The Greatest Story Ever Told: Bear Grylls Writes Powerful Retelling of Jesus' Life
British adventurer and television host Bear Grylls says writing his new book, The Greatest Story Ever Told, a book about Jesus, was the “hardest and best thing” he’s ever done despite a career adventuring the world.
“This is the hardest and best thing I’ve ever done,” Grylls, 51, told The Christian Post. “I’d give up every Everest summit, every Emmy, every TV show I’ve done to have written this book.”
The host of “Man vs. Wild” to “Running Wild with Bear Grylls” added that the world’s hope is having a relationship with Jesus.
“I’ve always had a quiet faith,” he said. “But I also realized that so few people know the real story of Jesus. Even those of faith often know the highlights, the miracles, the cross, but not the whole story of love, sacrifice, courage, and friendship. I wanted to write it as a thriller short, punchy, but theologically sound because this story is the most extraordinary adventure of all.”
Earlier this year, Grylls published The Greatest Story Ever Told, which retells the life of Jesus in a fast-paced, narrative style. The book went on to “went straight to No. 1 in the U.K.” and has been met with a positive reception.
“People of all faiths said the same thing: 'I had no idea this was really His story.' That’s the beauty of it. It’s history. ‘His story,’” he said.
“I see old grannies saying, ‘I’m giving this to my neighbor, my plumber,’ and 12-year-olds reading it on their way to school. That’s been the greatest privilege of my life, to tell a story that’s bigger than any of my own. Because this really is the greatest story.”
When writing the book, Grylls shared that he was moved by the story of Jesus’ first miracle, which was when he turned water into wine.
“He knows that once He starts doing supernatural things, the clock is ticking toward Jerusalem, torture and death,” Grylls says. “So He delays. It’s His mother who finally pushes Him to act. She sees the problem, grabs Him by the coat, and when He resists, says, ‘It’s not my time,’ she just turns to the servants and says, ‘Do whatever He says.’ She knows she’s got Him.”
“Those words hit me hard: ‘Do whatever He says.’ We complicate faith so much. But if He’s almighty God, what a privilege to just follow His lead. That’s how we find peace and purpose. Just do whatever He says.”
At the present time, Grylls is set to host “The Chosen in the Wild,” which features several cast members from "The Chosen," as they accompany Grylls for outdoor challenges and survival situations.
“['The Chosen' team] was amazing,” Grylls said. “They helped make sure everything in The Greatest Story Ever Told is spot-on biblically. We’re even doing a partnership around 'The Chosen in the Wild.' I’m so grateful to them, they’re doing such brilliant work.”
He also wrapped up filming the ninth season of “Running Wild”. Overall, Grylls says that his main focus above all is following Jesus.
“It’s a journey of ups and downs,” Grylls said. “But through it all, I’m hitching my wagon to a star and holding on to His coattails. This book, this story, it’s the one I want to follow for the rest of my life. … This is part of my life now. It’s not going to leave me. It’s grown beyond me; it has a life of its own.”
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Photo Credit: © Getty Images
Originally published November 11, 2025.
