1. Two Ways to Live
2. The Gospel of Luke

What, we thought, if we combined to two?

That's what The Essential Jesus does. Most of its 80 pages are made up of a fresh and accurate translation of Luke's Gospel. But the text of Luke is preceded by some important background information ('Previously in the Bible') that explains the biblical context and Jewish expectations as Jesus walks on centre stage (this explanation is based on boxes 1 to 3 of Two Ways to Live). The text of Luke also includes numerous footnotes, helpfully explaining to the modern reader some of the unfamiliar terms and names that appear from time to time.

After Luke's account of Jesus, a summary of the message is presented using the Two Ways to Live framework, concepts and illustrations, but linking back to the content of Luke.

This second edition includes updates in the Two Ways to Live-related sections so that it matches the updated Two Ways to Live tract.