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He Chose the Nails: What God Did to Win Your Heart
Detente en el Calvario. Pasa tu dedo por el madero y empuja el CLAVO en tu mano. Prueba el sabor del vino barato y siente el rasguño de una ESPINA en tu frente. Toca la aterciopelada tierra, humedecida con la sangre de Dios. Permite que los instrumentos de TORTURA cuenten su historia. Escucha mientras te cuentan lo que Dios hizo para ganarse tu CORAZÓN.
215 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2000
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About the author
Max Lucado
1,200 books5,416 followersWith 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 533 reviews
January 3, 2013
Before reading this book, all I know is that Jesus died on the cross for me to be saved. That's it. I took it for granted and never appreciated it. I just cannot understand how other people can truly understand the meaning of the cross and how it changed and still changing their lives. But after reading this book, now I understand what the cross truly means. It is a gift. And who am I that God gave His only Son for me to experience freedom, His love and His mercy. Reading this book allowed me to see the little things that I don't see before, allowed me to stop and just feel God's love for me and you. It is just amazing. This book is an eye-opener.
October 25, 2011
Max Lucado writes, "Much has been said about the gift of the cross itself, but what of the other gifts? What of the nails, the crown of thorns? What about the garment taken? What about the garment given?" and it continues. With that as an introduction, I will say that despite reading many books on Christianity, faith, Christ and so on, I had never looked quite at all of the things surrounding the cross, Jesus' crucifixion, and resurrection in the way that Lucado looks at them in this book.
With the simple analogy of his father writing some final words to him and his wife, a picture is painted around each one of the things that we read about in the Bible that speaks to much greater meaning and significance than we tend to give them as we read through the passages. But the premise made sense to me..."Knowing that his last deeds would be forever pondered, don't you think he chose them carefully? Deliberately?" I do. And I think that any of us can relate to that. Would you do any less for something that you knew would far surpass your life?
So, trace the path of these meaningful symbols in which Lucado writes, "God was never more sovereign than in the details of the death of his Son." It may change the way you look at those things every time you read those passages from here on out and help you marvel that much more at what transpired when Christ went to the cross.
With the simple analogy of his father writing some final words to him and his wife, a picture is painted around each one of the things that we read about in the Bible that speaks to much greater meaning and significance than we tend to give them as we read through the passages. But the premise made sense to me..."Knowing that his last deeds would be forever pondered, don't you think he chose them carefully? Deliberately?" I do. And I think that any of us can relate to that. Would you do any less for something that you knew would far surpass your life?
So, trace the path of these meaningful symbols in which Lucado writes, "God was never more sovereign than in the details of the death of his Son." It may change the way you look at those things every time you read those passages from here on out and help you marvel that much more at what transpired when Christ went to the cross.
August 31, 2016
All of Lucado's books are spiritually enriching. I am a priest and Lcado's books always bring God close to me.
September 21, 2018
When we think of Jesus' sacrifice, we think of the crucifixion...but, as Mr. Lucado illustrates here, there's much more to it than that! Between the salvation of the thief on the cross, to the temple curtain being torn in two, to even the sign placed above Jesus' head, this book brings the greatest story ever told to life in a new way.
June 28, 2015
Amazing perspective gained thanks to this book! I am all about enriching my relationship with Christ and this book truly further opened my eyes as to what all took place at the Cross! Beautifully yet humorously written! GOD is the Author and Creator and nothing that took place at the Cross was by mere coincidence or random. Nothing Our GOD does is in vain, not the choosing of whom was sacrificed nor how HE was sacrificed. Highly recommended!
Such an AMAZING and LOVING GOD we serve!
Such an AMAZING and LOVING GOD we serve!
April 9, 2023
I picked this up on Good Friday, as I wanted something that would remind me of the power of the crucifixion. Because, while it is undoubtedly the Greatest Story Ever Told, I sometimes fear that I will take it for granted, as I’ve heard it so often. And I need won’t that to be true.
In this book, Lucado shows us how we can see different facets of God’s love for us in the various elements of Christ’s final hours; not just in the nails He chose or the cross itself, but in the soldiers’ spit and the crown of thorns, in the wine-soaked sponge and the sign that was hung above His head. The effect is like a prism refracting the Light we already know into rainbows of fresh perspectives. I love things that show truths I already know and love, that already anchor my life, from a new angle. This is exactly where Lucado excels.
