Summary: “Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ’s Childhood Pal” is a humorous and irreverent novel by Christopher Moore that imagines the life of Jesus Christ through the eyes of his best friend, Levi bar Alphaeus, also known as Biff. The book follows Biff and Jesus as they embark on a journey to discover the meaning of life and fulfill Jesus’ destiny as the Messiah.

The Adventures of Biff and Jesus

The story begins with Biff being resurrected in the present day by an angel named Raziel, who tasks him with writing a new gospel to fill in the missing years of Jesus’ life. Biff, who was known as Joshua during his time with Jesus, recounts their childhood in Nazareth and their misadventures together. From learning martial arts in the Far East to encountering wise men and demons, Biff and Jesus experience a series of extraordinary events that shape their understanding of the world and their roles in it.

The Teachings of Jesus

Throughout their journey, Biff and Jesus encounter various religious and philosophical teachings, which greatly influence Jesus’ own beliefs. They spend years studying under different masters, including a Buddhist monk, a Hindu yogi, and a Taoist sage. Jesus is particularly drawn to the concept of love and compassion, and he incorporates these principles into his own teachings. Biff witnesses Jesus’ transformation from a curious and compassionate young man into a wise and enlightened spiritual leader.

The Crucifixion and Beyond

As Jesus’ ministry gains momentum, Biff realizes that his friend’s destiny is leading him towards a tragic end. Biff accompanies Jesus to Jerusalem, where they face opposition from religious leaders and encounter betrayal from within their own group. Ultimately, Jesus is crucified, fulfilling his role as the Messiah. Biff, devastated by the loss of his friend, spends the rest of his life spreading Jesus’ teachings and preserving his memory.

• The power of friendship: The novel explores the deep bond between Biff and Jesus, highlighting the importance of friendship in navigating life’s challenges.
• The search for meaning: Biff and Jesus embark on a quest to understand the purpose of life, encountering different religions and philosophies along the way.
• The human side of Jesus: By presenting Jesus as a relatable and flawed character, the book humanizes him and offers a fresh perspective on his life and teachings.

“You can’t save people from the world. There’s nowhere else to take them.”

In “Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ’s Childhood Pal,” Christopher Moore presents a unique and humorous take on the life of Jesus Christ. Through the eyes of his fictional best friend, Biff, the novel explores themes of friendship, the search for meaning, and the human side of Jesus. With its irreverent humor and thought-provoking storytelling, this book offers readers a fresh perspective on one of history’s most influential figures.