Six Hours One Friday: Living in the Power of the Cross

by Max Lucado

Does life feel futile? Your failures fatal? And the grave the final stop? If so, there is a truth greater than all the losses and sorrows of life that can be discovered in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

This truth was all realized in the course of a single day. A single Friday. All accomplished during six hours, one Friday.

In Six Hours One Friday you will delve deeply into the meaning of Jesus' last hours on the cross. Through his death, your life has purpose and meaning. You are forgiven and loved by a Savior who died for you. And an empty tomb proclaims that death does not have the final word.

In this book, pastor and New York Times bestselling author Max Lucado encourages us that Jesus bring  

Peace where there should be pain.Confidence in the midst of crisis.Hope that defies despair.Does death have the last word? Jesus winks as he answers, “Not on your life."

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Christian Living, Christianity, Religion, Faith, Christian Non Fiction

213 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1989

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

[Janet Grimes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book changed my life. I've grown up in church but never heard the gospel written as a story. I fell in love with Max's writing, his encouragement and his ability to share stories in unforgettable ways.

I've read it multiple times, and return to it often when Jesus feels far away.

[Lovereading · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first Max Lucado book I read and I was hooked on this author. He has written many new books since and each one is inspiring.

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

As usual, Max Lucado delivers.

[Hany Adeeb · Rating 5 out of 5]

الكاتب ماكس لوكادو - تعرفت عليه لأول مرة مع هذا الكتاب .. يتحدث عن ست ساعات عند الجلجثة او المكان الذي صلب فيه المسيح ، فيتحدث عن اهم ست ساعات .. قدم فيه المسيح حياته لأجل الجنس البشري

و يقدم ماكس لوكادو بأسلوب شيق و ممتع صورا من الحياة و من قصة الصليب ليقدم لنا ثلاثة مراسي لتحفظ سفينتك وقت الاخطار
المرساة الاولى : حياتي ليست عقيمة
المرساة الثانية : إخفاقاتي ليست قاتلة
المرساة الثالثة : موتي ليس هو النهاية

حيث قدم يسوع نفسه على الصليب ليهزم الموت و يعلن لنا الحياة و ان الموت ليس النهاية ، و اننا يمكننا ان نتمتع بالنصرة و الغلبة بموته و قيامته ، كما اننا علينا ان نستيقظ لنمسك بهذه المراسي في مواجهة اخطار المرض و الموت و الفشل و الشك و الكذب .. لنواجه الحياة بايمان ان الله ارسل يسوع المسيح ليكون لنا معين و صخرة هي صلبه نتمسك بها في مواجهة .. صراعات الحياة و مواجهة عالم الارواح الشريرة ..

لازال يسوع يشفي و يمنح رجاء لمن يثق فيه و يتكل عليه ، و في الصليب و عندما يتهج الناس حتى عصرنا هذا على قصة الصليب يصرخ يسوع قائلا " يا ابتاه اغفر لهم لانهم لا يعلمون ماذا يفعلون "

كتاب رائع .. انصح بقراءته

[Chickadee · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first chapter in this book is called "Hurricane Warnings" which caught my attention. The author compares the storms of life to hurricanes, and advises readers to "anchor deep", in order to make it through the storm. This book is one of the tools he offers for anchoring deep, and reestablishing a firm foundation in Christ.

Anyone familiar with Max Lucado will know that he uses insightful stories and analogies to drive his points home. He refers to the three "Big F's" on the human report card: futility, failure and finality. Burdens that weigh us down and slowly suck the joy out of our lives. Max writes about coming to Christ to find rest and anchoring our lives in the truth of what took place, six hours, on the cross.

[E.G. Bella · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've always enjoyed Max Lucado's writing, and this book was no different. It wasn't my favorite of his (I felt it hit a slightly odd middle ground of dramatized biblical stories and practical Christian living truths, rather than most of his books which tend to lean heavier to one side), but still an inspiring and impactful read.

There were several moments that really stuck with me, such as his dramatized account of Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden. His portrayal of God instructing the angels to go to Eve (when she was being tempted) the instant she looked to Him for help, but to stay back if she refused to look to God, was convicting. How often is God just waiting, longing and ready to help me overcome temptation, if only I would look to Him? And how many times have I grieved Him by refusing to look to Him for help, but ignoring Him and looking only to my own desires instead?

Overall, I'd read Lucado's other books much more often than this one, but it was definitely worth reading at least once.

[Emily VP · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite part of this book is the literary illustration of Jesus in modern times and what it might be like if he was living amongst us now. Also, the narrator of the audiobook is wonderful.

[Jonathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lucado hs a way with words. Recommend!

