No Wonder They Call Him the Savior: Discover Hope In The Unlikeliest Place

"I just want to know what counts." Deep Irish brogue. Dark, deep eyes. The statement was sincere. "Don't talk to me of religion, I've been down that road. And please, stay off theology. I have a degree in that. Get to the heart of it, okay? I want to know what counts."

With that opening statement, Max Lucado voices the question that most members of the human race will ask in their life lifetime. In writing his book No Wonder They Call Him the Savior; Experiencing the Truth of the Cross, Max Lucado tells what the answer to this question is.

Normally when I review a book, I like to remain somewhat distant and do a review based on how I believe the book will affect the reader. With this review I can't do that. With this book, Max Lucado details why the Cross is the answer to the question everyone asks: "I want to know what counts". In the first section, titled The Cross: Its Words, Lucado takes the words of Jesus as he agonizes on the cross and tells the reader what those words mean in simple practical terms.

In the second section, titled The Cross: Its Witnesses, Lucado tells the individual stories of the people who were part of the events leading up to and right after the crucifixion of Christ. From Peter, to Pilate, Barabbas to John, the stories told by the witnesses take the reader on journeys of regret, disbelief, and grief, but then you are shown hope and joy. Then there is the last witness. I won't name this witness but I guarantee you that you will be surprised.

The third and last section is titled The Cross: Its Wisdom and the first chapter of this section will really surprise you by the style of writing Lucado used for it. For the remaining chapters Lucado draws on his own life experiences and the glimpse into his life is a telling one, full of love, humor and wisdom. The last chapter asks the reader an important question. I know how I answered that question. I wonder how you, the reader will.

This is a book that I read quickly, on a flight from Dallas, Texas to Seattle, Washington and it is a book whose words have stayed with me. It is also a book that I will read and re-read time and time again. I am recommending this book and though you may find it as quick read as I did, be sure to take your time as you continue to read it. In its simplicity, you will find wisdom, and the answer to a question you may have asked before: "What counts?"

(Disclosure: I did receive an advanced copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers to review and made no promises as to the nature of my review. The posted review is mine and mine alone.)

Max Lucado was asked by an acquaintance in a coffee house about his faith. "What is it that matters?" the man asked. "Skip the periphery. Go to the essence. Tell me the part that matters." Years later, the answer had solidified for Lucado. The cross of Calvary. That's the essence. "If the account of the cross is true, it's history's hinge. ... If not, it's history's hoax."

This book, then, is a search for the meaning of the cross. Special attention is given to the little details of the Golgotha scene. The words spoken from the cross, the thieves on either side, the graying mother at Christ's feet. No wonder they call him Savior.

Next, the scene shifts from Jesus to the witnesses. All those who played a part, big or small. Finally, the resurrection.

The book is flavored throughout with a number of personal stories. It's highly inspirational, meant for spiritual encouragement. I confess I didn't read the whole thing; when it shifted gears into a study guide 2/3 of the way through, I shut down. Lucado is also a conservative believer, and the assumptions about the Bible's historical accuracy and Jesus' divinity began to weary me. He writes as a friendly minister who assumes we share his traditional Christian outlook. I can't do that, and if the only way to appreciate the story of Jesus is to turn the whole thing into a supernatural religion, then I'm left in the cold.

Three stars from me, but for another person at another stage in their life, I'm sure Lucado's uplifting writing style will hit the mark.

We love Max Lucado's books. I believe this is one of his first and we love re-reading or sharing with family and friends.

This purchase was to replace one in my library, some one borrowed & did not return

This was another birthday gift for my Dad. He has really enjoyed reading this book.

Max Lucado's works are always good.

Awesome Book because JESUS is awesome!!

I love Max Lucado 's books. I recently received this book and cannot read a page without tears. The directions that he takes describing so many stories around the cross was such a psychological expression of who we are and what we feel. I wish this book was written in BOLD LARGE LARGE print for those that need it and would be able to read it without struggle. I believe the older we are the more precious the cross becomes and Max Lucado says it in such a special way. Knowing Jesus and serving Jesus and to realize that when Jesus went to the cross it was for me and each one of us AND for such a time as this for our nation and the world. Oh what a Savior! I am so thankful for my heritage from my parents who taught me to love Jesus and to realize the cross was for me as well as each one of us.. It is a wonderful--wonderful book and written with such love and insight. WOW

Outstanding

Great Book! Very easy to read and lots of spiritual applications.