And the writing is truly lovely. Poetic and profound, it conveys the Message beautifully and sticks with you long after you read the final pages. I say that with a caveat: that profundity doesn’t carry over to his personal anecdotes. Stories he tells from history or from the lives of others are perfectly fine, but those from his own life feel overly cutesy and precious and, well, cheesy. But the way he discusses God eclipses that for me.
In this book, Lucado shows us how we can see different facets of God’s love for us in the various elements of Christ’s final hours; not just in the nails He chose or the cross itself, but in the soldiers’ spit and the crown of thorns, in the wine-soaked sponge and the sign that was hung above His head. The effect is like a prism refracting the Light we already know into rainbows of fresh perspectives. I love things that show truths I already know and love, that already anchor my life, from a new angle. This is exactly where Lucado excels.
And the writing is truly lovely. Poetic and profound, it conveys the Message beautifully and sticks with you long after you read the final pages. I say that with a caveat: that profundity doesn’t carry over to his personal anecdotes. Stories he tells from history or from the lives of others are perfectly fine, but those from his own life feel overly cutesy and precious and, well, cheesy. But the way he discusses God eclipses that for me.
July 30, 2016
Max Lucado has such a unique way with words and describes in ways which make you think and actually wonder, why didn't I think of that! This is truly one of my favorite of his books and I have enjoyed all that I have read. His insights are quite amazing.
What GOD did to WIN YOUR HEART
I am so glad that it fell to my lot to review this book. It has been published some time, but only been brought to my notice recently. Max Lucado writes very simply and clearly, but within his writing is deep understanding which he shares in a thought provoking and personal way. Examining the gifts of grace we receive through Christ’s crucifixion, one by one he goes through them, the cross, the nails, the sign, the other two crosses and so on. This is a look at the crucifixion like no other I have read and I have learnt so much. Highly recommended.
What GOD did to WIN YOUR HEART
I am so glad that it fell to my lot to review this book. It has been published some time, but only been brought to my notice recently. Max Lucado writes very simply and clearly, but within his writing is deep understanding which he shares in a thought provoking and personal way. Examining the gifts of grace we receive through Christ’s crucifixion, one by one he goes through them, the cross, the nails, the sign, the other two crosses and so on. This is a look at the crucifixion like no other I have read and I have learnt so much. Highly recommended.
September 25, 2017
I've been a fan of Lucado's for years. He's one of the many who brought Jesus to life to me. He makes Christianity and spiritualism relatable in this day and age. This is about what Jesus did for each of us and it'll move you without being preachy. Highly recommend!
My Rating: 5 stars
My Rating: 5 stars
April 25, 2014
Today is Good Friday -- 4/18/2014 -- As a Christian, this is a book I read every "Good Friday" along with the DVD "The Passion of the Christ," an amazing film. If you watch the film, it will change the way you look at your faith.
This book was inspired by a Russian Christian who left a cross on Lucado's desk one Sunday with a note that said how his new faith in Jesus led him to retrieve the nails from an old abandoned Russian church and form those nails into a cross and around the cross he wove a crown of barbed wire -- which is image on the cover of the book.
This book by Max Lucado is, for me, the best book he has ever written. Fifteen chapters in easy, understandable language with memorable insight that reveals what He did for all of us. From the depth of Christ's torture, walk to the Cross, death and resurrection, He did it all for us. There is also a 15 part study guide in the back which is perfect for small group studies or solo study.
Chapter 13 "I can turn your tragedy into triumph." After Jesus death, John's friend and future were buried. But John didn't leave. why? Was he waiting for the resurrection? No. Was he expecting a Sunday surprise? No. Why was he here? Maybe he lingered because he loved Jesus. Jesus was more than the hope of Israel, or a master teacher, he was his friend. Did he understand Jesus? No. Was he glad Jesus did what he did? No. But did he leave Jesus? No. What if you were in John's position-- somewhere between yesterdays tragedy and tomorrows triumph. What would you do? Do you leave or linger?
Very early Sunday morning they discovered he was gone, only strips of linen cloth lying there. When John went in --< he saw and believed.> in Hebrew language this linen was not ripped off but still in their original state, undisturbed. The grave cloths still rolled and folded, how? God used sad burial wrappings not as a symbol of death but as symbol of his love.
Can God do something in your life? (based on Romans 8:28)--
In hospital stays, God works for the good.
In divorce papers, God works for the good.
In a prison term, God works for the good.
If God can change John's life through a tragedy,
could it be he will use a tragedy to change yours?
