No Wonder They Call Him Savior: Chronicles of the Cross

by Max Lucado

Any serious study of the Christian claim is, at its essence, a study of the cross. To accept or reject Christ without a careful examination of Calvary is like deciding on a car without looking at the engine.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Christian Living, Religion, Spirituality, Christianity, Theology

199 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1985

About the author

With more than 150 million products in print and several NYT bestsellers, Max Lucado is America's bestselling inspirational author. He serves the Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas, where he lives with his wife, Denalyn, and their mischievous mutt, Andy. His most recent book published in August 2024 and is titled What Happens Next.

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Reviews

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Max Lucado hits it out of the park once again!

[Glen · Rating 3 out of 5]

All about the cross, what happened and what it means.

Interesting, but not especially unique.

[Halley Hopson · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars!

This is chock full of challenging truths and I just read the whole thing in one sitting. Max Lucado is very good at digging to the root of the problem and challenging it in very few words.

[Jennifer Radtke · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a re-release of the book. I had never read it before. I really enjoy Max Lucado and decided to give it a walk through. Max Lucado wrote the original in Brazil, specifically Rio de Janeiro.

The book is based on the cry, "Don't give me religion, give me what matters." His response is that Jesus was killed, buried and resurrected, that part that matters is the cross. That windy "day when the kingdom of death was repossessed and hope took up the payments." In essence the book is a dissection of the story of the cross from the Bible and who this man Jesus truly was.

I really enjoyed the book. The chapters were short and concise. It was easy to understand and follow along with. There were many thought provoking chapters that allowed you to see the story in a new light. I believe that's a key to a good Christian book...to see the Bible in a new light and not darkness. My favorite chapter was the story told in one (maybe two or three) word sentences. Each sentence brought a specific image to mind. Then depending on how fast or slow you read through them, it would show you a different story. I think I read that chapter about 5 times before going on.

I read it as an eBook and as handy as it was, I didn't enjoy that aspect as much with this book. It was too complicated to use the Reader's Guide in the back of the book. This caused me to feel like I was missing out on something. It looks like all of my studies will still be in paperback form for my ease of learning.

My favorite quote from the book: "Prayer is asking God to watch ahead for falling trees and tumbling boulders and to bring up the rear, guarding our backside from the poison darts of the devil."

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Randy Alcorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

In 1986 my publisher sent me a prelease copy of Max Lucado’s No Wonder They Call Him the Savior. The book took my breath away. Christ-centered, Bible-affirming, warm, practical and beautifully written—what more could a reader ask for? God touched my heart through that book and I knew it was something very special. In the decades since, tens of millions have discovered Max Lucado, and God has used his books to touch deeply people of many tribes, nations and languages. I celebrate Max’s 25 years of published writing. Nanci and I have seen firsthand that Max and Denalyn are the real deal. We are struck by their faithfulness, humility, servant-heartedness, integrity and love for Jesus and others. I am pleased to recommend—wholeheartedly and enthusiastically—both Max Lucado and his books!

[Kevin Sorensen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'll start with a bit of a disclaimer: This is the first full-length book by Lucado I've read. I've read several shorts. I've received lots of "freebies" in the mail at church (with the hope by the marketers that we'd buy 100s of these for give-aways) for Mother's Day and Father's Day and Easter. I also received this via BookSneeze.com as an ebook, one of the first I've ever read "cover to cover" in this format (I used Nook for Mac).

All in all, it was a pleasant experience and a pleasant read. I don't think there was anything "stunning" within it. I've read many books on the Cross of Christ and didn't find anything aberrant or heretical within it's digital pages––I didn't expect to. Lucado is one of those Christian authors who is solid, as far as I know. If only more evangelical pastor/authors would stay as well grounded, we'd have better churches and better books.

But I digress. If I had a rating system of five stars, five being the absolute best and one being a bag o' rocks, I'd rate this at a three. I don't think you'll go wrong if you get this book and read it. If you're a fairly recent convert, this would be a good start for you at getting a handle on the central position which the Cross plays in all of Christianity. If you've been a follower of Christ for several years, this is good for review purposes. If you're a mature Christian, you'll probably find Lucado's style engaging, but you will have read other books that take you deeper into the theology of the Cross. John Stott's "The Cross of Christ" would be one that comes to mind and I'd highly recommend (although the final couple of chapters get a little wobbly, even for Stott).

