In the landscape of modern Christian literature, few books have resonated as deeply or as quickly as Dane Ortlund’s Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers. While many theological works focus on what Jesus did (theology of the cross) or what Jesus said (theology of the Word), Ortlund focuses on who Jesus is—specifically, his heart.
Drawing heavily from Puritan authors like Thomas Goodwin, Richard Sibbes, and John Bunyan, Ortlund invites readers to look past the “angry God” caricature and into the core of the Savior’s being.
The Core Message: What is Ortlund Conveying?
Before we dissect the 23 chapters, it is essential to understand the thesis. Ortlund argues that we often view God through the lens of our own human limitations. We assume he is easily frustrated, perpetually disappointed, and begrudging in his forgiveness.
The central message is this: Christ’s deepest instinct is not to judge, but to embrace. When we fail, his heart doesn’t retreat in disgust; it moves toward us in compassion. He is not “triggered” by our sin to anger, but “triggered” by our misery to mercy.
Comprehensive Summary
His Very Heart
Ortlund begins with the only place in the four Gospels where Jesus describes his own heart: Matthew 11:29. He doesn’t say he is “demanding and rigorous” or “exalted and detached.” He says he is “gentle and lowly in heart.” This isn’t just a mood; it is his essence.
His Heart in Action
If the heart is the “cockpit” of the person, then Jesus’ actions are the flight path. Every healing and every interaction with a social outcast in the New Testament is an externalization of this internal gentleness. He is the one person in the universe who truly welcomes the “un-welcomable.”
The Happiness of Christ
This chapter challenges our view of Christ’s joy. We often think Christ is “happy” when we are perfect. Ortlund argues that Christ’s happiness is actually found in the act of giving mercy. It is his “maximum joy” to forgive.
Able to Sympathize
Focusing on Hebrews 4:15, Ortlund explores the idea that Jesus isn’t just looking down at our pain; he feels it. Because he was tempted in every way, he possesses a visceral, experiential sympathy for the human struggle.
He Can Deal Gently
Drawing from Hebrews 5, we see the portrait of a High Priest who “deals gently with the ignorant and wayward.” Christ doesn’t lose his temper with our slow progress. He is the ultimate patient teacher.
I Will Never Cast Out
Looking at John 6:37, Ortlund addresses the deepest fear of the believer: What if I go too far? The promise of Jesus is absolute. No matter how many times you return, the door is never bolted from the inside.
What Our Sins Evoke
This is perhaps the most radical chapter. Ortlund argues that while sin is an affront to God’s holiness, it evokes Christ’s pity. When a child is sick, a father doesn’t feel anger at the child; he feels a desire to heal. Christ views our sin-sickness with that same restorative intent.
To the Uttermost
Focusing on Hebrews 7:25, we learn that Christ’s intercession isn’t a one-time event. He saves “to the uttermost.” This means his grace reaches into the darkest, most repetitive corners of our failures.
An Advocate
When we sin, we have an Advocate (1 John 2:1). Ortlund clarifies that Christ doesn’t have to “talk the Father into” loving us. Rather, the Advocate stands up to represent our legal standing based on his own finished work.
The Beauty of the Heart of Christ
Beauty is often associated with aesthetics, but here, beauty is moral excellence. The “beauty” of Jesus is his utter lack of selfishness. He is the most beautiful person because he is the most giving person.
The Emotional Life of Christ
Jesus was not a stoic. He felt deep anger at death, deep grief at the grave of Lazarus, and deep love for his friends. His emotions are perfectly calibrated to truth, showing us that God is not a distant “force,” but a person who feels.
A Tender Friend
In a world of transactional relationships, Jesus offers a friendship that is “tender.” He is the friend who stays when everyone else leaves—the friend who knows your worst secrets and likes you anyway.
Why the Spirit?
Ortlund transitions to the Holy Spirit. If Jesus is in heaven, how do we experience his heart? The Spirit is the “functional presence” of Jesus on earth, bringing the warmth of Christ’s heart into our internal reality.