This book was inspired by a Russian Christian who left a cross on Lucado's desk one Sunday with a note that said how his new faith in Jesus led him to retrieve the nails from an old abandoned Russian church and form those nails into a cross and around the cross he wove a crown of barbed wire -- which is image on the cover of the book.
This book by Max Lucado is, for me, the best book he has ever written. Fifteen chapters in easy, understandable language with memorable insight that reveals what He did for all of us. From the depth of Christ's torture, walk to the Cross, death and resurrection, He did it all for us. There is also a 15 part study guide in the back which is perfect for small group studies or solo study.
Chapter 13 "I can turn your tragedy into triumph." After Jesus death, John's friend and future were buried. But John didn't leave. why? Was he waiting for the resurrection? No. Was he expecting a Sunday surprise? No. Why was he here? Maybe he lingered because he loved Jesus. Jesus was more than the hope of Israel, or a master teacher, he was his friend. Did he understand Jesus? No. Was he glad Jesus did what he did? No. But did he leave Jesus? No. What if you were in John's position-- somewhere between yesterdays tragedy and tomorrows triumph. What would you do? Do you leave or linger?
Very early Sunday morning they discovered he was gone, only strips of linen cloth lying there. When John went in --< he saw and believed.> in Hebrew language this linen was not ripped off but still in their original state, undisturbed. The grave cloths still rolled and folded, how? God used sad burial wrappings not as a symbol of death but as symbol of his love.
Can God do something in your life? (based on Romans 8:28)--
In hospital stays, God works for the good.
In divorce papers, God works for the good.
In a prison term, God works for the good.
If God can change John's life through a tragedy,
could it be he will use a tragedy to change yours?
January 13, 2021
This book emphasized the love of Jesus as it walks through all He did to demonstrate that He chose to love me through the cross.
April 9, 2011
I chose to switch books by Max Lucado to this one since it is Lent season. The book was very touching and thought evoking - I enjoyed it immensely and recommend it to anyone. The book touches on various aspects of the Crucifixion and really shows how much God loves us to be willing to go through what he did. Although the subject matter is very intense and, heart-rendering, it isn't a dark book by any stretch. I was nervous about reading it due to the subject matter but Max didn't focus on the torturous acts more than absolutely necessary to make a point. I haven't been able to watch Mel Gibson's Passion of Christ because of the violence of it - this book doesn't focus on the brutality but rather focuses on God and his reasons for going through the things He did.
Max is one of my all-time favorite authors - I haven't read a book by him that I didn't like... at least thus far. :-)
Max is one of my all-time favorite authors - I haven't read a book by him that I didn't like... at least thus far. :-)
June 8, 2024
I can never finish devotionals. I don't know if you would even call this one but DANG that was so good.
I will never read the crucifixion story the same again. This is an eye opener. Every single detail of Jesus' death/burial/ resurrection meant something.
I highly recommend everyone to read this. The chapters are short, gripping and so deep.
Max Lucado is a very good author and he mixes real life stories and a little bit of humor throughout this book.
I knew from the two poems in the first chapter I was going to love this 🥹🥹
I will never read the crucifixion story the same again. This is an eye opener. Every single detail of Jesus' death/burial/ resurrection meant something.
I highly recommend everyone to read this. The chapters are short, gripping and so deep.
Max Lucado is a very good author and he mixes real life stories and a little bit of humor throughout this book.
I knew from the two poems in the first chapter I was going to love this 🥹🥹
April 2, 2017
The message of the cross was never intended to be theology for your head, but doxology for your heart. Max writes in a way that helps you think about the cross in a way that brings you to your knees as you experience afresh the meaning of the cross.
May 2, 2022
EXCELLENT
This is an excellent book to read during the Passover, Pentecost and the Easter season because it details the Cross and the sacrifice of God for all of us... Everyone should consider investing time in this book because it's life-changing.
This is an excellent book to read during the Passover, Pentecost and the Easter season because it details the Cross and the sacrifice of God for all of us... Everyone should consider investing time in this book because it's life-changing.
September 26, 2018
Fantastic book!!!
March 4, 2013
This book is just what is needed to understand from a fresh perspective, the gift of God's Grace, Jesus Christ's Sacrifice & the entire gift of Salvation.
If, after reading this book, you are not assured of God's love for you, then at least when you re-read the accounts in The Gospels, you'll have pause & cause to wonder.