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Have you ever disliked a book because of its title? Well, disliked it probably too strong of a word here but at least been disappointed with. That is me with this book. I have read Max Lucado for a long time and like his writing. When I saw this book on my shelf (I don't know when or where I bought it) I thought that this would be the story of the crucifixtion as only Max Lucado could tell it. Delving deep into that story.
Unfortunatly for me, it wasn't. I think I would have like it a lot better if it was titled "Anchoring to Jesus During the Storms of Life" or something similar with anchor. That is what this book was. It was looking at stories and how each anchored to Jesus in some way. A good topic, just not what I was expecting.
I did like the book, and gain some good teaching. I liked that at the end was a chapter by chapter study guide. It included questions about the chapter, a bible reading and questions, and application.
My advice is to read this book, but don't expect it to be about the crucifixtion.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every time I read a Max Lucado book for the first time, I wonder what took me so long to get to it. This book is no exception.

Lucado points out that the failures in our lives, the faults we see in ourselves, are part of a broken creation - but they DON'T change our worth in God's eyes. He illustrates Bible passages in a way that hits home - drawing parallels between current events and those that happened 2000 years ago. It's a must read for those suffering from depression, from anxiety about life, or any number of worries that are causing you to be stressed and feel unworthy or unloved.

[Christy Chermak · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was recommended by a friend I deeply respect and who has been an encourager and truth teller as myself and some of my peers face a hard season in our ministry. She said this book ministered to her in a hard time so encouraged us to read as well. I can see how! Lucado tackles tough topics and has a way of bringing the scripture stories of Jesus into living color.
I especially gleaned from the study guide portion.
Could be a really good lent book to pick up to prepare your heart for Easter celebrations.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Take a close look at the meaning of Jesus’s last hours on the cross at Calvary. His death means purpose and meaning for your life, thanks to the forgiveness and love of a Savior who gave His life for you.

Learn how to manage “Hurricane Warnings” [the storms of life] by anchoring deep. The message woven throughout this narrative is that your life is not futile; failures are not fatal; your death is not final. With Bible verses, illustrations, and vignettes, the author focuses on the events of the final six hours of Jesus’s crucifixion and the effect it had on people. Everyday circumstances the reader might well experience are the basis for illustrating Biblical principles in the unfolding narrative, providing a thought-provoking, insightful remedy for futility, failure, and finality.

A study guide . . . particularly helpful for study groups . . . is included.

Highly recommended.

[Keira Zerrenner · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Six hours on one Friday. Six hours that jut up on the plain of human history like Mount Everest in a desert. Six hours that have been deciphered, dissected, and debated for two thousand years. What do these six hours signify? They claim to be the door in time through which eternity entered man’s darkest caverns. They mark the moments that the Navigator descended into the deepest waters to leave anchor points for his followers…Six hours. One Friday. What do YOU do with those six hours on that Friday?”

Cried many times reading this book. Another great work by Max Lucado.

[Aliyah · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading this book I’m amazed anew at the extent of Jesus’ love for us demonstrated in his sacrificial death. What a wonderful Saviour we have! One who forgives our failures, gives purpose to our seemingly futile lives, and delivers us from death. Coming back to the foot of the cross, all I can say is ‘Jesus thank you!’

[Josephine Briggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

DIFFERENT POINTS IN TIME. This book contains three Anchor Points plus a study guide.

Anchor Point One, My Life Is Not Futile. The three points are divided into chapters pertaining to different parts of life. Mr Lucado begins with his two little girls, now grown, Jenna, four, Andrea, two, continues on to the New Testament where Jesus talks to the Samaritan woman. Jenna is four, a big girl, going off to school. Her father worries about her, she is growing up too soon.

On each chapter, Mr Lucado begins with today, then goes back to Biblical times. On one chapter he writes about a Franciscan priest who gives up his life for a husband and father in Auschwitz. The Saint of Auschwitz.

Anchor Point Two is My Failures Are Not Fatal. God will never give up on his children. He is always here for us. He writes of the Garden of Eden, the sinners, the sins and the Prince of Peace who dies so the sinners might keep living. He writes of the pains and frustrations of life we all go through. Even if everyone is against you, do not fear. God is for you. Mr Lucado writes of the Prodigal Son who leaves home. He returns broken, but his father was so happy for his return. This is the way God feels about his children. They sin, but they will always be forgiven, he welcomes them to return to their father God.

Anchor Point Three is My Death Is Not Final. Mr Lucado writes about the death of Jesus, his crucifixion, his talk with the thief, his mourning mother and his resurection from the dead. He writes of his own father's death.

The book ends with a long study guide with questions, answers, inquiries.

