And the Angels Were Silent: The Final Week of Jesus

by Max Lucado

You can tell a lot about a person by the way he dies.

In the last week of his life, Jesus deliberately sets his face toward Jerusalem--and certain death. This is no ordinary week. Even the angels are silent as they ponder the final days of Jesus Christ.

This is no ordinary walk. Jesus doesn't chatter. He doesn't pause. He is on his final journey.

He walks determinedly to the holy city, angrily into the temple, wearily into Gethsemane, painfully up the Via Dolorosa. And powerfully out of the vacated tomb.

Master storyteller and best-selling author Max Lucado invites you: "Let's follow Jesus on his final journey. For by observing his, we may learn how to make ours. And discover what matters to God."

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

240 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1992

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

[Dale · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the book my sister read at the age of 21, the week before she was killed by a drunk driver. This book changed her life....because she gave her life to God that week! Thank You Max Lucado!

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

I've really been enjoying Max Lucado's books recently...including this one!

[William · Rating 3 out of 5]

3+ stars. Excellent review for long time believers, better for new believers, and even better for non-believers seeking the truth. Interesting outline, using the last week of Jesus' earthly walk to make his points.

[Sonia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am really enjoying this book, especially during the week as Easter approaches. Max Lucado has a very sincere, engaging, non-preachy style of writing that I have always enjoyed. I have read many of his children's stories to my own children and we enjoy them immensely. Although his religious affiliation is Church of Christ and I am a Latter-Day Saint,aka Mormon, our core beliefs line up rather nicely. He always gives me a fresh perspective to look at and throws in some interesting anecdotes such as who the O'Hare airport in Chicago is named after and manages to weave them into a powerful spiritual narrative that gently hits you between the eyes. The Book of Mormon encourages its readers to liken the scriptures unto yourselves. Max Lucado is a master at that technique. I am thinking now that I have discovered this book it may become an annual read at this joyous time of year that celebrates the resurrection of our Lord.

[Kelli · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings on this. I enjoyed most of this book leading up to easter. I however did not read the required chapters on the requested days bc of normal life constraints. I don't think that matters in the end.

[Summer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some very good chapters, especially towards the end, but very incoherent as a whole. I'll always recommend Max Lucado, but there are probably others of his that I would recommend before this one. Still a decent read overall, though.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Follows the life of Christ in His final week on earth and what He prioritized. The portion on Gethsemane was the most thought provoking as the author went into detail about Jesus’ prayer. So humbling to think of the fact that God chose that path for me.

[Joshua Slade · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book that takes pitstops at each of the key events of Jesus' final week before his death and resurrection. Some insightful and interesting applications with a few too many stories and analogies which takes away a little from the key narrative.

[Tim Duff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Walk with Jesus on His final week on earth through the eyes of Max Lucado and scripture. Short, compelling chapters that make you think.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

"And the Angels Were Silent" has been on my to-read list for a while. Recently while looking there for something to read, I noted that this was an Easter-themed book, so I got an e-copy from my library.

I was thinking this was a book, as in a story of some type. But it's not; it's a series of 27 devotionals meant to be read throughout Holy Week. Since I only came across it two days prior to Easter, I had to read it in a more rushed fashion than I would like. I would recommend reading it over Easter week. The devotionals are longer than most. Each is about 10 pages, and in typical Max Lucado fashion, they have enough food for thought that they would best be spread out to give you time to ponder. They aren't specifically tied to aspects of Holy Week, but Lucado ties in Easter themes.

Some bits I liked:

* "Over and over again God wants us to get the message: he has a peculiar passion for the forgotten. What society puts out, God puts in. What the world writes off, God picks up."

* "The journey to Jerusalem didn't begin in Jericho. It didn't begin in Galilee. It didn't begin in Nazareth. It didn't even begin in Bethlehem. The journey to the cross began long before. As the echo of the crunching of the fruit was still sounding in the garden, Jesus was leaving for Calvary."

* "All of us have a donkey (related to the donkey Jesus rode into Jerusalem). You and I each have something in our lives, which, if given back to God, could, like the donkey, move Jesus and his story further down the road. Maybe you can sing or hug or program a computer or speak Swahili or write a check. Whichever, that's your donkey."

