Foreward by Dr. Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury.

Samuel Wells vividly paints the stories surrounding Jesus' cross and resurrection. We see the weakness of Pontious Pilate and Barabbas, and the compromised character's of Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus. We discover the subtle power of Pilate's wife; and in Peter and Mary Magdalene we find true power and resurrection, bringing forgiveness and ending the stronghold of death, thus transforming all human passion.
Through close readings of the gospel texts, Wells demonstrates the significance of these characters for faith and life today.

In this book, structured with one chapter for each week of lent, Wells guides us from deathly power to the New power brought by Jesus' resurrection.