Lucado's work takes you to the Cross through a variety of means: words, witness and wisdom. He seeks to make sure the reader knows, without a doubt, that the Cross is what really matters when it comes to believing in Jesus Christ. Apart from the Cross, you don't have Christianity. So, from that standpoint, Lucado is dead-on. The book also comes with a reader's guide at the end. This might help a reader delve deeper, or possibly use this is some form of small group study.


I don't mean to seem ambivalent about this book; it just didn't enthrall me. I know that there are many who adore everything this author turns out. Good for them; I'm glad they enjoy him. I just happen to be one who was just kind of middlin' about it.

[Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

No wonder they call Him Savior.-The Title says so much about the Man and How much He endured for all.
This book tells the story of how much love Jesus gave those that despised Him and wanted to Crucify Him.
A young man , a Seminary student asks the author, What really matters in life and the answer is The Cross,
This books tell the story of a man named Jesus, who goes from being an assuming carpenter, to The Cross and Showing humility
all the way and The book does an awesome job by, taking each statement He made and breaking It down as He hung on the Cross.
When He said "Father forgive them for they know not what they do", but of course that was the start of grace for all of us now and not damning us to Hell, Jesus could have been angry, but He wasn't and He could have called down angels to save and minister to Him, but He did not, Instead He hung on The Cross like the criminal He wasn't and laid down His life for all.
The best thing I can say about this book is that, you just have to believe all that is required.

[Babs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this in one sitting then read it again a few days later. I recommended this book to everyone I came in contact with and still do. If you ever wondered why we call Him the Savior, read this book written by a man who discovered the answer. You don't have to have a; degree in the Divine to understand; you don't even have to come with an open mind or heart. I don't think anyone can walk away from this book unchanged....one way or the other.

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Max Lucado has a writing style that really engages his readers. His simple prose, aneccdotes, and way of making one feel as if they're in the story too, makes it difficult to put his books down. This particular book truly does chronicle the cross. He writes from several perspectives, including various people that were there at the time. You can't help but put this book down at the end and see Christ's death and resurrection in a clearer purer and different way than ever before.

[Kathryn Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

The content of this book was great. I didn't always feel like his writing flowed from one chapter to another. More like a bunch of short stories from chapter to chapter. But, it was still very meaningful and I enjoyed it.

[Lindsay Barnes]

This is my favorite Max Lucado book. I love the way he writes and relives the Passion Story, especially the chapter of one-word sentences, "Alive!" That particular chapter really stands out. This book is perfect to read during the season of Lent, before Easter.

[Ronald Melone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each chapter is short and each chapter is profound. My copy is worn out because I continue to go to it after many years.

[Tim Lent · Rating 5 out of 5]

I use to read christian books and this one was clearly my all time favorite.

[Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucado will make you feel like you were an eyewitness at the cross. Powerful, beautiful book.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great reminder of why I so love Jesus!

[Ellie Gesulgon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me realize God's love in its truest sense. It made me appreciate the cross more. :)

[Jenim Dibie · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Whatever you have done. Whatever you have become. It doesn’t matter. Please come home.” This had me in tears.

[S.C. Skillman]

In a sharp and lively style Max Lucado recasts familiar stories from the Gospels in a colourful and highly relevant light for our modern world. A book to be thoroughly recommended, enabling the reader to recover something of the spirit and power of the stories using streetwise language and psychological insight for the twenty first century.

[Barry Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite book by Max Lucado. I have never read it before and have wanted to. I am glad I did.

[Lee Harmon · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is it me or is it a little bit embarassing to admith that you've read Max Lucado books? It's not that he's a bad writer. It just seems like he's always got some new book out that's on display at Christian bookstores and he seems like the kind of writer that moms like. Well, anyway, when I first started taking my faith seriously I thought I should read some Christian books. This was the only one I had, so I read it. It was really good. I think I would still say it was good. I re-read it a few years later because I ran out of Christian books (that will never happen again) and I didn't remember it from the first time. After the second reading one particular part stuck with me and I wrote a song based on it called "Dreams for Sale". It was a mega-hit. Thanks, Max. This book, as with all of his books that I've read, leans toward the sentimental, emotional side of things, but that's not always a bad thing as long as it's balanced out with scripture and good theology. This book stirred me up and got me thinking about Jesus. That's always a good thing.