* "Most of all, he (Jesus) knows what it's like to beg God to change his mind and to hear God say so gently but firmly "No." ... the final battle was won in Gethsemane. And the sign of conquest is Jesus at peace in the olive trees. For it was in the garden that he made his decision. He would rather go to hell for you than go to heaven without you."

Good food for thought here, not only during the Easter season but at any time of year. I enjoyed "And the Angels Were Silent."

[Jordan Cornell · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️
Great book, but not entirely what I expected based on the synopsis.

[Edwina Book Anaconda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gave me the blessing of understanding 3 things that I've never understood before.
I am so thankful for that!
I highly recommend this book to any Christian out there who, like me, believe the Bible and accept it as truth but every once in a while think ... yeah, ok, but Why ... Why did He say that and what exactly did He mean.
I can not wait to share this book with a bunch of my friends!

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Cried my way through parts of it... I could see myself walking with Jesus up to that final place of his crucifixion. Max has a way of writing that opens your eyes and other senses to experience the times of old. Thank you Jesus. Your grace and mercy took on my sins. I am now washed white as snow. Forgiven and made whole.

[Vicky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this walk through what Jesus did his last week.

[Jessie Nabors · Rating 5 out of 5]

a book for study work & thoughts to pounder your spritualy soel.

[Robert Vincent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another Max Lucado book that brought not only real insights on the life of Christ but great pleasure in its reading. This book scripturally chronicled the last week of our Savior’s time on earth—amazing grace, amazing love… From the Triumphal Entry, to the Upper Room Discourse, to the betrayal and trial, to the cross and resurrection, Lucado gives life lessons and a blessed assurance of life in Christ.

There is a wonderful story in chapter 19 illustrating Christ’s words in Matthew 25:40, “Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.” If you read the book don’t miss the story of the young soldier, John Blanchard in his meeting in Grand Central Station after his return from war with a woman he had corresponded with but had never met.

Lucado has me (you) consider a question asked of Jesus which is for me a universal question everyone must eventually answer:

“What do you do with a man who claims to be God, yet hates religion? What do you do with a man who calls himself the Savior, yet condemns systems? What do you do with a man who knows the place and time of his death, yet goes there anyway?

Pilate’s question is yours. “What will I do with this man, Jesus?’”

This book offers so much more, and the skill and style of its writer makes me want to read more. And there are so many more of Max Lucado’s books to read. Our Sunday School class is discussing his Book of Hebrews Study guide even now.’

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book. I came to it, and sipped it like a precious beverage, from time to time. I found that there was always a special relevance to what I was reading in the book at the precise time that I was reading it. In other words, I believe Lucado's words are well-chosen, full of healing, and right for our times. I suppose the author knows that if we are reading this work, we are thirsty. There are some times in the book where, as a Catholic, I felt a bit attacked. I can reference a few examples. But I don't want to mention the examples because this book should be free for you to interpret, regardless of my personal opinion. The author certainly has an axe to grind. He seems fairly motivated by that axe at times - however - at least he's transparent about it. It didn't upset me because he is clearly a faithful person who is offering his time and talent to the masses, and his work stands well on its own two feet. His honesty about his distate for certain aspects of Catholicism are a small price to pay for such a wonderful book - just a simple cost/benefit analysis.

[Jody · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was not quite what I had expected, and I expected even less to find my name on the church library card that I'd read it back in 2008! I expected a factual description of the last week of Christ's life. However, because Mr. Lucado used somewhat of a parable style writing, the book was actually more engaging. I chose this book because it was Lent and approaching Holy Week. I didn't read the chapters corresponding with the days of the week, and I did not use the Study Guide in the back of the book. I wish instead of endnotes, he would have indicated the scripture after the quote, but they are all listed in order by chapter at the back of the book. I finished the book Easter morning, and was surprised at how emotional I was with gratitude at Easter services. So the book did its job as far as I'm concerned. The book ends with this, "And the journey will end and we will take our seats at his feast...forever. See you at the table." Amen.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started reading this book in anticipation of holy week. I had thought about reading each “day“ separately but I decided that I wanted to read it more “naturally“. I’ve always liked Max Lakato his writing style. He really makes you feel like you’re a part of his writing. Between his personal narratives and his interpretation of the Scriptures, he is a very relatable and powerful writer. I think my favorite chapter was on the Lords supper. I thought of it that way at times I guess but the way he described it makes me even more awed by the experience. And the descriptions that he included and the narratives from different points of view were interesting. I’d recommend this book to anyone who’s interested in exploring some deeper meaning in holy week.