Max Lucado has a God given talent for teaching the Gospel in such a way that 20th & 21st century citizens can be guided to God in a language they understand.
If, after reading this book, you are not assured of God's love for you, then at least when you re-read the accounts in The Gospels, you'll have pause & cause to wonder.
Max Lucado has a God given talent for teaching the Gospel in such a way that 20th & 21st century citizens can be guided to God in a language they understand.
December 12, 2024
This book renewed my faith and brought me back to my first love: JESUS: The One who gave up the crown of heaven for a crown of thorns.
Jesus knows that our sin demands death. But He knows LOVE❤️. He knows that He loves us too much to let us die. So in a wonderful act of LOVE, He stands and removes His heavenly robe and stands by your side and says "I'm going to die in your place."
Know that He did it for you and me! 💯
Jesus knows that our sin demands death. But He knows LOVE❤️. He knows that He loves us too much to let us die. So in a wonderful act of LOVE, He stands and removes His heavenly robe and stands by your side and says "I'm going to die in your place."
Know that He did it for you and me! 💯
January 29, 2024
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Max Lucado's He Chose The Nails is a profoundly moving and insightful journey of the depth of God's love as demonstrated through Christ's sacrifice on the cross. This book is a must-read for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of Gods’ love for us. It’s also super easy to read. Highly recommended!
June 3, 2015
Sencillamente excelente, no encuentro otra palabra que lo describa. El lenguaje es claro y directo y te hace ver lo que ocurrió en el calvario de otra perspectiva.
May 2, 2012
An invitation to linger on Calvary. A look at the pieces that make up the Crucifixion. A chance to understand why. The answer may not be the one we want to hear, but it's the one we need and that's that He did it just for me and for you.
From the back of the book:
Linger on the hill of Calvary.
Rub a finger on the timber and press the nail into your hand.
Taste the tinge of cheap wine and feel the scrape of a thorn on your brow.
Touch the velvet dirt, moist with the blood of God.
Allow the tools of torture to tell their story.
Listen as they tell you what God did to win your heart.
I've read several of Max Lucado's books in the past. For a person who reads primarily fiction, I really enjoy reading his nonfiction books. For the most part, I find his easy, almost story telling type, writing very interesting and I usually learn something too. This book was no different. I've never taken the time to fully understand the pieces of the Cross. The nails, the crown, the sign, etc. I gained a new appreciation for each little piece. And it reminds that once again, I don't deserve Christ's sacrifice. I deserve the death He suffered. But instead, I'm set free and that's grace.
Once again, I was drawn into the author's easy way with words. I did enjoy this book. I look forward to sharing it with others. I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson as part of the booksneeze program for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
Rating - 4 stars
From the back of the book:
Linger on the hill of Calvary.
Rub a finger on the timber and press the nail into your hand.
Taste the tinge of cheap wine and feel the scrape of a thorn on your brow.
Touch the velvet dirt, moist with the blood of God.
Allow the tools of torture to tell their story.
Listen as they tell you what God did to win your heart.
I've read several of Max Lucado's books in the past. For a person who reads primarily fiction, I really enjoy reading his nonfiction books. For the most part, I find his easy, almost story telling type, writing very interesting and I usually learn something too. This book was no different. I've never taken the time to fully understand the pieces of the Cross. The nails, the crown, the sign, etc. I gained a new appreciation for each little piece. And it reminds that once again, I don't deserve Christ's sacrifice. I deserve the death He suffered. But instead, I'm set free and that's grace.
Once again, I was drawn into the author's easy way with words. I did enjoy this book. I look forward to sharing it with others. I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson as part of the booksneeze program for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
Rating - 4 stars
September 15, 2018
This might be one of my most favorite Christian books i've read.
Max Lucado has become one of my favorite Christian authors, he is funny and a great story teller, he also writes in a way that really speaks to the heart and soul.
He Chose the Nails was very thoughtfully written.
You may want to keep your journal and a pen near you as you read this book, there are quotes and beautiful poetry you may want to jot down, as well as any thoughts or feelings his writing brings up in you.
Max's writing stays true to what is in scripture, which is another reason why I enjoy his books.
This is an excellent book to add to your bible study for yourself and in study groups.
There is a study guide book to go with this book, sold separately, or you can use the study questions at the back of the book.
I borrowed this book from the library, but because it is a book that I will read over and over, and study with, as well as some things i'd like to highlight, I will be purchasing a copy to keep.