This is the first book I have read by Max Lucado. I do know many who read just about everything he writes. He is impressive, writes in an interesting way, a good way to teach about God and Jesus. Back in Bible times bringing up to the way of life of today.

[Theresa Boley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good Bible study especially for the Easter season. It contains a study guide that helps one to expand their understanding of the related gospel. This is not the strongest of Max Lucao's studies I have completed but I certainly learned and grew as a result.

[Ms. B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spiritual food for thought. Futility, failure and finality, the 3 Fs of life. Find out how Jesus helped us overcome all of them in this retelling of familiar Bible stories through a modern days lens. I read it 3 times to allow Lucado's message of Jesus as our Savior to more fully sink in.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always liked Max Lucado’s books. He tells biblical stories in modern ways and hopefully helps people to see that the Bible isn’t archaic, that God is real and loves everyone, and that Jesus is God’s Son who came to earth as the atoning sacrifice for our sins.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Max Lucado is an incredible writer, but this wasn’t my favorite. It was a good personal devotion for the days leading up to Good Friday / Easter, but of all the great books and studies he has written, not one I would recommend.

[Daniel De Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always love Max Lucado's books. This is one of the first that I read in high school after my grandma passed away. Rereading it allowed me to catch some things that I had forgotten or had not been as meaningful at that point in my faith journey. I recommend Max Lucado's books to all of my friends.

[Marilea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoy Max Lucado books and this one did not disappoint. The book takes you through the final six hours of Jesus's life when He was on the cross. It gives you a glimpse of what those around Him may have felt and experienced and has you reflect on your own life.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good and timely Good Friday read.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

An inspiring book. But kind of light reading. I skipped the study guide and questions at the back that made up about a third of the book.

[Jennifer McClurkan · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars, I really enjoyed this book and it was a good Easter read also. Some of it was familiar so I may have read before and forgot. But it was so good in showing how good our Lord Jesus is.

[Janis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the online video and online messages that went with this.

[Janelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is always so compelling to read and and love the apology of the anchors that we should establish in our lives. The impact of Jesus sacrifice and what he endures for us continues to make me every thankful.

[Tucker Steed · Rating 3 out of 5]

My grandma paid me to read this book

[Nelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

My goodness!!! Max Lucado knows this Bible storytelling thing, no cap 💯🔥🔥

[Jeremy Manuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Six Hours One Friday by Max Lucado is loosely focused around what Christ accomplished that one Friday when he was upon the cross. He uses the death of Christ and his subsequent resurrection to illustrate three points. These three points are, "My life is not futile"; "My failures are not fatal"; and "My death is not final." He divides the book roughly into thirds looking at each of these ideas or "anchor points" as he calls them in his first chapter.

If you've ever read a Max Lucado book you'll know what to expect here. Stories, illustrations, and even modern reworkings of some Bible stories are the ways he communicates his message. This is both the great strength and weakness of Max Lucado's style. When stories or illustrations work, they can be very powerful. When they don't, they don't.

I really liked his modern retelling of Jesus healing Jairus' daughter. That was the one that really stuck with me the most. The weakest was the story of the fish and the falls. I got what he was trying to get at, but I didn't think the story was super effective.

Another strength that is also a weakness of a Max Lucado book is how he tries to take stories from the Bible and flesh them out a bit more, make them a bit more human. This can be effective for remembering that when we're reading the Bible we're reading about real people. The weakness of this is that it makes you have to speculate a lot about how the Bible characters were thinking and this can be unintentionally inaccurate or oversimplified.

Overall, though I enjoyed Six Hours One Friday. The book is an easy, but thought provoking read. His style has its weaknesses, but also plenty of strengths. As long as you can keep those strengths and weaknesses in view when reading him, then I think you would be able to enjoy and even be a little challenged by this work.

[Alexa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was really fired up about this one and I’m very disappointed that I didn’t love it. I believe that Max has a gift for storytelling and it’s very clear in this book. The way that he can turn biblical stories into something you feel like you’re reading for the first time ever. I will definitely admit that is his strong suit however, I felt that it lacked a lot of biblical depth. I found myself pretty bored and I listened to this as an audiobook while doing things around the house and just felt like there was really no ending point. It felt like he was jumping around a lot and making different points that never seemed to tie together as a whole. Obviously, we know going into this that the main point is Jesus and his experience on the cross and yet it still felt like we didn’t get to that. The focus seemed to focus on so many little intricate stories that sounded good, but felt like a letdown because it really didn’t drive the point home. I don’t think I’m gonna stop at this book. I think he has a real gift for storytelling like I mentioned earlier so I will try a few of his other books and see if I feel the same.