[Nikole Hahn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book reminds me of a Snuggie.

You slip your arms into the sleeves and let the love wrap around you to ward off the chill of anger and unforgivness. It’s written in typical Max Lucado style—the master story teller telling the tale of the cross in a language we can all understand. While I didn’t care for the gun comment on page 12 because it smelled political, the rest of the book won me with its rich descriptions and warmth. I give this book four stars.

It’s not very deep or complicated. It has a great study guide in the rear of the book. I would consider this book perfect for an unbeliever. It delves into the question of what part really matters, and yet also talks about what a relationship with Christ looks like. It’s not wishy-washy and it doesn’t glaze over truth. Like a snuggie, Christ’s love covers sin and wraps us in the truth.

Book given by publisher to review.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part one is devoted the words of Jesus on the cross. I used these chapters in tandem with my Kindle Bible, and inserted some notes from Lucado's book for future reference. Lucado uses scripture, stories, and real life experiences to bring the Bible into focus for our everyday life.

The remaining chapters are devoted to what comes next... What happened after Jesus was taken down from the cross? What did the apostles do next? What does the cross mean for each of us?

"[N]ever were those arms opened so wide as they were on the Roman cross. One arm extending back into history and the other reaching into the future. An embrace of forgiveness offered for anyone who’ll come... A father receiving his own. A redeemer redeeming the world. No wonder they call him the Savior."

[Kyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each chapter was nice and short and had it's own story.

To me, this was a good book. Max leads you in the drama of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. I think this is a book that every Christian should read, or a non-Christian that wants to get closer to God. For some people, this book may be hard to put down, but it is a fast read since the chapters are short as well as the book. This is the first Max Lucado book I have read. At some point, I'd like to read more of his books.

I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson and their program, BookSneeze and was not required to write a positive review.

[The Book Man · Rating 5 out of 5]

“He is the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, and the Word of Life. More than ever He is the Morning Star, the Horn of Salvation, and the Prince of Peace.”

“TAKE ME HOME
Yes, take me Home.
Take this prince to his King.
Take this son to his Father.
Take this pilgrim to his Home.
(He desires a rest)”

“Quit trying to quench your own guilt. You can’t do it. There’s no way. Not with a bottle of whiskey or perfect Sunday school attendance. Sorry. I don’t care how bad you are. You can’t be bad enough to forget it. And I don’t care how good you are. You can’t be good enough to overcome it. YOU NEED A SAVIOR.”

[Josh Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Lucado's pithy Biblical insight into deep truths. You cannot read his work without it touching your heart. If you are looking for "head knowledge" you will be disappointed. If you are looking for that which moves the heart, pick up this book and enjoy the ride.

The more I know Christ, the more I realize He wants our hearts, not just our heads. This book is an excellent signpost to many of the words, the people, and the events surrounding that last week of Christ.

I highly recommend this book!

[Kevin Findley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a comforting book for people hurting from what life has dropped on them, but it does not have a lot of 'meat' for them to grow stronger and face whatever may come next. It is also a good introduction for new believers or those curious about Christianity. Not my cup of tea as the saying goes, but still an interesting read; especially since this was first published almost forty years ago.

Find it. Buy it. Read it.

[Sharyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book was my introduction to Max's writing. I chose it to be the devotional book for our monthly Women's mission group for the year 2000, so this particular cover was not the cover of the book I bought.
After reading this book ( many times) I became hooked on Max. Then he was putting out books faster than I could afford them and unfortunately they were not available at my library.

[Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the One. After years of being a "Christian" this is the one that introduced me to Jesus. Not my image of Jesus, but the real breathing living dying serving reigning Jesus. This and God Came Near are the books that changed my life.

[Lindsey Doolan · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Thomas Kinkade of Christian authors. Sickly-sweet.