I've read a few of Max's books, but this one hands down is my absolute most favorite that I will tun to again and again and wear it out.
If you are new to Max Lucado's books or looking to purchase a Christian book I highly, highly recommend this one 100 percent!!
Max Lucado has become one of my favorite Christian authors, he is funny and a great story teller, he also writes in a way that really speaks to the heart and soul.
He Chose the Nails was very thoughtfully written.
You may want to keep your journal and a pen near you as you read this book, there are quotes and beautiful poetry you may want to jot down, as well as any thoughts or feelings his writing brings up in you.
Max's writing stays true to what is in scripture, which is another reason why I enjoy his books.
This is an excellent book to add to your bible study for yourself and in study groups.
There is a study guide book to go with this book, sold separately, or you can use the study questions at the back of the book.
I borrowed this book from the library, but because it is a book that I will read over and over, and study with, as well as some things i'd like to highlight, I will be purchasing a copy to keep.
I've read a few of Max's books, but this one hands down is my absolute most favorite that I will tun to again and again and wear it out.
If you are new to Max Lucado's books or looking to purchase a Christian book I highly, highly recommend this one 100 percent!!
January 1, 2018
Este es el primer libro que leo sobre este autor. No puedes juzgar totalmente a un autor solo por 1 libro, pero si puedes juzgar el libro propio.
"El escogió los clavos" está escrito de manera devocional. Es un hermoso y sencillo camino literario a través de la Vía Dolorosa hasta la cruz. En cada estación, el autor utiliza su estilo literario tan ameno y ligero, para exponer verdades profundas alrededor de la muerte de Jesús.
Cada capítulo hizo vibrar mi corazón al considerar lo que Jesucristo hizo por mí. Me hizo pensar y reflexionar, me hizo alegrarme, me hizo decir "Amén" varias veces.
La lectura es fácil. Siento que el final fue un poco débil, pero es lo único. Realmente disfruté este libro, terminarás adorando a Dios por lo que hizo por ti en la cruz.
Recomendado para cualquier cristiano.
"El escogió los clavos" está escrito de manera devocional. Es un hermoso y sencillo camino literario a través de la Vía Dolorosa hasta la cruz. En cada estación, el autor utiliza su estilo literario tan ameno y ligero, para exponer verdades profundas alrededor de la muerte de Jesús.
Cada capítulo hizo vibrar mi corazón al considerar lo que Jesucristo hizo por mí. Me hizo pensar y reflexionar, me hizo alegrarme, me hizo decir "Amén" varias veces.
La lectura es fácil. Siento que el final fue un poco débil, pero es lo único. Realmente disfruté este libro, terminarás adorando a Dios por lo que hizo por ti en la cruz.
Recomendado para cualquier cristiano.
March 21, 2022
Este libro te desafía a entender el porqué de cada detalle que paso Jesús al momento de entregar su vida por el mundo. Además en cada capítulo muestra con ejemplos claros de la vida del autor como conector para entendér mejor cada capítulo. Finalmente te desafía a no sólo recordar por todo lo que pasó nuestro Señor Jesús sino a que podamos vivir una vida plena recordando que sólo por amor Jesús escogió los clavos.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 6, 2023
One of the best spiritual books I’ve ever read. Max has wonderful examples and illustrates and articulates how much we’re loved. The chapters aren’t long at all, he uses practical examples that are easily relatable but have a really heavy punch in a good way. This has got to be one of his masterpieces bc my goodness. This is my first book I’ve read from Max Lucado but it definitely won’t be my last!!
August 17, 2018
I can understand why Max Lucado is a popular Christian author. His spiritual insights are simply stated, easy to comprehend, introduced with relatable stories and leave the reader with a nugget for thought. Even though this book was a bit more simplistic than I prefer, I still found ideas worth pondering.
December 19, 2021
My dad gave this to me. I read it. I hated it.
I found this book to be full of assumptions and stereotypes, and half-made arguments for christianity structured around a bleak black-and-white view of the world.
Pass.
I found this book to be full of assumptions and stereotypes, and half-made arguments for christianity structured around a bleak black-and-white view of the world.
Pass.
February 1, 2009
I am not a big fan of Lucado, so I will save space so that others may gush about his saccharine sweet salvation-y snippets.
August 3, 2009
Very worth it.. I love the way Max explains everything!
Currently reading
January 30, 2010i'm getting magnetized by the cross. it's irresistible!
December 28, 2010
One of my favorite authors!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 533 reviews