[Whitney Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Complicated religion wasn’t made by God.” 🌹

•••

The back of the book calls Max Lucado a master storyteller. That’s exactly what he is. He writes in a way that stays timely, fresh feeling, somehow prepared right then - not prepackaged - though decades old. His style isn’t decadent or hard to wade through. There’s beauty and practicality. A down-to-earth’ness that reaches toward heaven.

The “People Wearing the Roses” chapter is one of the best illustrations I’ve heard and continues to talk to me. I also loved the chapters on living childlike; building sand castles and applauding the sunset; taking vows in our own accent;and never forgetting the walk to freedom.

A great Lent read.

[Elkaza · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sad, to say, this has to be one of the most disappointing books, that I have read from Max Lucado. I really enjoyed the first few chapters, but somewhere along the way, his words lost its appeal to me. It felt like waffle!

Sadly, I couldn’t see or feet the heart of Christ, which was the aim of this book, I began reading during Holy Week. I basically wanted to give up, when he wrote about Santa. Skipped a few chapters, still couldn’t get into this spiritual book.

Sorry, others may like it. But it just wasn’t for me. Hence, I will write no More!

[Mason E Searle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read this book many times and each time I get something new out of it. Max Lucado has a unique gift of talking in such a way as to challenge and encourage at the same time. He can express biblical ideas in such a way as to make the reader want to be a better follower of Christ without feeling condemned. An excellent read following the week before Jesus's death. I highly encourage reading it during the days before Easter to get the most out of it.

[Hippiemom · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reading and learning about Jesus is always a good experience. This book gave me some new perspectives. I was not a big fan of the author’s use of side stories and life comparisons. (Especially the computer bit.) There were too many and some felt irrelevant, although I suppose their use throughout the book may be helpful to some readers. I would have liked a more in depth telling of Holy Week and less analogies.

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

To examine the Redeemer's last mortal week is to examine me. Where and who am I on each page, each story, each character, each part of the Holy week?
This was a beautiful, excellent read. I like Max Lacado's way of making ancient texts into applicable, modern life. Sometimes I ask, where are you going with this "parable"? And then I see it. He's good. I hope to read this again on another Holy Week.

[TamBams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a powerful book. Where some people thought the side historical stories were irrelevant, I not only found them interesting trivia but also a great way to tie in Jesus’ walk with every day life. Although Lucado reminds us of the inevitable hardness of life, he also reminds us of the hope we have in Jesus and the importance of modeling our walk after him.

[Erin DeCuir · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars instead of 5 because because I didn’t jive with Max’s writing style, and I felt there was a lack of rhythm/consistency throughout the book. That being said, the overall message was a good one, and I did enjoy walking with Jesus. I especially enjoyed the chapters when Max took history and related those stories back to the Bible.

[Anna W · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has an interesting structure as it gave a timeline of Jesus’ final week on Earth. I really enjoyed some chapters, but I had trouble relating to some of the examples Lucado used throughout. The use of the r-word in the first third of the book threw me off as well and I had a hard time forgetting that it was used as I continued to read.

[Amelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Max Lucado has done it again another thought provoking emotional book. Taking you on the journey with Jesus to the cross and what He did for each one of us.
I loved the way this book was written in a style that really got you thinking but also picturing the scenes which pull at your heart. I must read at Easter time but also any time of the year.

[Lea McKenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

And the Angels Were Silent by Max Lucado was one of his best. The book examines Christ's walk from the last supper to the cross and its significance to me. Not only is each chapter thought-provoking, but there is a study guide for each chapter examining the specific bible references that support Max's conclusions. A powerful read in the lead up to Easter.

[Nancy Bandusky · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent book to read that takes the last week of Jesus' life before His death and resurrection and combines personal stories, historical events, and devotional thoughts into short chapters that are perfect for one's quiet time.