he brings God "nothing but questions and doubts," representing a form of Alternative Faith and Spirituality that values honest inquiry over blind obedience.
  • Egalitarian: In a patriarchal society, Jesus's respect for women is radical. He supports Ana's writing and intellectual ambitions, listening to her "longings" and blessing the "largeness" inside her. Their marriage is a partnership of equals, a core theme of Love as an Egalitarian Partnership.
  • Principled and Courageous: Jesus is unafraid to challenge authority, whether it is the mob preparing to stone Ana or the corrupt priests in the Temple. He bravely stands for his convictions, even when it puts him in grave danger.

Character Journey

Jesus's journey is one of self-discovery and the embrace of destiny. Initially burdened by familial duty and the stigma of being a mamzer (an outcast), he evolves into a charismatic spiritual leader. His relationship with Ana is a catalyst for his growth, as she understands his spiritual quest and shares his vision of a more compassionate world. His baptism by John the Immerser solidifies his purpose, compelling him to begin his public ministry. This decision, though causing a painful separation from Ana, marks his full embrace of his destiny, leading to his teachings becoming more defined and his actions more confrontational, ultimately resulting in his crucifixion.

Key Relationships

  • Ana: Ana is Jesus's wife and intellectual equal. Their bond is the novel's emotional and thematic center. He is the only person who truly sees and encourages Ana's deepest self, her longing to be a voice. She, in turn, is his confidante and intellectual partner, the one with whom he can share his most profound doubts and revelations.

  • Judas: Judas, Ana's adopted brother, represents a contrasting response to Roman oppression. Jesus advocates for a spiritual revolution rooted in love and non-violence, while Judas is a Zealot committed to armed rebellion. This ideological clash creates a deep rift that culminates in Judas’s tragic betrayal.

  • Mary (his mother): Jesus feels a strong sense of duty toward his mother, which contributes to his initial hesitation to begin his ministry. Mary is proud of her son but also deeply fearful of the dangerous path he chooses.

  • John the Immerser: John is a significant influence on Jesus. His fiery preaching and call for repentance inspire Jesus and help clarify his own mission. For a time, Jesus becomes one of John's disciples before embarking on his own, distinct ministry.

Defining Moments

Jesus's life is marked by several key moments that define his character and shape his destiny. These moments reveal his compassion, courage, and unwavering commitment to his beliefs.

  • Meeting Ana in the Market: Jesus first stands out by helping his sister with her yarn, an act of humility, and then by coming to Ana’s aid when she falls. He sees her suffering and offers kindness without judgment, establishing the foundation of their connection.
  • Saving Ana from Stoning: In a moment of immense bravery, Jesus steps between Ana and an angry mob. To establish his right to speak for her, he declares, "I will soon be her betrothed." He then challenges the crowd with the powerful words, "Let the one who is without sin cast the next stone."
  • The Baptism: His immersion in the Jordan River is a transformative spiritual experience. It is here that he feels his divine calling affirmed, a moment that sets him on the path to his public ministry and eventual death.
  • The Crucifixion: In his final moments, his connection with Ana remains profound. His last words to her are her nickname, "Little Thunder," a final acknowledgment of the powerful spirit he loved in her.

Essential Quotes

Jesus's words reveal his inner thoughts, his spiritual struggles, and his deep love for Ana. They offer insight into his character and his vision for a better world.

He said he heard rumblings inside me while I slept, a sound like thunder from far over the Nahal Zippori valley or even farther beyond the Jordan. I don’t doubt he heard something. All my life, longings lived inside me, rising up like nocturnes to wail and sing through the night. That my husband bent his heart to mine on our thin straw mat and listened was the kindness I most loved in him.

This quote reveals Jesus's deep empathy and his ability to truly listen to and understand Ana's inner self. He recognizes and appreciates the "longings" that live within her, a testament to his profound love and respect for her.

“I don’t mind. I doubt God does either. Lately, I’ve been poor company for him. I bring him nothing but questions and doubts.”

This quote highlights Jesus's spiritual inquisitiveness and his willingness to question traditional religious beliefs. He is not afraid to admit his doubts, suggesting a faith that values honest inquiry over blind obedience.

“I am Jesus ben Joseph,” he said, turning back to them. “I am neither father, brother, nor husband to her, but I will soon be her betrothed. I can testify she is no thief, or blasphemer, or fornicator.”

In this moment, Jesus bravely defends Ana from an angry mob, declaring his intention to marry her. His willingness to stand up for her, even before they are officially betrothed, demonstrates his courage and his unwavering commitment to protecting those he loves.

He said, “Little Thunder, I won’t judge the knowing in your heart or what choice you make.”

This quote reveals Jesus's unconditional love and acceptance of Ana. He respects her autonomy and her right to make her own choices, even if he does not fully understand them.

“I bless the largeness in you, Ana.”

This simple yet profound statement encapsulates Jesus's belief in Ana's potential and his desire for her to fulfill her dreams. He recognizes and celebrates her "largeness," her ambition, and her intellectual curiosity, offering her his blessing and support.