Father of Mercies
Moving to the Father, Ortlund debunks the “Good Cop (Jesus) / Bad Cop (Father)” myth. The Father is the origin of mercy. Jesus is the stream; the Father is the fountain.
His “Natural” Work and His “Strange” Work
Drawing from Lamentations and the Puritans, Ortlund explains that God’s “natural” work is mercy. Judgment is his “strange” or “foreign” work. He does not afflict from his heart; he afflicts because justice demands it, but he shows mercy because he loves to.
The Lord, The Lord (Part 1)
Exploring Exodus 34:6-7, Ortlund looks at how God defines Himself to Moses. He is “abounding in steadfast love.” Mercy is his overflow.
The Lord, The Lord (Part 2)
Continuing the study of Exodus, this chapter emphasizes that God’s glory is most visible in his goodness. To see God’s glory is to see his heart for sinners.
His Ways Are Not Our Ways
We often think God thinks like us—that he keeps a “three strikes and you’re out” policy. Isaiah 55 reminds us that his ways are higher. His “higher ways” are specifically his “higher” capacity to forgive.
Yearning Bowels
Using the old KJV terminology for “compassion” or “internal organs,” Ortlund shows the “gut-wrenching” nature of God’s love (Jeremiah 31:20). God’s heart “churns” for his people.
Rich in Mercy
Ephesians 2:4 says God is “rich in mercy.” Ortlund notes that God is never described as “rich in anger.” He has an infinite supply of mercy, so he never runs out, no matter how much we “spend.”
Our Law-ish Hearts
This is the “diagnostic” chapter. Ortlund explains why this message is so hard to believe: our hearts are naturally “law-ish.” We feel we must earn love. We have to be “de-programmed” from our self-righteousness.
His Lavish Heart
Contrast to our law-ish hearts, Christ’s heart is “lavish.” He doesn’t give us the bare minimum; he gives us his whole self, his inheritance, and his standing before the Father.
He Loved Us Then; He’ll Love Us Now
If Christ loved you enough to die for you while you were an enemy (Romans 5), why would he stop loving you now that you are his child? This chapter provides the final assurance: his love is not performance-based.
The Ending: Buried in His Heart Forevermore
The book concludes with a call to “rest.” The Christian life is not a frantic attempt to get into God’s good graces. It is a slow, deep realization that we are already there—swallowed up in a heart that is infinitely gentle and lowly.
Why You Should Read It (Review)
Gentle and Lowly is not just a book; it’s a soul-balm. In an era of “hustle culture” and “cancel culture,” Ortlund offers the only true antidote: Grace.
Pros:
- Deeply Rooted: It breathes the air of the Puritans without being dry or academic.
- Short Chapters: Perfect for daily devotions or meditation.
- Counter-Intuitive: It challenges the “judgmental God” narrative that keeps many people away from faith.
Cons:
- Repetitive (Intentionally): Some readers might find the themes repetitive, but Ortlund argues that we need to hear the same truth 100 times before we actually believe it.
Summary: The Attributes of Christ’s Heart
Attribute | Meaning | Key Scripture |
Gentle | Not harsh or reactionary | Matthew 11:29 |
Lowly | Accessible to the lowest person | Matthew 11:29 |
Sympathetic | Feels our pain alongside us | Hebrews 4:15 |
Patient | Does not tire of our failures | Hebrews 5:2 |
Lavish | Gives more than is required | Ephesians 2:4 |
Final Thoughts
Dane Ortlund has written a modern classic. If you feel exhausted by your own failures or weighed down by the “rigor” of religion, this book is for you. It invites you to stop looking at your own heart and start looking at the heart of the One who says, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
FAQs
Q1. Is this book suitable for new Christians?
Yes, it’s accessible, gentle, and deeply reassuring.
Q2. Is it too emotional or sentimental?
No. It’s emotionally warm but biblically grounded.
Q3. Can this book help with spiritual burnout?
Absolutely. It’s especially helpful for weary believers.
Q4. Does it focus more on theology or application?
It blends both beautifully.
Q5. Is it worth rereading?
Yes. Many readers return to it during hard seasons.