Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal Summary

Lamb Plot Summary

Covers the whole plot, including the ending.

1. Biff's Resurrection and Divine Mandate

   The story begins with Levi bar Alphaeus, known as Biff, brought back to life in a modern motel room by the angel Raziel. Biff, Jesus Christ's best friend during his childhood and teenage years, is told by God to write the true gospel of Jesus's 'missing years' – the time between his twelfth birthday and the start of his public ministry at age thirty. Raziel gives Biff a typewriter and a constant supply of cigarettes and alcohol, telling him to write down everything he remembers about Joshua (Jesus). Biff, at first unwilling and confused, starts to tell their shared past, beginning with their early days in Nazareth.

2. Childhood in Nazareth and the First Miracle

   Biff recounts his childhood with Joshua in Nazareth. They are always together, often getting into typical boyhood trouble. Joshua, despite his divine nature, acts like a normal, though very kind and observant, person. One day, while playing, Joshua accidentally brings a dead sparrow back to life. This event is the first clear sign of his miraculous powers, witnessed only by Biff. It affects both boys deeply, strengthening Biff's belief in Joshua's special nature and giving Joshua a sense of wonder and responsibility as he tries to understand his unique abilities.

3. The Journey to the East: Persia

   At age thirteen, after a vision and wanting to understand his powers and purpose, Joshua decides to leave Nazareth and seek wisdom from the Magi. Biff, fiercely loyal, insists on going with him. Mary Magdalene, a childhood friend of both boys, also joins them, having been cast out by her family. Their first stop is Persia, where they meet the Zoroastrian Magi. Here, Joshua learns about the ongoing fight between good and evil, the nature of light, and the importance of ritual purity. Biff, always practical, finds the mystical teachings confusing but supports Joshua's search.

4. India: Buddhism and Enlightenment

   Their journey continues to India, where Joshua deeply studies Buddhist teachings. He learns from various gurus about karma, reincarnation, and how to reach enlightenment by ending suffering. Joshua struggles with the idea of non-attachment, especially given his deep care for humanity and his growing healing powers. Biff, meanwhile, is drawn to more earthly pleasures and cultural experiences, often balancing Joshua's intense spiritual thought. Mary Magdalene also finds her own way to healing and understanding during this time.

5. China: Kung Fu and Taoism

   The two travel to China, where Joshua seeks out masters of Taoism and martial arts. They train with a wise kung fu master, who teaches them not only physical fighting but also the principles of balance, harmony, and the flow of chi. Joshua becomes very skilled, using his inner peace and understanding of energy to become a strong, yet peaceful, warrior. Biff also becomes good at martial arts, finding a practical use for the spiritual journey. This period includes adventure, discipline, and a deeper understanding of how everything connects.

6. The Himalayas and the Power of Self-Sacrifice

   Their search leads them to the high Himalayas, where Joshua meets a reclusive spiritual master who helps him combine the different teachings he has received. Here, Joshua deals with the deep meaning of his divine purpose, especially the idea of self-sacrifice and the suffering he is meant to endure. Biff, seeing Joshua's inner struggle, tries to offer comfort and distraction, but understands the seriousness of Joshua's coming fate. This period shapes Joshua's spiritual development, preparing him for the ultimate sacrifice.

7. Return to the Middle East and the Wilderness

   After years of travel, Joshua, Biff, and Mary Magdalene return to the Middle East. Joshua, now a fully developed spiritual leader, goes into the wilderness for forty days, where he faces temptations from Satan. Biff, waiting nearby, worries about his friend. When he returns, Joshua begins his public ministry, gathering followers and performing miracles. Biff stays by his side, often protecting him and being his confidant, though he struggles with Joshua's growing fame and the increasingly dangerous political situation, especially from the Roman authorities and Jewish religious leaders.

8. The Last Supper and Betrayal

   Biff is at the Last Supper, an important moment where Joshua shares his final meal with his followers. Biff sees the tension and sadness, understanding the dark meaning of the event. He is especially angry about Judas Iscariot's betrayal. After the supper, Biff goes with Joshua to the Garden of Gethsemane, where he sees Joshua's pain and arrest by the Roman soldiers. Despite his martial arts training, Biff cannot stop what is happening, feeling great guilt and helplessness as his best friend is taken away.

9. The Crucifixion and Biff's Despair

   Biff witnesses Joshua's trial and brutal crucifixion. He stands at the foot of the cross, filled with grief, anger, and a desperate wish to intervene. He struggles to make sense of his divine friend's suffering with the teachings of peace and love. This event shatters Biff's world, leaving him with a great sense of loss and deep questions about faith and purpose. Mary Magdalene is also there, her sadness matching Biff's, as they both see the tragic end of Joshua's destiny.

10. Post-Crucifixion and Biff's Subsequent Life

    Right after the crucifixion, Biff is devastated. He struggles to cope with losing his best friend and feeling like he failed to protect him. He wanders aimlessly for a time, dealing with his faith and purpose. The story then moves forward to Biff's later life, where he tries to understand Joshua's legacy and his own part in it. He tries to live by Joshua's teachings, often in his own disrespectful and practical way, always remembering his childhood friend.

11. The Writing of the Gospel and Modern Reflections

    Back in the present day, Biff finishes his gospel on the typewriter Raziel gave him. Through writing, he relives and reinterprets Joshua's life, finding both humor and deep meaning in their shared journey. He thinks about the impact Joshua had on him and the world, and deals with the meaning of his own resurrection. Biff's story is raw, honest, and full of his unique voice, offering a human view of the divine story. He questions the official accounts and gives a grounded, often funny, report of the Messiah's early years.

12. Biff's Final Fate and the Unseen Future

    Having finished his gospel, Biff faces an unknown future. Raziel reappears, confirming Biff has completed his task. While Biff's immediate purpose is done, the ending leaves open the question of his final fate and the wider impact of his resurrected story. The story ends with Biff, having shared his unique and irreverent account of Joshua's missing years, thinking about the lasting power of friendship, love, and faith, even when facing great loss and divine destiny. The story suggests Biff's account provides an alternative, more human, understanding of the Christ figure.

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