The Last Seder of James is a gripping tale that weaves together historical fiction and biblical insight to uncover the enduring significance of Passover in the Christian faith.
As John the Apostle visits James, the brother of Jesus, imprisoned for his unwavering testimony, the two share a clandestine Passover Seder. In the shadow of impending martyrdom, they reflect on the deep symbolism of the meal, uncovering layers of meaning that tie the Nativity, the Last Supper, and the Cross into one divine narrative.
Through their shared reflections, The Last Seder of James unpacks the rich symbolism behind the fifteen steps of the Passover Seder, unveiling how each step points to God’s eternal covenant and its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ.
Part story, part teaching, The Last Seder of James invites Christians to experience the profound connection between Passover and the heart of the Christian faith in a way that is both intellectually enriching and spiritually moving.
Originally from Sioux City, Iowa, Dr. Lon A. Wiksell grew up as the son of Pentecostal pastors. After attending college in Iowa, he moved to Springfield, Missouri, where he worked at Evangel University and met his wife, Fran. He earned his BS and MBA at Missouri State University, before pursuing his MDiv at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma, graduating in 1992.
After he graduated, they moved to Kansas City, where they became active in the Messianic Jewish movement. In 2013, Lon received his Doctorate of Ministry in Messianic Jewish Studies from The King’s University.
Lon and Fran cofounded Or HaOlam Messianic Congregation (1995–2002) and later House of Messiah (2004), emphasizing the words of Yeshua (Jesus) and celebrating the biblical festivals as a pattern of personal and community life. Now part of Kingdom Living Messianic Congregation, Lon and Fran organize citywide biblical festivals, sharing their passion for faith and community.
Ryan Wiksell was raised in the Pentecostal tradition in Northeastern Oklahoma and joined the Messianic Jewish movement with his family during high school in Kansas City. A personal call to ministry led him to study music and theology at Evangel University in Springfield, Missouri.
While in Springfield, Ryan served in various Southern Baptist churches, where he held positions in music leadership, arts, and communications. In 2003, he married Christina, and together they planted The Front Porch, a grassroots independent church. After its closure in 2011, they found their new spiritual home in Christ Episcopal Church in Springfield.
In 2015, their twins Asher and Anya were born, and in 2018, the family moved to Alexandria, Virginia, where Ryan earned his MDiv at Virginia Theological Seminary. Returning to Kansas City, Ryan began his ministry as a priest at Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral. He now serves as Rector at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in nearby Independence.
